WAEC SSCE - Geography - 2022 (Essay)

(a)

(i) Three factors that influence weathering are:

1. Climate - the type and amount of precipitation, temperature, and wind affect the rate and type of weathering.
2. Rock type - some rocks are more resistant to weathering than others due to their mineral composition and structure.
3. Vegetation - plants can affect weathering by their roots breaking apart rocks and by producing organic acids that dissolve minerals.

(ii) Two effects of landslides are:

1. Destruction of property and infrastructure - landslides can cause extensive damage to homes, roads, and other structures in their path.
2. Loss of life - landslides can be deadly, particularly if they occur in densely populated areas.

(b)

(i) Exfoliation is a process of mechanical weathering where rock layers peel away from each other due to the release of pressure. This process is common in areas with a large daily temperature range, such as deserts, where the rocks expand and contract due to temperature changes. Over time, this expansion and contraction can cause the outer layers of rock to crack and flake off, leaving behind smooth, rounded boulders and rock formations.

(ii) Frost action, also known as freeze-thaw weathering, is a process of mechanical weathering where water seeps into cracks in rocks and then freezes. When water freezes, it expands, putting pressure on the rock and causing it to crack. Over time, repeated cycles of freezing and thawing can cause the rock to break apart into smaller pieces. Frost action is particularly effective in regions with frequent freeze-thaw cycles, such as mountainous areas and regions with a temperate climate.

(a) Draw a sketch map of Nigeria

Source: Maps-Nigeria

(b) Four benefits derived from the Hydro-Electric Power projects in Nigeria are:

1. Increase in electricity generation: The hydro-electric power projects have contributed significantly to the increase in electricity generation in Nigeria, thereby meeting the power needs of industries and households.
2. Development of rural areas: The hydro-electric power projects have led to the development of rural areas where they are located. This is because the power generated is used for irrigation, which in turn leads to agricultural development and improved standard of living of the rural people.
3. Boost in industrial growth: The hydro-electric power projects have also contributed to the growth of industries in Nigeria, as many of them depend on electricity generated from these projects for their operations.
4. Job creation: The construction and maintenance of hydro-electric power projects have created job opportunities for both skilled and unskilled labor.

(c) Three advantages of seaports in Nigeria are:

1. Economic development: Seaports serve as major gateways for international trade, and as such, they contribute significantly to the economic development of Nigeria by promoting exports and imports.
2. Employment opportunities: Seaports provide employment opportunities to a large number of people, including dockworkers, stevedores, ship handlers, and customs officers, among others.
3. Transportation: Seaports serve as major transportation hubs for goods and commodities, which are transported via waterways to various parts of the country. This helps to reduce transportation costs and promotes efficiency in the movement of goods.

(a) Four characteristics of local craft industries are:

1. Handmade Production: Local craft industries typically involve the production of goods and products that are created by hand. Craftsmen and artisans use traditional methods and techniques, often passed down through generations, to create unique and culturally significant items.
2. Cultural Significance: Local craft industries often reflect the cultural heritage and traditions of a specific region or community. The products created by these industries showcase the artistic expressions, craftsmanship, and indigenous knowledge of the local people.
3. Small-Scale Operations: Local craft industries are usually characterized by small-scale operations. They are often run by individuals, families, or small groups of artisans who work within their own communities or workshops. This small-scale nature allows for personalized attention to detail and a focus on quality craftsmanship.
4. Sustainable and Natural Materials: Local craft industries often prioritize the use of sustainable and natural materials. Artisans tend to source materials from their immediate surroundings, such as wood, fibers, clay, or recycled materials, reducing their ecological impact and promoting environmentally friendly practices.

(b) Three limitations of local craft industries include:

1. Limited Market Reach: Local craft industries often face challenges in reaching larger markets due to their localized nature. Their products may have limited exposure and accessibility beyond the immediate community or region, making it difficult to tap into broader customer bases.
2. Lack of Infrastructure and Resources: Many local craft industries operate in areas with limited infrastructure and resources. This can hinder their ability to scale up production, access modern technologies, or efficiently distribute their products to wider markets.
3. Economic Viability: Local craft industries may struggle with economic viability and competitiveness in a global market. Mass-produced and cheaper alternatives from larger manufacturing industries or imports often pose challenges in terms of pricing, market demand, and volume of production.

(c) Five factors that have contributed to the high volume of trade between developed and Tropical African countries are:

1. Natural Resources: Tropical Africa is rich in natural resources such as minerals, timber, agricultural products, and precious metals. These resources are in high demand globally, attracting trade partnerships with developed countries that require these commodities for their industries and consumer markets.
2. Market Access: Developed countries often possess strong trade networks, infrastructure, and established markets. This enables them to provide access to broader consumer bases and facilitate trade relationships with Tropical African countries, opening up opportunities for exports and imports.
3. Economic Interdependence: Developed and Tropical African countries have developed economic interdependencies, with each region having resources, skills, or products that the other requires. This interdependence fosters trade relations and the exchange of goods and services for mutual economic benefit.
4. Investment and Technology Transfer: Developed countries often invest in Tropical African countries, bringing capital, technology, and expertise. This investment helps develop industries, improves production processes, and enhances the capacity of Tropical African countries to engage in international trade.
5. International Agreements and Partnerships: International agreements, such as trade agreements, preferential trade arrangements, and economic partnerships, have facilitated trade between developed and Tropical African countries. These agreements aim to reduce barriers, promote economic cooperation, and provide favorable trading conditions, encouraging increased trade volumes.

