SAVANNA OR SUDAN CLIMATE

Savanna or Sudan Climate

The Savanna or Sudan climate, also known as the tropical wet and dry climate, is characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. It is typically found in regions that lie between the equatorial rainforest zone and the semi-arid steppe or desert zones. This climate supports grassland ecosystems with scattered trees, commonly known as savannas.

Characteristics

1. Temperature:
   • High Year-Round: Temperatures are consistently warm throughout the year, generally averaging between 20°C and 30°C (68°F and 86°F).
   • Seasonal Variation: There can be a notable difference in temperature between the wet and dry seasons, with the dry season often being hotter.
2. Precipitation:
   • Distinct Wet and Dry Seasons: The year is divided into a rainy season and a dry season. The wet season typically occurs in the summer months due to the northward and southward movement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).
   • Rainfall Amount: Annual rainfall ranges from 750 mm to 1300 mm (30 to 51 inches). The wet season can last from 4 to 6 months, while the dry season can be equally long or longer.
   • Intensity: Rainfall during the wet season can be intense and often comes in the form of heavy thunderstorms.
3. Winds:
   • Monsoonal Influence: Winds during the wet season bring moisture from the oceans, while during the dry season, winds are typically dry and come from the land or deserts.

Vegetation

1. Grasslands with Scattered Trees:
   • Dominant Grass Species: Tall grasses, such as elephant grass, can grow up to several meters high during the wet season.
   • Trees and Shrubs: Drought-resistant trees and shrubs, such as acacias and baobabs, are scattered across the landscape.
   • Deciduous Nature: Many trees are deciduous, shedding their leaves during the dry season to conserve water.
2. Adaptations to Climate:
   • Deep Roots: Many plants have deep root systems to access groundwater during the dry season.
   • Fire Resistance: Some species are adapted to survive periodic wildfires, which are common in savanna regions and help maintain the ecosystem by preventing forest encroachment.

Example: The Serengeti Plain, Tanzania

Location:

• The Serengeti Plain is located in northern Tanzania and extends into southwestern Kenya. It is part of the larger Serengeti ecosystem, which includes the Serengeti National Park and several other protected areas.

Climate Details:

• Temperature: The Serengeti experiences warm temperatures throughout the year, with average monthly temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). The hottest period typically occurs just before the onset of the wet season.
• Precipitation: The region receives an average annual rainfall of about 1000 mm (39 inches). The wet season spans from November to May, with a short dry spell in January or February, known as the “short rains” and “long rains” periods. The dry season extends from June to October.

Vegetation and Wildlife

1. Vegetation:
   • Grassy Plains: The Serengeti is dominated by vast grasslands, which provide excellent grazing grounds for herbivores.
   • Scattered Trees and Shrubs: Acacia trees are a common sight, providing shade and food for various animals.
2. Wildlife:
   • Large Herbivores: The Serengeti is renowned for its large populations of herbivores, including wildebeest, zebras, and various species of antelope. The annual migration of over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras is a spectacular natural event.
   • Predators: The region supports a healthy population of predators, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas, which rely on the abundance of herbivores for food.
   • Biodiversity: The diverse habitats in the Serengeti support a wide range of other wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, and numerous bird species.

Human Activity

1. Traditional Pastoralism:
   • Maasai People: The indigenous Maasai people are traditional pastoralists who rely on cattle herding as their primary livelihood. They have coexisted with the wildlife in the region for centuries.
2. Conservation and Tourism:
   • Protected Areas: The Serengeti National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous wildlife conservation areas in the world.
   • Tourism: Wildlife tourism is a significant economic activity, attracting visitors from around the globe to witness the Great Migration and other natural wonders.
3. Agriculture:
   • Subsistence Farming: In areas surrounding the protected regions, subsistence farming is practiced, with crops such as maize and sorghum being grown.

Ecological Importance

1. Biodiversity Hotspot:
   • The savanna supports a rich diversity of species, both flora and fauna, making it an important area for biodiversity conservation.
2. Carbon Storage:
   • Savannas play a role in carbon sequestration, although less so than forests, they are still important in the global carbon cycle.
3. Water Regulation:– The vegetation in savannas helps in regulating the water cycle, maintaining soil fertility, and preventing erosion.