Climatic Regions in Eastern Africa

12 Grade 6 Social Studies questions on Climatic Regions in Eastern Africa, with worked marking schemes. 12 questions are available on this topic in full.

1. Question 1

   1 mark

   A wind blowing from the Indian Ocean carries a lot of moisture. As it rises over the coastal hills it cools and forms rain. This type of rainfall is called:

   A. Acid rainfall

   B. Relief rainfall

   C. Frontal rainfall

   D. Cyclonic rainfall

   (1 mark)

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2. Question 2

   1 mark

   The side of a mountain that faces the rain-bearing winds and receives more rainfall is called the:

   A. Windward side

   B. Rain-shadow side

   C. Leeward side

   D. Dry valley side

   (1 mark)

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3. Question 3

   4 marks

   Describe any two characteristics of a desert climate region such as the one found in northern Kenya.

   (4 marks)

   Marking scheme

   2 points x 2 marks. Very high daytime temperatures / very hot days (1) and cold nights (1); very low/little rainfall, often below 250mm (1) that is unreliable (1); clear/cloudless skies (1); scanty/sparse vegetation and dry sandy or rocky ground (1). Any two well-explained points.

4. Question 4

   1 mark

   The highland areas around Mount Kenya are usually cool throughout the year. Which factor is MOST responsible for this cool condition?

   A. High altitude of the land

   B. Nearness to the Indian Ocean

   C. Presence of many lakes

   D. Thick desert sand

   (1 mark)

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5. Question 5

   1 mark

   Which one of the following areas in Eastern Africa experiences a hot and dry desert climate?

   A. Kericho highlands

   B. Lake Victoria basin

   C. Chalbi area in northern Kenya

   D. Coastal Mombasa town

   (1 mark)

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6. Question 6

   3 marks

   A farmer wants to grow tea, which needs cool temperatures and plenty of rain. Suggest one suitable climatic region in Kenya for the farmer and give a reason for your choice.

   (3 marks)

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7. Question 7

   3 marks

   Explain how altitude affects the temperature of a place in Eastern Africa.

   (3 marks)

   Marking scheme

   As altitude/height above sea level increases, temperature decreases/becomes cooler (1); air at high places is thinner and holds less heat (1); therefore highland areas (e.g. Mt Kenya, Kilimanjaro highlands) are cool/cold while low-lying areas are hot (1).

8. Question 8

   4 marks

   (a) Name the climatic region found around Lake Victoria.

   (b) Give two reasons why this region receives heavy rainfall.

   (4 marks)

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9. Question 9

   1 mark

   The Lake Victoria basin receives heavy rainfall almost throughout the year. This kind of climate is BEST described as:

   A. Semi-desert climate

   B. Modified equatorial climate

   C. Cool mountain climate

   D. Hot desert climate

   (1 mark)

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10. Question 10

    1 mark

    Places found far away from large water bodies, such as the interior of Eastern Africa, tend to be:

    A. Colder than mountain tops

    B. Drier than places near the coast

    C. Covered by thick forests

    D. Wetter than the coast

    (1 mark)

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11. Question 11

    3 marks

    State any three factors that influence the climate of Eastern Africa.

    (3 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Any three (1 mark each): altitude/height above sea level; distance from the sea (continentality); latitude/distance from the Equator; relief/aspect of the land; ocean currents; vegetation/forest cover; presence of large water bodies. Accept other valid factors.

12. Question 12

    1 mark

    Which of the following is a characteristic of the equatorial climate found near the Equator in Eastern Africa?

    A. Little rainfall and sandy soils

    B. Snow on the ground most months

    C. Very cold nights and dry days

    D. High temperatures and heavy rainfall all year

    (1 mark)

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