TROPICAL CONTINENTAL CLIMATE

This type of climate is also known as the savanna or tropical wet-dry climate.
Location
It occurs mainly in the interior of landmasses between latitude 50 N and 15 0N and 50S and 15
0
S. It is best developed in parts of Africa and South America
Countries
These regions include parts of Central Africa, northern Australia and some areas in South
America.

Characteristics
 . Temperature is high throughout the year. Annual temperature range is greater than in the
Equatorial climate, approximately 8 degrees Celsius.
 There is a wet season and a dry season. It is warmer during the wet season and cooler during the
dry season. The highest temperatures are experienced just before the start of the wet season.
The daily temperature range may be 15 degrees Celsius or even more. This means that it is
much colder at nights than during the day.

 During the wet season, the area is influenced by the ITCZ
 The wet season may be as short as three months in some areas and as long as seven or
eight months in others. Areas closer to the equator tend to have longer wet seasons and
may experience over 1000 mm of rainfall per year. Areas farther away from the equator
tend to have shorter wet seasons and experience as little as 300 mm of rain in a year.
Rainfall is also less reliable in areas farther away from the equator and they sometimes
experience droughts. During the dry season, there is little or no rainfall.

Vegetation
In areas which experience a tropical continental climate, the seasonal rainfall tends to give
rise to a distinct type of vegetation known as tropical grassland or savanna. The term
savanna refers to open grasslands, usually with some scattered trees or bushes. The plants
which grow in these areas must be able to survive long periods with no rainfall. These plants
include various types of grass and a few trees that are adapted to survive long periods of
drought.
During the wet season, plants take advantage of the available moisture. Grasses grow quickly
and some types may become very tall. Many trees produce new leaves and the entire savanna
looks lush and green. During the dry season, the grass dries out, many trees drop their leaves
and the savanna takes on a completely new appearance

Adaptations of Vegetation in a Tropical Continental Ecosystem

In areas which experience a tropical continental climate, plants must be able to survive a long
dry season. Plants which are well adapted to survive in areas with a very limited supply of
water are called xerophytes. Some plants have long roots which can reach water deep below
the surface. Many plants have small, waxy leaves which reduces the amount of water lost
through transpiration. Some plants shed their leaves during the dry season and grow new ones
during the wet season. There are plants which are able to store water in order to survive the
dry season. Some trees have thick bark which allows them to conserve water and also resist
fire. Grasses survive by drying out during the dry season. The parts of the grass below the
surface survive and produce new growth during the wet season.

CLASS ACTIVITY

1. Where is a tropical continental ecosystem located?

2. Identify two countries with a tropical continental climate.
3. Describe 4 characteristics of a tropical continental climate.
4. What is the vegetation in a tropical continental climate called?
5. Describe the vegetation in a tropical continental climate.
6. How do plants adapt to Tropical continental ecosystem?
7. Using the climograph above, answer question the questions below
a) What is the highest temperature and in which moth is it experienced?
b) Which month has the highest rainfall?
c) What do you notice about the rainfall in relation to the temperature?