The most important air masses which affect the climate of Nigeria are the

The most important air masses which affect the climate of Nigeria are the

Answer Details

Air masses are large bodies of air with distinct temperature and moisture characteristics. In Nigeria, the two most important air masses that influence the country's climate are the tropical maritime and the tropical continental air masses. The tropical maritime air mass originates from the warm, moist and humid regions over the Atlantic Ocean, while the tropical continental air mass originates from the hot, dry and dusty regions of the Sahara Desert. When these two air masses converge over Nigeria, they create a distinct climate pattern, characterized by two distinct seasons - the wet and the dry seasons. During the wet season, the tropical maritime air mass dominates, bringing moisture and rainfall to the country. During the dry season, the tropical continental air mass dominates, leading to a hot and dry climate. Understanding the characteristics and movements of these air masses is crucial in predicting and managing Nigeria's climate and weather patterns.