Physical Features of Africa Notes

Mediterranean Sea Located North of Africa A nearly landlocked sea Climate: warm to hot, dry summers; mild to cool, wet winters Area: 2.5 million sq. kilometers Had major impact in history as it has been a major trade route

Red Sea Seawater inlet of the Indian Ocean Lies between Africa and Asia Climate: desert and semi-desert Area: 438,000 sq kilometers Known for it’s marine life, specifically that it has 200 soft and hard corals

Atlantic Ocean Second largest of the world’s oceans Area: 106,400,000 sq. kilometers Covers approx. 22% of the earth’s surface Ocean currents affect the climate of all areas that border it. 13 major Atlantic ports in Africa

Indian Ocean Third largest ocean Area: 73,556,000 sq. kilometers Covers approx. 20% of the earths water surface Warmest ocean in the world The Red Sea is sometimes considered a part of the Indian Ocean

Cape of Good Hope A rocky cape on the Atlantic coast of the Cape Peninsula, South Africa Cape: a piece of land jutting into the sea Often thought to be the southern-most tip of Africa…but it’s not! Diverse habitat that includes rocky mountain tops, beaches and open seas Home to at least 250 types of birds, including one species of African penguin

Nile River A north-flowing river in North Africa Longest river in the world at 6,650 km long Two major tributaries: White Nile and Blue Nile The northern portion of the river flows through a desert. Egypt’s Civilization has always depended on the Nile River and its yearly floods

Niger River The main river in Western Africa Third longest river in Africa at approx. 4, 180 km long Clear river Floods yearly Unique Feature: has a “boomerang” shape

Congo River Deepest river in the world 9th longest river in the world at 4,700 km long River flows through the Congo Rainforest Located above and below the equator Has several species of turtles and crocodiles

Sahara Desert The second largest desert in the world 9,400,000 sq. km - it covers most of Northern Africa and is almost as large as the United States Mainly barren, hard, rocky plateaus with little sand Large sand dunes cover only a part of it Nile River flows through it

Kalahari Desert Located in the south of Africa Size: 900,000 sq. km Actually a semi-desert, which has great grazing lands after a rain Previously had animals such as elephants, giraffes, lions and cheetahs Summer temperatures range from 98° to 113°F

Tropical Rainforests Located between the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn West Africa has a chain of rainforests that stretches 680,000 km Rich bio-diversity: new species of animals are still being found Even so, has less vegetation than other rainforests Deforestation is an issue

Savanna Savanna: A grassland eco-system characterized by small trees that are located far apart Usually located in transition zones between forests and deserts Famous African Savannah: Serengeti Large mammals such as gazelles, zebras, and buffalo are found here Kalahari Desert is sometimes considered a Savanna

Atlas Mountains Located in northern Africa Length: approx. 2,500 miles Wildlife is more similar to wildlife found in Europe Rich in natural resources such as iron ore, lead ore, copper, silver and gas Seperates the Mediterranean and Atlantic Coastlines

Mount Kilimanjaro A dormant volcano in Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania Highest mountain in Africa at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level Part of the Great Rift Valley Actually comprised of three distinct volcano cones Popular destination for Mountain Climbers

Great Rift Valley A continuous geographic trench Approx. 6,000 km long Rich source of fossils Mountain Ranges form the edges (this is where Mt. Kilimanjaro is located) The African Great Lakes are located in the valleys