How many of you are aware of what grasslands are? In the previous chapter, we discussed grasslands. Remember? Well, the Prairies are not the only time of temperate grasslands in the world. There is more to the story! In this chapter, we will talk about the Velds. Do you already know about it? Yes! It is the grassland of South Africa. We will cover the climate, people, flora, fauna and more of the grasslands in this section.
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What are the Velds?
The temperate grasslands of South Africa are called the velds. Just like you know that the temperate grasslands of Canada and USA are the Prairies, Velds belong to South Africa. Velds are rolling plateaus with varying heights ranging from 600 m to 1100 m. The Drakensberg mountains bound them on the east.
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Climate
The Velds have a mild climate due to the influence of the Indian Oceans. Winters are cold and dry. Temperature varies between 5°C and 10°C and July is the coldest month. The annual rainfall received here mainly in the summer months from November to February.
Flora and Fauna
Vegetation cover is relatively very sparse. Red grass grows in bush velds. Acacia and Maroola are found in the high rise areas. You can find animals like cows, buffalos etc. in the Velds.
People in the Velds
Velds are known for cattle rearing and mining. These activities are very famous in this region. Maize, barley, potatoes, and oats are the main crops. You can find a lot of mineral ores in this region. It has a rich reserve of minerals. The area has many iron and steel industries in places where coal and iron are present. Johannesburg is known as the gold capital of the world.
Question For You
Q1. What are velds?
Ans:Â The temperate grasslands of South Africa are called velds. They are rolling plateaus with varying heights ranging from 600 m to 1100m.
Q2. Write a note on the flora of the velds.
Ans: The vegetation cover is sparse, with red grasses growing in the bush velds and acacia and maroola growing in the high velds.
Q3. Why do the velds receive rainfall in the summer months?
Ans: Because of the warm ocean currents that wash the shores of the velds.
Q4. Why is the soil in the velds not very fertile?
Ans: Because of the presence of discontinuous grasses exposing barren surface.
Q5. Discuss the life in the Velds.
Ans: Velds are known for cattle rearing and mining. These activities are very famous in this region. Maize, barley, potatoes, and oats are the main crops. You can find a lot of mineral ores in this region. It has a rich reserve of minerals. The area has many iron and steel industries in places where coal and iron are present. Johannesburg is known as the gold capital of the world.
Q6. Write a note about the Veld’s climate.
Ans: The Velds have a mild climate due to the influence of the Indian Oceans. Winters are cold and dry. Temperature varies between 5°C and 10°C and July is the coldest month. The velds receive rainfall mainly in the summer months from November to February.
Describe aout the land of veld .