Geography of the Nile River

Geography of the Nile River

1.       Describe the climate zone/biome of the Nile River area.

Along the vast lands of Egypt a lone river meanders its way to the sea. The Nile River is the longest river in the whole world; it travels through nine countries then making its way up to the Nile Delta where it releases itself into the Mediterranean Sea. The climate around the Nile consists of two very different climates. The southern part of the Nile (in countries such as Ethiopia and Kenya) has a very moist climate, during the year the area endures many weeks of heavy rain.  This compared to the northern part of the Nile (in such countries as Sudan and Egypt) has little or no rainfall during the year. However, October through May the northern and southern regions of the Nile have a very dry period. The northern region of the Nile is considered very hot and barren; this part of the Nile has the desert biome. The southern region of the Nile includes a tropical region; the humidity is very intense and often times the area receives about 50 inches of water annually.

2.       List the vegetation and natural resources available.

The Nile provides a bountiful amount of natural fertilizer every year. The Nile’s yearly flood has been one of the main reasons why the Egyptian civilization was able to stay self- sustainable for many years. Some of the vegetation that surrounds the Nile on the southern region is the native Palm Tree, this tree is very important to the desert environment, it provides sweet dates. Also a tree called the Samwa, archaeologists say the ancient Egyptians used this tree for medicine. Some other plants and vegetation that are found near the Nile are the:

·         Rubber Tree

·         Bamboo

·         Papyrus, a reed that was used to make paper.

·         Fig trees

·         Mango trees

·         The Lotus flower- which is a very important type of Egyptian Flower found in the Nile region.

3.       Explain how water, mud, plants, and animals were all “gifts of the Nile” to the Egyptians

 Egypt is a very hot and dry desert except one river that goes right up the middle. The Nile River is claimed to be a “gift from the gods” because of large amount of water it gives to Egypt and other surrounding countries. If it weren’t for the Nile the land would be dry and barren, lifeless. The Nile provides Egyptians with an abundant amount of water.  This is then irrigated to different farms surrounding the river, which creates nutritious food. On a yearly basis the Nile is flooded from the rains; it swells with water and dumps it on the land. Not only water is dumped but fertile silt is also deposited making the land a very rich with minerals which creates wonderful crops.  Over thousands of years the Nile has changed its shape and size, but it has never has changed its purpose, which is to fertilize the land. Without this the Nile many years of history would be lost. 

Here is a Prezi that I created about the Geography of the Nile River:

Geography of the Nile River Area on Prezi

http://prezi.com/nb8270sj8pgn/geography-of-the-nile-river-area/

Sites Used:

"The Nile River." Egypt Travel, Tours, Vacations, Ancient Egypt from Tour Egypt. Web. 28 Mar. 2011. .

"The Nile River: Facts, Resources, and Information | TheFreeResource.com." The Free Resource: Educational Resources, Verifiable Facts & Research. Web. 28 Mar. 2011. .

"Egypt - Nature." Dr. GÜNTHER EICHHORN - Home Page. Web. 28 Mar. 2011.