Answer:
The climate of Ethiopia is influenced by several key controls, both regional and global, which shape its weather patterns and overall climate.
Step-by-step explanation:
The following factors predominantly affect the Ethiopian climate:
1. Latitude and Elevation: Ethiopia is located in the tropics, near the equator, which means it experiences a tropical climate overall. However, its climate is heavily influenced by its varied topography and elevation. The highlands, such as the Ethiopian Highlands, experience cooler temperatures due to their higher elevation, while lowland areas have warmer climates. The varying elevations also lead to differences in rainfall patterns and temperature gradients across the country.
2. Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ): The ITCZ is a belt of low-pressure that moves north and south of the equator seasonally, resulting in the wet and dry seasons in Ethiopia. During the northern hemisphere summer, the ITCZ shifts northward, bringing the rainy season known as the "kiremt." Conversely, during the northern hemisphere winter, the ITCZ moves south, leading to the dry season or "bega."
3. Monsoon Winds: Ethiopia is affected by the seasonal monsoon winds, particularly the southwest and northeast monsoons. The southwest monsoon brings moisture from the Indian Ocean, leading to rainfall in the southern and southwestern parts of the country. The northeast monsoon, on the other hand, brings drier air from the Arabian Peninsula, resulting in less rainfall in the northern and eastern regions.
4. Topography and Orographic Effects: The Ethiopian Highlands have a significant impact on the country's climate. The highlands act as a barrier to the moisture-laden winds, forcing them to rise and cool, which results in orographic rainfall on the windward side (western slopes) of the highlands. As a result, the western and southwestern parts of Ethiopia receive higher rainfall compared to the eastern lowland regions.
5. El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO): ENSO events, characterized by the El Niño and La Niña phenomena, can have a significant influence on Ethiopian climate variability. During El Niño, warm sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean can lead to reduced rainfall in Ethiopia, resulting in drought conditions. In contrast, La Niña events tend to enhance rainfall, particularly in the northern and central parts of the country.