WAEC SSCE - Geography - 2016

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Senegal is not a timber producing country. Senegal is a predominantly arid country located in West Africa with limited forest resources, as such, it is not known for timber production. On the other hand, Garbon, Nigeria, and Cote D'Ivoire are known for their significant timber production and exportation.

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The trade between one country and another is called international trade. It involves the exchange of goods and services between different countries. International trade is essential for the growth and development of a country's economy. It allows countries to specialize in producing and exporting goods and services that they can produce efficiently, while importing goods and services that they cannot produce efficiently. International trade provides many benefits to countries, including access to a wider variety of goods and services, increased competition, and greater opportunities for economic growth. It also allows countries to take advantage of economies of scale, which can lead to lower production costs and lower prices for consumers. Overall, international trade is an important aspect of the global economy, as it allows countries to exchange goods and services, promotes economic growth and development, and fosters cooperation and collaboration between different nations.

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The scale of a map is a ratio that compares the distance on the map to the actual distance on the ground. For example, a scale of 1:100,000 means that one unit of measurement on the map (such as 1 centimetre) represents 100,000 of the same units on the ground (such as 100,000 centimetres or 1 kilometre). Therefore, the answer to the question is that the scale of the map in statement form is the first option: "1 centimetre on the map represents 1 kilometre on the ground."

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Exfoliation of rock is a result of mechanical weathering. It occurs when there is a rapid change in temperature, which causes rocks to expand and contract. Over time, this expansion and contraction causes the outer layer of the rock to peel away in thin sheets or layers, similar to the way an onion peels. This process is also known as thermal stress weathering, and it is common in areas with large diurnal temperature variations, such as deserts.

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Irrigation projects are commonly found in areas of low and unreliable rainfall. This is because irrigation is the process of supplying water to crops in order to help them grow. If an area receives low and unreliable rainfall, the crops may not receive enough water to grow properly, which can lead to poor yields or crop failure. Irrigation helps to supplement the natural rainfall and ensures that crops have access to the water they need to grow. Therefore, areas with low and unreliable rainfall are more likely to have irrigation projects in order to support agriculture.

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Elements such as wind, water vapour, sunlight and gases which are of benefit to man, animals and plants are called "atmospheric resources". These resources are important for various activities such as agriculture, transportation, and energy production. Sunlight is essential for photosynthesis in plants, while wind can be used for generating power. Water vapor is an important component of the water cycle, which is crucial for sustaining life on Earth. The gases present in the atmosphere, such as oxygen and nitrogen, are also important for respiration and other metabolic processes. Therefore, atmospheric resources are essential for the survival and well-being of living organisms on Earth.

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The contour interval on a map represents the difference in elevation between two adjacent contour lines. Contour lines are used to represent the shape and relief of the land on a map. They connect points of equal elevation above a reference datum, such as mean sea level. The contour interval is the vertical distance between contour lines and is usually indicated in the map legend. A contour interval of 50 meters means that each contour line on the map represents an elevation that is 50 meters higher or lower than the adjacent line. Similarly, a contour interval of 100 meters means that each contour line represents an elevation that is 100 meters higher or lower than the adjacent line, and so on. Therefore, the correct answer to the question depends on the specific map being referred to. It could be any of the options given, or a different value altogether.

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The distance as the crow flies from Bebe to Bodel is 10.00km. When we say "as the crow flies," it means the straight-line distance between two points, without taking into account any obstacles or the actual route that one would have to take to get from point A to point B. Therefore, if we measure the distance on a map using a ruler or any measuring tool, we would get the straight-line distance between Bebe and Bodel. In this case, the straight-line distance between Bebe and Bodel is 10.00km.

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Rome is famous for its ecclesiastical function. Ecclesiastical refers to anything related to the Christian Church, and Rome is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. It is home to the Vatican City, an independent city-state and the seat of the Roman Catholic Church's leader, the Pope. Therefore, the answer to the question is D) Rome.

