Final answer:
High rainfall near the equator in Africa is due to direct sunlight and the Intertropical Convergence Zone, while deserts at 30 degrees latitude result from descending dry air in the Hadley cell and high evaporation. Elevation and latitude also affect the continent's diverse climates and therefore the distribution of biomes and human settlement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pattern of rainfall and desert regions in Africa can be explained by the concepts of solar energy, the movement of air, convection currents, and factors that affect climate. High rainfall along the equator occurs because this region receives direct sunlight year-round, leading to consistent solar heating which produces rising warm air that cools and releases moisture as rain. These areas are part of the Intertropical Convergence Zone where trade winds converge, further contributing to high precipitation. In contrast, at about 30 degrees North and South latitude, there are desert regions like the Sahara and the Kalahari. This is because these latitudes fall under the influence of the descending limbs of the Hadley cell, an atmospheric circulation pattern that pushes dry air downwards, leading to high pressure zones with little moisture to precipitate as rain. The warm temperatures at these latitudes also favor evaporation, making these areas even drier.
Africa's unique topography, elevation, and latitude, in addition to wind systems, ocean currents, and mountain barriers, greatly influence its diverse climate regions. For instance, the Ethiopian highlands create a drier climate due to their elevation and proximity to the eastern desert. Additionally, climate patterns influence the distribution of biomes and the availability of resources, which historically restricted the growth and expansion of civilizations in arid regions.