Characteristics of the inter-tropical convergence zone

KCSE Geography Paper 1 2000 Section B Question 8 with Answers.

​(a) State three characteristics of the inter-tropical convergence zone

1. It is a zone of low atmospheric pressure/doldrums
2. It is a zone within the tropics/between 23.5N and 23.5s
3. It is a zone where north-east and  south-east trade winds converge
4. It migrates to the south and the north with the apparent movement of the sun
5. It is associated with conventional rain and thunderstorms
6. Characterized by high temperatures

​(b) With the aid of a labeled diagram, describe how relief rainfall is formed

• A water body/ sea/ lake /is heated and causing evaporation of water
• Moist air from the sea is forced to ascend up a hill/mountain-side
• Forced ascent leads to cooling of air
• The moisture in the air condenses  forming clouds
• Rainfalls mainly on the windward side of the hill/mountain
• Descending air warms up the leeward side of the mountain

Text -1mk max-4
Diagram` ½ mk each max -2

​(c) State five characteristics of the hot desert climate

1. Low annual rainfall(less than 250mm) dry climate
2. Occasional flash floods /sporadic rains
3. Clear skies /clear sunny days /high terrestrial radiation 
4. High temperatures during the day 
5. A large diunal
6. Strong  winds 
7. Develops low pressure in summer and high pressure in winter
8. High mean annual temperature
9. Large mean annual range of temperature
10. Intense solar isolation
11. Unreliable rainfall
12. Low humidity
13. High evaporation rate
14. Sudden rainfall

​(d) You are required to carry out a field study to determine the relationship between climate and vegetation  in your district

(i) Give three reasons why you would need the map of the district

1. Familiarize with the route
2. ​Sample different areas with different climate/vegetation
3. To identify pertinent areas to visit.

​(ii) Name two  sampling  techniques you are likely to use during the field study

1. Spatial
2. Non Spatial

​(iii) Give two  reasons why sampling would be appropriate for this study

1. It saves time
2. It teaches learners the summary aspect of learning
3. Saves energy since whole district not studied

​(iv) State four methods you would use to record data during the field  study

1. Tabulating
2. Tallying
3. ​Taking photography

Climate, Fieldwork, Form 2 Level

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