State with specific examples, how each of the following factors affect(s) the climate of adjacent coastlands: (a) Winds (b) Ocean currents (c) Distance from...

(a) Winds

• Winds blowing from the sea onto the land (onshore winds) are moisture-laden; they bring cloud, high humidity and rainfall to coastlands, for example the south-west monsoon giving heavy rain to the Guinea coast.
• Winds blowing from the land carry little moisture and produce dry conditions, for example the dusty, dry Harmattan reaching the coast in the dry season.
• Warm winds raise coastal temperatures while cold winds lower them, so wind direction and source strongly control the temperature and rainfall of adjacent coastlands.

(b) Ocean currents

• Warm currents flowing along a coast raise the temperature of the air above them and of the adjacent land, and add moisture, encouraging rainfall; the warm Guinea Current keeps the West African coast warm and wet.
• Cold currents lower coastal temperatures, and because the cool air resists rising they suppress rainfall, producing aridity and coastal fogs; the cold Benguela Current gives the dry Namib coast, and the Canary Current cools north-west Africa's coast.

(c) Distance from the sea

• Coastlands lie close to the sea, which heats and cools slowly, so they enjoy a maritime (equable) climate: mild winters, cool summers and a small annual range of temperature (for example Lagos).
• The sea is a source of moisture, so coasts generally receive higher and more reliable rainfall and higher humidity.
• As one moves inland the moderating influence weakens; places far from the sea have a continental climate with hot summers, cold winters, a large temperature range and lower rainfall (for example Kano compared with Lagos).