Climatic conditions in savannahs and light forests of Africa


Savannah and woodlands – the largest area in Africa, occupying about 40% of its territory. They resemble steppes with a grassy cover and scattered singly or in small groups by trees and shrubs.

Savannas formed mainly in the subequatorial climatic zone, which is characterized by two seasons – dry and wet.

In the direction from the equator to the tropical deserts in the savannahs, the duration of the dry season increases noticeably: it can last from three to nine months a year. During this time, only occasionally rain falls.

Closer to the equator, the rainy season is longer, with the approach to the tropics shorter. And, if in the Northern Hemisphere a drought, then in the Southern, on the contrary, there are rains.

But when the rainy season begins, the dusty yellow-black edge turns into a wonderful green park with shady trees. Gray from the smoke of fires and dust the air becomes transparent and clean. The first tropical downpours after a drought produce an extremely strong impression. It’s always hot before the rain starts. And now a small cloud appears. A thunder of thunder is heard. And, finally, the rain falls on the ground.

In the rainy season, grass grows rapidly. The trees are covered with foliage during this period. But as soon as the dry season comes, the grasses burn out, some kinds of trees shed their leaves and the savannah acquires a yellow color, and after the fire – and black.


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Climatic conditions in savannahs and light forests of Africa