(a) On a sketch map of Africa, locate and name: (i) one area with an equatorial climate (ii) one area with a desert climate (iii) one major town in each are...

(a) Sketch map of Africa

Key: E is the Congo Basin equatorial-climate area and K is Kisangani, a major town in that area. D is the Sahara Desert climatic area and T is Tamanrasset, a major town in that area.

(b) Characteristics of the equatorial climate

1. High temperatures throughout the year: Mean monthly temperatures are generally about 27°C, with a very small annual temperature range.
2. Heavy convectional rainfall: Strong surface heating causes warm, moist air to rise, cool and condense, producing frequent heavy thunderstorms, often in the afternoon.
3. Rainfall occurs throughout the year: Annual rainfall is commonly above 2,000 mm. There is no marked dry season and many places experience two rainfall maxima as the overhead sun passes twice yearly.

(c) Adaptations of tropical rainforest vegetation to the equatorial climate

1. Trees are tall and grow in layers, with a dense upper canopy, in order to obtain sunlight in the intensely competitive forest.
2. Many large trees develop broad buttress roots or aerial roots for support in the shallow, heavily leached and wet soils.
3. Leaves are broad and evergreen to trap available light; they often have waxy surfaces and drip tips that allow heavy rainwater to run off quickly.