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The introduction of ECOWAS passport among member countries is to promote free movement of people in the sub-region. The ECOWAS passport allows citizens of ECOWAS member countries to travel within the sub-region without the need for a visa or entry permit. This promotes the free movement of people, which is one of the fundamental principles of ECOWAS. The aim is to facilitate regional integration, promote economic development, and enhance cultural cooperation among member states. By enabling free movement of people, the ECOWAS passport promotes trade and economic cooperation among member states, as it allows citizens to move freely and conduct business in different countries within the sub-region. Additionally, the ECOWAS passport also facilitates cultural cooperation by allowing people to travel and interact with different cultures and traditions in the sub-region.

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When the roof of a natural arch collapses due to the continuous erosion of the sea waves, the remaining rock pillar left standing in the sea is called a "stack". A stack is a geological landform that is formed as a result of erosion caused by the sea waves on the coast. These waves erode the softer rocks and cause the collapse of the roof of a natural arch, leaving a tall, vertical rock pillar that stands out from the sea. Over time, these stacks may also erode and eventually collapse, leaving behind a stump or a rocky platform.

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The description provided in the question fits the properties of aluminum. Aluminum is a lightweight metal with a low density, high strength-to-weight ratio, and is a good conductor of electricity. It is extensively used in the manufacture of aircraft, automobiles, and other transportation equipment due to its strength and lightness. Therefore, the correct option is Aluminum.

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Argon is found in very little quantity in the atmosphere. The Earth's atmosphere is composed of different gases, and they are present in varying amounts. The most abundant gas in the atmosphere is nitrogen, which makes up about 78% of the atmosphere. Oxygen is the second most abundant gas, making up about 21% of the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide, although a minor component, plays an essential role in the greenhouse effect, which helps to regulate the temperature of the Earth. Argon, on the other hand, is a noble gas that is chemically inert and does not react with other substances. It is present in the atmosphere in very small quantities, about 0.93%, making it one of the least abundant gases in the atmosphere. Argon is mostly obtained through the process of fractional distillation of liquid air, where it is separated from other gases such as nitrogen and oxygen.

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To calculate the distance between the equator (latitude 0) and a city Z in Egypt (latitude 30N), we need to use the formula for calculating the length of a meridian arc: distance = (latitude of Z) × 111.13 km Using this formula, we can calculate the distance between the equator and the city Z in Egypt as follows: distance = 30N × 111.13 km/N distance = 3,333.9 km Therefore, the correct answer is 3,330 km (rounded to the nearest 10 km).

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To determine the common modes of transportation in the mapped area, we need to consider the available options and the geographical features of the area. Railway is a transportation system that runs on tracks and can transport goods and passengers efficiently. Water transportation, which includes shipping and boating, is also an important means of moving goods and people across long distances. Pipeline transportation is the use of pipes to transport fluids such as oil and gas over long distances. Air transportation involves the use of airplanes to transport people and goods across long distances. Considering the options provided, the most common modes of transportation in the mapped area are likely to be road and water. This is because roads are the most common means of transportation in most parts of the world, and water transportation can be very efficient for transporting goods and people along the coast or between islands. Railway and pipeline transportation are less likely to be common in the area, depending on the terrain and the availability of resources. Air transportation is also less likely to be common, as it is generally more expensive and less accessible than other modes of transportation.

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Spits are narrow, elongated landforms that extend from the shoreline out into the water. They are formed by the action of waves, specifically longshore drift and wave deposition. Longshore drift is the movement of sand and other sediment along the shoreline caused by the angle of wave approach, while wave deposition is the process by which sediment is dropped off and deposited by waves as they slow down and lose energy. As waves approach the shoreline at an angle, they cause sediment to move along the shore. When the shoreline takes a bend, the waves slow down and deposit the sediment they are carrying, forming a spit. The direction of the spit is determined by the dominant direction of the waves and longshore drift. Over time, spits can grow longer and wider as more sediment is deposited by waves. Spits often have a curved or hooked shape at the end, which is caused by the change in direction of the waves as they reach the end of the spit.

