(a) Identify any four ocean routes used in world trade (b) In what four ways has water transportation contributed to economic development? (c) State four wa...

(a) Four major ocean routes used in world trade

1. The North Atlantic route linking Western Europe with eastern North America (busiest in the world).
2. The Mediterranean-Suez-Red Sea route connecting Europe to the Middle East, South and East Asia through the Suez Canal.
3. The Panama Canal route linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans (Eastern USA/Europe to western America and the Pacific).
4. The Cape of Good Hope route round southern Africa linking Europe/West Africa to East Africa and Asia. (Others: the North Pacific route and the West African coastal route.)

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

1. It permits the cheap, bulk movement of heavy goods (crude oil, ores, grain, timber) over long distances at low cost per tonne.
2. It has opened up trade and international exchange, allowing countries to export surplus produce and import needed goods.
3. It has promoted the growth of port towns and industries (e.g. Lagos, Port Harcourt) around harbours, creating employment.
4. It earns foreign exchange through shipping services, fishing and tourism, and links inland regions to world markets via rivers and lakes.

(c) Four ways of improving transportation on inland waterways

1. Dredging the rivers to deepen and widen the channels and remove silt so that larger vessels can pass.
2. Clearing obstacles such as rocks, rapids, sand bars and floating weeds (e.g. water hyacinth) from the channels.
3. Constructing locks, dams and canals to by-pass waterfalls and rapids and to maintain a steady water level in the dry season.
4. Providing modern port facilities and navigation aids (jetties, buoys, lighthouses) and regular maintenance to keep routes safe and usable. (Also linking rivers by canals.)