North Africa Chapter 20, section 1 Physical Geography Africa Video: atch?v=BPjQGYaBDtg atch?v=BPjQGYaBDtg

Physical Features The Nile  The region of North Africa includes Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt.  The Nile River is the world’s longest river flowing upward about 4,000 miles; empties into the Mediterranean Sea  Silt: finely ground fertile soil that is good for growing crops

The Nile  For centuries rain to the south caused floods in the north leaving rich silt in the surrounding fields.  The Aswan High Dam controls flooding along the Nile. Physical Features

The Sinai and Suez Canal  Desert and rocky mountains cover the Sinai Peninsula. Between the Sinai and rest of Egypt is the Suez Canal: a narrow waterway that connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea. The Sahara  Largest desert in the world.  Few people live there. Small settlements are located near a water source such as an oasis; a wet fertile area where a natural spring or well provides water.

Mountains  Interesting Fact: The Sahara desert is not flat.  Some sand dunes and ridges are as high as 1,000 feet  The Atlas Mountains rise as high as 13,600 feet! Physical Features

Climate & Resources  Three Main Climates: 1. Desert: Very dry, low humidity. Covers most of the region. Very hot during the day ( up to 136° F) and drop quickly after sunset. 2. Mediterranean: northern coast consists of moist, mild winters and hot, dry summers. 3. Steppe: Areas between coast and Sahara  Oil and gas are important resources.