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The diagram above shows the export of rice from Country X between 2007 and 2010. The vertical axis of the diagram represents the quantity of rice exported in kilograms, while the horizontal axis represents the year. To determine how much rice was produced in 2010 by Country X, we need to look at the point on the diagram that corresponds to 2010. We can see that the point is located at the top of the bar representing the quantity of rice exported in 2010. Reading off the value of the bar, we can see that the quantity of rice exported in 2010 was approximately 50,000 kilograms. Therefore, we can conclude that Country X produced around 50,000 kilograms of rice in 2010, based on the amount of rice that was exported. In summary, we can determine the amount of rice produced in 2010 by Country X by looking at the point on the diagram that corresponds to 2010 and reading off the value of the bar, which represents the quantity of rice exported in that year. Based on this information, we can conclude that Country X produced approximately 50,000 kilograms of rice in 2010.

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The cooling and solidification of magma within the Earth's crust results in the formation of a variety of geological features, including igneous rocks, volcanoes, and various types of landforms. When magma cools and solidifies underground, it can form a laccolith. A laccolith is a type of igneous intrusion that forms when magma is injected into overlying rock layers and then cools and solidifies, creating a dome-shaped structure with a flat bottom. Over time, erosion may remove the overlying rock, exposing the laccolith at the surface. Cinda cone, composite cone, and lava plateau are all landforms created by volcanic activity and not by the cooling and solidification of magma within the Earth's crust.

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The point where R.Isbo meets R.Gembeh is called a confluence. A confluence is a place where two or more rivers or streams meet and flow together. At a confluence, the water from the two rivers or streams merge and flow downstream as one body of water. Confluences are important features of rivers and streams because they can affect the water quality, ecology, and flow patterns of the rivers. They can also create unique habitats for aquatic plants and animals that depend on the specific conditions created by the merging of the two bodies of water. In the case of R.Isbo and R.Gembeh, the confluence marks the point where the two rivers meet and merge their waters. The combined flow of the two rivers downstream can create new habitats for aquatic plants and animals, as well as influence the water quality and flow patterns of the river system as a whole.

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Africa is described as the most tropical continent because most of its landmass lies within the tropics. The tropics are regions located close to the equator, between the Tropic of Cancer in the northern hemisphere and the Tropic of Capricorn in the southern hemisphere. These regions are characterized by a warm and humid climate throughout the year, with no distinct seasons. As such, Africa has a warm climate that is characterized by abundant rainfall, high humidity, and hot temperatures. This tropical climate makes it possible for a wide variety of flora and fauna to thrive in Africa, and it is one of the reasons why the continent is renowned for its rich biodiversity.

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The feature produced as a result of river capture is a wind gap. River capture, also known as river piracy, is a geomorphological phenomenon that occurs when one river captures the drainage of another river. This can happen when two rivers are flowing in opposite directions, but one river erodes its channel faster than the other, and eventually captures the other river's drainage. When this happens, the abandoned channel of the captured river, known as a wind gap, is left hanging above the level of the new river channel. Wind gaps are characterized by a narrow, steep-sided valley that has no river flowing through it, and can be seen as notches or depressions on the ridges between adjacent valleys. In summary, a wind gap is the feature produced as a result of river capture, which occurs when one river captures the drainage of another river. Wind gaps are abandoned channels of captured rivers that have a narrow, steep-sided valley with no river flowing through it.

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The city that is both a harbor and a capital is Abidjan. A harbor is a place where ships can dock and unload their goods, while a capital is the main city or town that serves as the administrative center of a country. Abidjan is the largest city in Côte d'Ivoire, a country located in West Africa. It is situated on the southern coast of the country and has a large natural harbor. This harbor has made Abidjan a major center for trade and commerce in the region. In addition, Abidjan is also the capital of Côte d'Ivoire, making it the only city among the options provided that is both a harbor and a capital. In summary, Abidjan is the city that is both a harbor and a capital, due to its large natural harbor and status as the administrative center of Côte d'Ivoire.

