Weather, climate and ecosystems
What the domain tests
Weather and climate questions test your ability to distinguish short-term conditions from long-term patterns, explain temperature and rainfall differences, interpret climate graphs, and relate Namibia's climates and ecosystems to atmospheric and oceanic processes.
Core rules and concepts
- Weather is the state of the atmosphere at a place over hours or days; climate is the average pattern over about 30 years.
- Temperature is affected by latitude, altitude, distance from the sea, ocean currents, cloud cover and prevailing winds. Rainfall needs rising air, cooling and condensation; relief, convection and frontal uplift are the main mechanisms.
- The cold Benguela Current flows north along Namibia's coast. It cools the lower air, encourages fog and limits convectional rain, helping create the Namib Desert. Inland, high summer temperatures and the Intertropical Convergence Zone bring seasonal rain to the north.
- Ecosystems are communities of organisms interacting with their environment. Namibia's main biomes include desert, semi-desert, savanna and woodland. Plants and animals show adaptations such as deep roots, water storage, nocturnal activity and migration.
Worked example
Explain why Walvis Bay is usually cooler and foggier than an inland site at the same latitude. Reasoning: the cold Benguela Current lowers air temperature over the coast. Air moving inland is chilled below its dew point, forming fog. The cold water also stabilises the air and suppresses convection, so rainfall is low. Inland, less marine influence and greater heating produce higher daytime temperatures and more convective rain in summer. Link each step to a process, not just 'the sea is cold'.
Traps that cost marks
- Treating a single hot day as evidence of climate change.
- Confusing the Benguela Current with a warm current.
- Ignoring altitude when explaining temperature.
- Describing ecosystem adaptations without naming the limiting factor, such as water or heat.