AFRICA: SOUTH OF THE SAHARA
Essential Question How do the physical features of Sub- Saharan Africa affect the region?
Plateaus and Highlands Africa’s average elevation is higher than all continents Escarpments: steep, jagged slopes or cliffs Cataracts: water that flows down the sides of escarpments
Rwenzori Mountains Location: border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Impact: natural border between Uganda and the DRC moist air from the Indian Ocean covers the mountains with clouds and snow
Drakensberg Range Location: part of Cape Mountains in South Africa Impact: Developing tourism with skiing and hiking Wildlife reserves
Great Rift Valley Location: Syria to Mozambique in southeastern Africa Impact: Large crack in the earth formed by plate tectonics Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes shape the landscape Forms deep lakes in east Africa and volcanic mountains (Kilimanjaro)
Lake Victoria Location: between eastern and western branches of the Great Rift Impact: source of Nile River Fish exported by locals
Niger River Location: highlands of guinea forming an arc to the coast of Nigeria Impact: Important for agriculture, transportation, and tourism
Zambezi River Location: Angola-Zambia border to the Indian ocean Impact: 80% of river valley population depends on river Dammed for hydroelectric power Rich in mineral deposits
Congo River Location: Congo: starts near DRC’s southern border, flows north, southeast into the Atlantic Impact: Undeveloped hydroelectric potential Forms the largest network of navigable waterways in Africa Diamond deposits
Mt. Kilimanjaro Africa’s tallest mountain In Tanzania Dormant volcanic
Lake Volta lakes in the world •Irrigation for farming in Ghana •One of the largest man made lakes in the world •Irrigation for farming in Ghana •Hydroelectric power created from a dam
Diseases
ESSENTIAL QUESTION Why is South Africa the origin of most diseases?
Bacterial Diarrhea Inflammation in stomach and intestines Vomiting, abdominal pain, cramps, and diarrhea AKA “food poisoning” Poor hygiene and contaminated food What are some factors that lead to this infection?
Hepatitis A Functioning of liver Spreads through food/water which has been contaminated with fecal matter Fever, jaundice, and diarrhea
Malaria Female mosquito Fever, chills, sweats, and death due to interruption of blood supply to vital organs
Yellow Fever Mosquitoes Flu like symptoms
Ebola First discovered in DRC 1976 Nausea, vomiting, fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, muscle aches and pains, and chills Spreads through blood, insect bites, saliva, touching contaminated surfaces
HIV/AIDS Sub-Saharan region is affected South Africa-5.6 million living with HIV; 270,000 HIV related deaths in 2011 Poverty, inequality and social instability, high levels of sexually transmitted infections, sexual violence, lack of medical care
ASSIGNMENT In 4-5 sentences, answer the following questions…. Why do most diseases originate from South Africa? Why does it seem like they are most rampant in this region?