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The planet with the shortest orbit around the sun is Mercury. Orbit is the path taken by a planet around the sun. The time it takes for a planet to complete one orbit around the sun is called its orbital period. Mercury is the closest planet to the sun and also the smallest planet in the solar system. Due to its close proximity to the sun, it orbits the sun at a very high speed and takes only about 88 Earth days to complete one orbit. This makes it the planet with the shortest orbital period around the sun. In summary, Mercury is the planet with the shortest orbit around the sun because it takes only 88 Earth days to complete one orbit due to its close proximity to the sun.

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Leaching is the washing down of soil nutrients, minerals, and other soluble components through the soil profile by the downward movement of water. When water moves through the soil, it dissolves and carries away soluble components such as nutrients, organic matter, and minerals, which are then transported to deeper layers of the soil or to groundwater. Leaching can be both natural and anthropogenic. Natural leaching occurs due to rainfall and other natural processes, while anthropogenic leaching can occur due to human activities such as irrigation, agriculture, and the use of fertilizers and pesticides. Leaching can have both positive and negative effects on soil health. It can help to remove excess salts and other harmful substances from the soil, making it more fertile and suitable for plant growth. However, excessive leaching can also result in the loss of valuable nutrients and minerals from the soil, leading to reduced soil fertility and productivity. In summary, leaching is the process by which soluble components in soil are dissolved and carried away by water, which can have both positive and negative effects on soil health.

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Isotherms are lines that join points of equal temperature on a map. This means that all the places along a particular isotherm will have the same temperature. So, if we were to plot the temperature at different locations on a map, we could draw lines connecting all the points that have the same temperature, and these lines would be called isotherms.

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An oasis is a fertile area in a desert where there is a supply of water. The water in an oasis is usually derived from underground sources such as aquifers or springs. As the surrounding area is arid and receives very little rainfall, the water supply in the oasis is a precious resource that is often carefully managed and conserved. Therefore, the correct option is "underground".

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Fold mountains are formed as a result of compressional forces, which occur when two tectonic plates converge and push against each other. These forces cause the layers of rock to bend and buckle, forming folds in the Earth's crust. Over time, these folds can become more pronounced and eventually form mountains. The compression forces are caused by the movement of tectonic plates, which are massive slabs of rock that make up the Earth's crust. When two plates collide, one plate may be forced underneath the other, or they may both crumple and fold upwards, forming a mountain range. This process is different from faulting, which occurs when there is a sudden movement or rupture along a fault line, resulting in an earthquake. Vulcanicity is also different, as it refers to the movement of magma and volcanic activity, which can create new landforms but do not typically form fold mountains. Tensional forces, on the other hand, occur when tectonic plates are pulling away from each other, creating features such as rift valleys or mid-ocean ridges. Overall, the most satisfactory explanation for the formation of fold mountains is compressional forces caused by the convergence of tectonic plates.

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There is no planet that revolves around the Sun in a clockwise direction. All planets in our solar system revolve around the Sun in a counterclockwise direction when viewed from above the Earth's North Pole. This is known as prograde motion. Uranus is the only planet that rotates on its side, which means that its north and south poles are almost where its equator is, and it appears to be spinning clockwise. However, when viewed from above the solar system, Uranus still orbits the Sun in a counterclockwise direction, just like all the other planets. Therefore, the answer to the question is none of the above.

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The summer solstice is the day with the longest period of daylight and the shortest night of the year. It occurs when the tilt of the Earth's axis is most inclined towards the sun. In the southern hemisphere, the summer solstice falls on December 22nd. This is because the Earth's axis is tilted away from the sun during the winter months in the southern hemisphere and towards the sun during the summer months. The summer solstice marks the point when the southern hemisphere is tilted closest to the sun and experiences the longest day of the year. Therefore, the summer solstice falls on December 22nd in the southern hemisphere, not on March 21st, September 23rd, or June 23rd.

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The ozone layer is found in the stratosphere. The atmosphere is divided into several layers based on their characteristics such as temperature, pressure, and composition. The stratosphere is the second layer of the atmosphere, located above the troposphere and below the mesosphere. It contains a high concentration of ozone, a gas made up of three oxygen atoms (O3). The ozone layer is a region within the stratosphere where ozone is concentrated. It plays a critical role in protecting life on Earth by absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, which can cause skin cancer, cataracts, and other health problems. In summary, the ozone layer is found in the stratosphere, which is the second layer of the atmosphere located above the troposphere. The ozone layer is important in protecting life on Earth by absorbing harmful UV radiation from the sun.

