Question

(A) On the outline map of the world identify and label the following

(a) An area of low rainfall in South Africa

(b) Amazon Basin in South America

(c) Coniferous forest in North America (d)Mediterranean forest in Australia​

Answer 1

A very important special geographic rainfall distribution pattern is found in the deep river valleys of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. These hot valleys have a much lower rainfall than the plateau areas between them. Due to higher temperatures in the valleys, there is a high rate of transpiration (plants losing water) and evaporation, which requires irrigated agriculture.

In the Sundays River Valley, the annual rainfall at Addo is only about 390 mm, and the highest temperature in South Africa was recorded at Kirkwood, 55ºC. Also, in the deep Keiskamma River Valley, the average rainfall at Dank den Goewerneury is only 390 mm, but it is 500 mm at Middledrift, nearby but outside the deep valley.