Factors That Affect Rainfall and Temperature

Question 1

latitude (2)

Answer 1

1. equator receives direct sunrays .: it is hotter

2. sunrays received at the poles are oblique .: it is colder

Question 2

oblique (1.5)

Answer 2

→ indirect

in terms of the temperature, sunrays are oblique by covering more area and not getting direct sunlight like the equator

Question 3

altitude (3.5)

Answer 3

→ height above sea level (metres)

1. Johannesburg = altitude 1753m above sea level
2. air molecules are less tightly packed at a higher altitude (less gravity) → less heat
3. less air molecules collide (less molecules) → less friction → less heat

Question 4

ocean currents (3.5)

Answer 4

→ steady flow of surface ocean water in a general direction

1. Warm Mozambique current → east coast SA air temperature warm
2. Cold Benguela current → west coast SA air temperature cool
3. currents make east coast towns have warmer all year round temperatures

Question 5

distance from sea (3)

Answer 5

1. heat is absorbed + released more slowly by land
2. sea is less dense .: can be heated at greater depth .: takes long to heat and cool compared to land, winter cools down slowly
3. places by sea → colder in summer, warmer in winter .: in land it is opposite

Question 6

mountains (temperature) (3)

Answer 6

1. the direction a slope faces is what affects the temperature
2. south of Tropic of Capricorn → sun is to the north
3. north facing slopes are warmest

Question 7

mountains (rainfall) (2)

Answer 7

1. rain cools land

2. rain shadow → makes land warmer