(a) Identify four ocean routes used in the world trade. (b) In what four ways has water transportation contributed to economic developments? (c) Outline fou...

(a) Four ocean routes used in world trade

• The North Atlantic route: links Western Europe with North America; the busiest ocean route.
• The Suez Canal (Mediterranean-Red Sea) route: links Europe with East Africa, the Middle East, India and the Far East.
• The Panama Canal route: links the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, joining eastern North America and Europe with the west coast of America and the Pacific.
• The Cape of Good Hope route: links Europe with West and South Africa and the East via the southern tip of Africa.
• The North Pacific route: links North America (west coast) with East Asia (Japan, China).
• The South Atlantic route: links Europe and North America with South America and West Africa.

(b) Four ways water transportation has contributed to economic development

• It carries bulky and heavy goods (oil, timber, minerals, grain) cheaply over long distances.
• It promotes international trade by linking producing and consuming countries across the world.
• It has led to the growth of port towns and cities and their industries.
• It provides employment for sailors, dockworkers, ship-builders and traders.
• It earns foreign exchange and government revenue through freight charges and port dues.
• It opens up interior regions where rivers and lakes are navigable.

(c) Four ways of improving transportation on inland waterways

• Dredging of rivers and channels to remove silt and deepen them for larger vessels.
• Removal of obstacles such as rocks, sandbanks and floating weeds (e.g. water hyacinth).
• Construction of dams and locks to regulate water level and bypass rapids and waterfalls.
• Canalisation and straightening of winding rivers, and linking rivers by canals.
• Provision of modern port facilities, jetties, warehouses and navigation aids (buoys, lights).
• Regular maintenance and use of modern, powered vessels.