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The high temperature in the interior of the earth leads to the formation of a type of geothermal feature known as a geyser. A geyser is a vent in the Earth's surface that periodically ejects hot water and steam. The heat from the interior of the earth causes groundwater to boil, resulting in the explosive release of steam and hot water. The water erupts with great force, shooting up into the air in a spectacular display. Therefore, the answer to the question is C) Geyser.

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The diurnal temperature range refers to the difference between the maximum and minimum temperature in a day. The climatic belt with the highest diurnal temperature range is the desert. Deserts are characterized by hot and dry weather conditions during the day and cold temperatures at night. This means that the diurnal temperature range in deserts is usually very high. During the day, the temperature in a desert can be very high, sometimes reaching up to 40-50°C, while at night it can drop to below freezing point. This large difference between the maximum and minimum temperatures makes the desert the climatic belt with the highest diurnal temperature range. In summary, the desert is the climatic belt with the highest diurnal temperature range, due to its hot and dry daytime temperatures and cold nighttime temperatures.

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A village is a small settlement with a rural character. It is usually characterized by agriculture and other primary economic activities like farming, livestock keeping and fishing. The presence of several refineries or availability of tertiary health care facilities are not typical characteristics of a village. Additionally, developed infrastructural facilities such as good road networks, water supply and electricity are not commonly found in many villages.

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The tilting of tree trunks, poles, and piling of soil behind a wall are effects of soil creep. Soil creep is a slow and gradual movement of soil down a slope under the influence of gravity. It happens when soil particles are loosened by rain, freeze-thaw cycles, or other factors, and then they move slowly downhill due to gravity. The movement is often imperceptible, but it can cause visible effects like the tilting of tree trunks and poles, and the piling of soil behind a wall. Mud flow, rock slide, and landslide, on the other hand, are rapid movements of soil or rocks down a slope, and they usually happen as a result of a sudden disturbance like heavy rainfall or earthquake.

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(a) Explanatory notes (any two):

(i) Population density: This is the average number of people living per unit area of land, usually per square kilometre. It is obtained by dividing the total population of an area by its land area:

It shows how crowded or sparsely settled an area is (dense, moderate or sparse).

(ii) Birth rate: This is the number of live births per 1,000 people in a population in one year. A high birth rate means many babies are born relative to the population, and it is a major factor in population growth.

(iii) Optimum population: This is the population size that, given the available resources and level of technology, yields the highest standard of living and the best return per head. It is the ideal balance between population and resources, neither under- nor over-populated.

(b) Ways of solving the problems of under-population:

1. Encourage higher birth rates through incentives such as tax relief, child allowances and maternity benefits.
2. Encourage immigration of skilled and labouring workers to increase the population and labour force.
3. Improve health services to lower death rates and raise life expectancy.
4. Develop resources and industries and provide jobs and amenities to retain people and attract settlers.

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(a) Advantages of industrialization in Nigeria:

1. It creates employment and raises the incomes and living standards of the people.
2. It diversifies the economy and earns foreign exchange by processing raw materials locally and reducing dependence on imports and on crude oil alone. (Also: promotes technology and infrastructural growth.)

(b) Problems that retard industrialization in Nigeria:

1. Inadequate/unreliable power supply: Frequent electricity failures force reliance on costly generators and disrupt production.
2. Shortage of capital: Insufficient funds and high interest rates limit the establishment and expansion of industries.
3. Inadequate skilled manpower and technology: Shortage of trained technicians and reliance on imported machinery lower efficiency.
4. Poor infrastructure and small market: Bad roads, poor water supply and low purchasing power hinder movement of goods and sales, worsened by competition from cheap imports.

(c) How the problems can be solved:

1. Improve and expand power generation to give industries steady electricity.
2. Provide industrial finance and credit through development banks and encourage local and foreign investment.
3. Train skilled manpower through technical education and adopt appropriate technology.
4. Develop infrastructure and protect local industries by improving roads, water and transport, and controlling harmful imports.

