Physical Geography of Africa

Africa, with an area of over 30 million square kilometers, is the second-largest continent, accounting for about 20 percent of the Earth's total land area. It offers unparalleled insights into some of the planet s oldest geological strata, is home to the world s largest desert, and is immensely rich in mineral resources. These are just a few of the facts we commonly associate with Africa s physical geography. But the continent deserves a closer look Africa is closer to us and far more important than many might think.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the physical geography of Africa. It focuses on the integrated analysis of the continent s geology, geomorphology, climate, hydrology, soils, and vegetation geography. Additional excursions examine the impact of major environmental challenges related to human activity - such as soil erosion, desertification, and climate change - and also explain key geoscientific terms. Rich color photographs and engaging cartography support and enhance understanding.

The book serves a dual purpose: it offers the interested reader a concise introduction to Africa s physical geography while also functioning as a structured reference work. It will be of enduring value to students and scholars of African physical geography and anyone interested in Africa s environment and environmental change - including staff of development organizations and development professionals seeking reliable background information on the continent s natural conditions.

1 The natural spatial foundations of the continent. - 2 The major regions of the continent. - 3 The basic principles of geological structure and geological evolution. - 4 The major landforms. - 5 The geofactor climate. - 6 Water resources. - 7 Soils, soil erosion, and desertification. - 8 Vegetation formations. - 9 Climate variability and the impacts of climate change.