compare and contrast the two prevailing winds that blow over Afica in June and September?
Whoever assigned that question should realize that Africa has many latitude zones: above, below and near the equator. The answer depends upon what zone you are talking about. Prevailing winds are westerly in temperature zones and "trade winds" in subtropical zones, all year long.
For more about prevailing winds, see
http://www.newmediastudio.org/DataDiscovery/Aero_Ed_Center/Charact/Prevailing_Winds.html
Month-to-month differences in prevailing winds are another matter. They can be important in equatorial regions (e.g. monsoons)
I meant to write:
Prevailing winds are westerly in TEMPERATE zones. (Not temperature zones).
North and South Africa are in temperate latitude zones. So is most of the United States, Australia and Europe
To compare and contrast the two prevailing winds that blow over Africa in June and September, we need to understand the general wind patterns in the African continent.
In June, we have the following prevailing winds:
1. The Southwest Monsoon: This wind blows from the southwest toward the northeastern part of Africa. It is a warm wind that brings moisture and introduces the rainy season to various parts of the continent.
2. The Southeast Trades: These winds blow from the southeast direction. They are relatively dry and are often associated with the winter season in the Southern Hemisphere.
In September, the prevailing winds are different:
1. The Northeast Trade Winds: These winds blow from the northeast toward the southwest direction. They are dry and play a significant role in the dry season across much of Africa.
2. The Southeast Monsoon: This wind blows from the southeast toward the northwest direction. It brings rainfall to areas like the Horn of Africa, Madagascar, and the eastern side of the continent.
Now, let's compare and contrast the two prevailing winds:
1. Direction: In June, the prevailing winds blow from the southwest and southeast. In contrast, in September, the winds blow from the northeast and southeast.
2. Moisture Content: The June winds (Southwest Monsoon) bring moisture and rainfall to various parts of Africa, while the September winds (Northeast Trade Winds) are relatively dry, leading to the dry season.
3. Rainfall Distribution: The Southwest Monsoon in June brings rainfall to areas like West Africa and the central parts of the continent, while the Southeast Monsoon in September brings rainfall to the Horn of Africa, Madagascar, and the eastern side of Africa.
4. Seasonal Impact: The June winds mark the beginning of the rainy season in many parts of Africa, while the September winds coincide with the dry season in most regions.
To summarize, the prevailing winds in June and September differ in terms of direction, moisture content, rainfall distribution, and seasonal impact. The June winds are generally warmer, bring moisture, and initiate the rainy season, while the September winds are drier and associated with the dry season in many areas.