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(a) Characteristic features:

(i) Conurbation:

• It is a large continuous built-up area formed when several once-separate towns grow and merge into one another.
• It has a very large population and a shared network of roads, transport and services, often without a single dominant centre. Example - the Greater London/West Midlands conurbation.

(ii) Megalopolis:

• It is a very large urban region formed by the merging of several conurbations and cities into an almost continuous chain of settlement.
• It covers an extensive area with an extremely large population and heavy interconnection of economic activities. Example - the Boston-to-Washington (BosWash) belt in the USA.

(b) Functions which settlements perform (with examples):

1. Administrative function: serving as centres of government. Example - Abuja.
2. Commercial/trade function: centres of buying, selling and banking. Example - Lagos, Onitsha.
3. Industrial function: centres of manufacturing. Example - Aba, Kano.
4. Educational function: centres of learning with schools and universities. Example - Ibadan, Nsukka.
5. Religious function: centres of worship and pilgrimage. Example - Mecca, Ile-Ife.
6. Residential/dormitory function: providing homes for people who work elsewhere. Example - suburban towns around big cities.

(Others: port, mining, resort/tourist and defence functions.)

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(a) Objectives of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS):

1. To promote economic cooperation and integration among member states, leading eventually to an economic union and a common market.
2. To encourage free movement of people, goods, services and capital across member states and raise the living standards of West Africans. (Also: to maintain regional peace and security.)

(b) Problems hindering the achievement of ECOWAS objectives:

1. Language and colonial differences: The mix of English, French and Portuguese speaking states hinders communication and unity.
2. Political instability: Coups, civil wars and insecurity in member states disrupt cooperation.
3. Poor transport and communication links between member states limit trade.
4. Inadequate funding and smuggling: Non-payment of dues, differing currencies and widespread smuggling weaken the community.

(c) Ways the problems can be solved:

1. Adopt a common working language and improve translation to ease communication.
2. Promote good governance and maintain a peace-keeping standby force to ensure stability.
3. Improve inter-country roads, railways and communication to boost trade.
4. Ensure prompt payment of dues, adopt a common currency and check smuggling to strengthen the union.

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(a) Sketch map of Nigeria

(b) Factors favouring the development of hydro-electric power projects in Nigeria

1. Abundant water supply: Nigeria has substantial rainfall and large rivers, especially the Rivers Niger and Benue, which provide a large and fairly regular volume of water for generating electricity.
2. Suitable relief and dam sites: Rapids, falls, steep gradients and narrow valleys, together with strong bedrock in some areas, provide suitable sites for constructing dams and turbines.
3. High demand for electricity: The increasing population, urban centres and industries create a large market for electricity, making hydro-electric power projects economically worthwhile.

(c) Economic benefits of hydro-electric power projects

1. They generate electricity for domestic and industrial use, thereby encouraging industrial development.
2. They provide water for irrigation, domestic use and industrial use; reservoirs also support fishing.
3. They create employment and generate government revenue. They may also promote tourism, flood control and inland navigation.

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(a) Modes of transportation:

1. Road (land) transport.
2. Rail (railway) transport.
3. Water (inland waterway and ocean) transport.
4. Air transport. (Also pipeline transport.)

(b) Constraints to inland water navigation:

1. Waterfalls, rapids and cataracts that interrupt the river and block through-passage of boats.
2. Seasonal variation in water level - rivers become too shallow in the dry season and flood dangerously in the wet season.
3. Silting and sand bars that make channels shallow and difficult to navigate.
4. Presence of vegetation and obstacles (floating weeds such as water hyacinth, sand banks, rocks) blocking the channel.

(c) Ways the constraints can be solved:

1. Construct locks, canals and by-pass channels around waterfalls and rapids to allow boats to pass.
2. Build dams and reservoirs to regulate water levels so that rivers remain navigable throughout the year.
3. Regular dredging of channels to remove silt and sand bars and deepen the waterway.
4. Clear floating weeds and obstacles and mark channels with buoys/beacons for safe navigation.