16. What characteristics do we use to differentiate between one climatic zone and another? 17. Africa is the only continent that can be regarded as 's a mirror image of each hemisphere with regard to climate zones . Elaborate this statement with examples. 18. Identify the three major ocean currents that affect the shores of African continent and discuss how they control the local climate system . Indicate on a map the parts of Africa affected by the impacts of the ocean currents. 19. What is the ITCZ?Discuss the processes and mechanisms in which the ITCZ governs the climate types and zones in Africa. 20. Draw the map of Africa and show the distribution of each climate zones using colors.

Sure, let's address each question one by one:<br /><br />### 16. Characteristics to Differentiate Climatic Zones<br /><br />Climatic zones are differentiated based on several characteristics:<br />- **Temperature**: Average temperatures and temperature ranges.<br />- **Precipitation**: Amount, frequency, and type (rain, snow, etc.).<br />- **Seasonality**: Presence and length of distinct seasons.<br />- **Humidity**: Levels of moisture in the air.<br />- **Wind Patterns**: Prevailing wind directions and strengths.<br />- **Vegetation**: Types of plants that thrive in the area.<br />- **Geographical Features**: Proximity to oceans, mountains, and other features that influence climate.<br /><br />### 17. Africa as a Mirror Image of Each Hemisphere<br /><br />Africa is unique because it straddles the equator, making its northern and southern halves mirror images in terms of climate zones:<br />- **Equatorial Climate**: Near the equator, characterized by high temperatures and heavy rainfall year-round (e.g., Congo Basin).<br />- **Tropical Wet and Dry (Savanna)**: Just north and south of the equatorial zone, with distinct wet and dry seasons (e.g., parts of Kenya and Tanzania in the north, Zambia and Zimbabwe in the south).<br />- **Desert Climate**: Further from the equator, both the Sahara in the north and the Kalahari/Namib deserts in the south have arid conditions.<br />- **Mediterranean Climate**: Found at the northern and southern tips of the continent, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters (e.g., Northern Morocco and South Africa's Western Cape).<br /><br />### 18. Major Ocean Currents Affecting Africa<br /><br />Three major ocean currents affect Africa's shores:<br />- **Canary Current**: A cold current flowing southward along the northwest coast of Africa, contributing to the arid conditions of the Sahara Desert.<br />- **Benguela Current**: A cold current flowing northward along the southwest coast, influencing the arid climate of the Namib Desert.<br />- **Agulhas Current**: A warm current flowing southward along the southeast coast, bringing warm, moist air and affecting the climate of southeastern Africa.<br /><br />These currents influence local climates by affecting sea surface temperatures, which in turn impact weather patterns such as precipitation and temperature.<br /><br />### 19. Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)<br /><br />The ITCZ is a belt of low pressure around the equator where the trade winds of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres come together. It plays a crucial role in governing Africa's climate:<br />- **Mechanism**: The convergence of trade winds causes air to rise, leading to cloud formation and precipitation.<br />- **Seasonal Movement**: The ITCZ shifts north and south with the seasons, bringing rainy seasons to regions it passes over.<br />- **Impact on Climate**: Regions near the equator experience consistent rainfall, while areas further away have distinct wet and dry seasons depending on the ITCZ's position.<br /><br />### 20. Map of Africa Showing Climate Zones<br /><br />Here is a simplified description of how you can draw and color the map:<br /><br />1. **Equatorial Climate (Tropical Rainforest)**: Green - Central Africa around the Congo Basin.<br />2. **Tropical Wet and Dry (Savanna)**: Yellow - Surrounding the equatorial region, extending into East Africa.<br />3. **Desert Climate**: Orange - Northern Africa (Sahara) and southwestern Africa (Namib and Kalahari Deserts).<br />4. **Mediterranean Climate**: Blue - Northern tip (Morocco, Algeria) and southern tip (Western Cape of South Africa).<br />5. **Semi-Arid (Steppe)**: Light Brown - Transition zones between deserts and savannas.<br /><br />You can use these colors to shade the respective regions on a blank map of Africa to illustrate the distribution of climate zones.<br /><br />By following these guidelines, you should be able to answer the questions comprehensively and accurately.