Grade 9 Geography Unit 2: Climate of Ethiopia

This unit 2, “Climate of Ethiopia,” explores the atmospheric conditions that shape the Ethiopian environment. You will learn to distinguish between the immediate state of weather and long-term climate patterns. The unit details the specific elements that make up the climate, the physical controls (like altitude) that dictate these patterns in Ethiopia, and the resulting agro-climatic zones that influence agriculture and settlement.

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Chapter 2.1 – Meaning of Weather and Climate

This chapter defines the fundamental concepts of meteorology.

• Weather: Defined as the condition of the atmosphere (temperature, rainfall, pressure, etc.) observed in a specific place over a short period, changing from hour to hour or day to day.
• Climate: Defined as the pattern of weather conditions experienced in an area over a long period of time, considering trends and fluctuations.

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Chapter 2.2 – Elements of Weather and Climate

This section identifies the measurable components that make up both weather and climate.

• Precipitation: Any liquid or frozen water (rain, sleet, hail, snow) falling from the atmosphere.
• Temperature: The degree of hotness or coldness of an object.
• Other Elements: Includes humidity (water vapor concentration), air pressure (force exerted by air), wind (movement of air), sunshine, and clouds.

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Chapter 2.3 – Controls of Weather and Climate in Ethiopia

Learn about the physical factors that determine the distribution of climate in Ethiopia.

• Latitude: Ethiopia’s tropical location results in high temperatures for most of the year and high daily temperature ranges.
• Altitude: This is the main factor determining temperature distribution in Ethiopia; as altitude increases, temperature decreases.
• Mountain Barriers: These affect rainfall by creating windward (wet) and leeward (rain shadow) sides on mountains.
• Earth’s Revolution: The inclination of the Earth’s axis and its revolution around the sun cause seasonal variations in temperature.

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Chapter 2.4 – Climatic Regions and Seasonal Variation in Ethiopia

This chapter classifies Ethiopia’s diverse climate into zones and regions.

• Agro-climatic Zones: Ethiopia is divided into five zones based on altitude and temperature:
  • Wurch/Kur (Alpine, >3,300m)
  • Dega (Temperate, 2,300–3,300m)
  • Woina Dega (Subtropical, 1,500–2,300m)
  • Kolla (Tropical, 500–1,500m)
  • Bereha (Desert, <500m)
• Seasonal Variation: Explains the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which drives the rainy seasons.
• Rainfall Regions: Identifies five regions, including the Summer rainfall region (largest), Year-round rainfall region (Southwest), and Winter rainfall region (Red Sea coast).

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Chapter 2.5 – Measurements of Weather and Climate

Learn about the instruments used to measure climatic elements.

• Thermometer: Used to measure air temperature (often using Centigrade or Fahrenheit scales).
• Rain Gauge: Used to measure the depth of rainfall in millimeters.
• Barometer: Used to measure air pressure (in millibars or millimeters).
• Anemometer & Wind Vane: Used to measure wind speed and wind direction, respectively.

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Learning Outcomes

By the end of this unit, you will be able to:

• Recognize the meaning and concepts of weather and climate.
• Identify elements of climate.
• Distinguish elements of climate from its controls.
• Compare and contrast the spatial and temporal variations of climate.
• Identify factors affecting the climate of Ethiopia.