Distribution
The Sudan-type climate, also known as the tropical continental climate, is found between the equatorial rainforest zone and the tropical deserts. This region lies roughly between 5° and 20° latitudes, mainly on the interior parts of continents.
Key regions include:
- Central parts of Africa: Sudan, South Sudan, Nigeria, Mali, Chad
- Parts of South America: Brazilian Highlands, parts of Venezuela
- Northern Australia
This climate typically occurs in savanna regions – vast tropical grasslands interspersed with trees.
Climate of Sudan Type
The tropical continental climate is characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons, closely linked to the movement of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and the shifting trade winds.
Rainfall
- The region gets seasonal rainfall, mostly in the summer months
- Annual rainfall ranges from 500 mm to 1500 mm, decreasing as one moves away from the equator
- Rainfall is convectional, often accompanied by lightning and thunderstorms
- The rainy season lasts around 4 to 6 months
Temperature
- Temperatures are high throughout the year, averaging 25°C–30°C
- There is a noticeable seasonal range – summers are hot and winters are relatively cooler
- Day-night (diurnal) temperature variation is also significant due to dry air
Natural Vegetation
The dominant vegetation is savanna grassland – a mix of tall coarse grasses with scattered trees.
Key features:
- Grass species like elephant grass grow up to 3–4 meters during the rainy season
- Trees are drought-resistant, with thick bark and long roots (e.g., baobab, acacia)
- Trees shed leaves during the dry season to reduce water loss
- Vegetation becomes sparser towards the desert margins
This landscape is shaped by both climatic conditions and frequent wildfires, which prevent dense forest growth.
Animal Life of Savanna
The savanna is home to some of the most iconic wildlife on the planet. The vast open spaces support large herbivores and predators.
Notable species include:
- Herbivores: zebras, giraffes, elephants, antelopes, wildebeests
- Carnivores: lions, cheetahs, hyenas, leopards
- Birds: ostriches, secretary birds, vultures
- The seasonal availability of water leads to mass migrations of animals, especially in East Africa
This region is crucial for biodiversity and is a major site for wildlife tourism and conservation.
Human Life of Savanna
People living in savanna regions have traditionally adapted to the seasonal climate.
- The major livelihood is pastoralism – nomadic or semi-nomadic herding of cattle, goats, and sheep
- In wetter areas, subsistence agriculture is practiced – growing crops like millet, sorghum, maize, and groundnuts
- Settlements are often temporary or dispersed, depending on access to water and pasture
- In recent decades, some regions have moved towards cash crop farming and commercial livestock production
Cultural diversity is high, with several indigenous tribes like the Masai in Kenya and Tanzania maintaining traditional lifestyles.
Problems, Prospects, and Developments
Problems
- Unreliable rainfall leads to frequent droughts and famines
- Overgrazing by livestock causes soil degradation and desertification
- Slash-and-burn agriculture contributes to land depletion
- Wildlife is threatened by poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict
- Political instability and lack of infrastructure hinder development
Prospects and Developments
- There is potential for dryland agriculture using drought-resistant crops
- Tourism and wildlife conservation offer sustainable economic opportunities
- Water harvesting techniques, afforestation, and controlled grazing can reverse land degradation
- International aid and investment are promoting better health, education, and irrigation infrastructure
- Long-term development depends on climate resilience, education, and community-led land management