In summary,

(a) Volcanic intrusion is the process by which molten rock (magma) is injected into pre-existing rocks, solidifies and forms an igneous rock mass.

(b) A block mountain is a type of mountain that is characterized by steep, uplifted blocks of rock that are bounded by faults or fractures. These blocks are usually composed of hard and resistant rocks that have been pushed up or uplifted by tectonic forces. Block mountains are formed when large blocks of rock are uplifted and tilted along fault lines, creating a series of steep escarpments and ridges.

(c) Three landforms that are associated with intrusive volcanic activities are:

• Batholiths: These are large, irregularly shaped masses of intrusive igneous rock that are exposed over an area of at least 100 square kilometers. They are formed when large volumes of magma solidify beneath the Earth's surface and are exposed after millions of years of erosion and uplift.
• Dikes: These are tabular, sheet-like intrusive bodies of igneous rock that cut across the layers of pre-existing rock. They are formed when magma is injected into fractures or cracks in the surrounding rock and solidifies, forming a vertical or steeply inclined wall-like structure.
• Sills: These are sheet-like bodies of intrusive igneous rock that are parallel to the layers of pre-existing rock. They are formed when magma is injected into horizontal cracks or bedding planes in the surrounding rock and solidifies, forming a flat or gently sloping layer of igneous rock.

(a) Four modes of transportation:

1. Road transportation: This involves the movement of people and goods using vehicles on roads and highways.

2. Air transportation: This refers to the transportation of people and goods by aircraft, allowing for fast and long-distance travel.

3. Water transportation: This includes transportation by ships, boats, or barges on rivers, lakes, and oceans, facilitating the movement of goods and people.

4. Rail transportation: This mode involves the use of trains and railway networks for transporting passengers and freight over land.

(b) Five reasons for the construction of railways in developing countries:

1. Efficient transportation: Railways provide a reliable and efficient mode of transportation, allowing for the movement of large quantities of goods and people over long distances with minimal delays.

2. Economic development: Railways contribute to economic growth by facilitating trade and commerce. They enable the transportation of raw materials, finished products, and agricultural produce, supporting industries and fostering economic activities.

3. Employment opportunities: The construction and operation of railways create job opportunities, both directly and indirectly, such as for railway workers, engineers, maintenance personnel, and those involved in related industries.

4. Connectivity and accessibility: Railways connect different regions within a country, linking rural areas to urban centers and promoting accessibility to markets, education, healthcare, and other essential services.

5. Environmental benefits: Rail transportation is generally more environmentally friendly compared to other modes, as trains produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions per tonne of freight or passenger than road or air transport. This can help reduce pollution and mitigate climate change.

(c) Three measures to improve rail transportation in developing countries:

1. Infrastructure development: Investing in the expansion and modernization of railway infrastructure, including tracks, stations, signaling systems, and rolling stock, can enhance the efficiency and capacity of rail transportation.

2. Maintenance and safety: Regular maintenance and safety inspections are crucial to ensure the reliability and safety of rail networks. Adequate funding and training for maintenance crews, along with the implementation of safety protocols, can improve the overall performance of rail transportation.

3. Integration and intermodal connectivity: Improving integration with other modes of transportation, such as road, air, and water, can enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of overall transportation systems. Developing intermodal terminals and seamless transfer facilities can facilitate the smooth movement of passengers and goods between different modes. Implementing these measures can contribute to the improvement of rail transportation in developing countries, promoting economic growth, connectivity, and sustainable mobility.

(a) An ecosystem is a community of living organisms (plants, animals, and microorganisms) interacting with each other and their non-living environment (air, water, and soil).

(b) The main components of an ecosystem are:

• Abiotic factors: These are the non-living components of the ecosystem, such as water, air, and soil. Examples of abiotic factors include rocks, sunlight, and temperature.
• Biotic factors: These are the living components of the ecosystem, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms. Examples of biotic factors include trees, birds, and bacteria.

Examples of abiotic components:

• Water: This is an important abiotic component of aquatic ecosystems, and it provides a habitat for fish, aquatic plants, and other organisms.
• Soil: This is an important abiotic component of terrestrial ecosystems, and it provides a habitat for plants, insects, and microorganisms.

Examples of biotic components:

• Plants: These are primary producers in most ecosystems, and they provide food and shelter for animals. Examples include grasses, trees, and algae.
• Animals: These are consumers in the ecosystem, and they help to regulate populations of other organisms. Examples include insects, mammals, and birds.

(c) The components of an ecosystem are interdependent in many ways. Two examples are:

• Nutrient cycling: Biotic components of the ecosystem, such as plants and microorganisms, require certain nutrients to survive. These nutrients are provided by abiotic components, such as soil and water. As biotic components consume these nutrients, they release waste products that are broken down by other biotic components and returned to the abiotic environment. This cycle of nutrient uptake, consumption, and recycling is essential for the survival of the ecosystem.
• Predation: In many ecosystems, animals consume other animals as a source of food. This predation helps to regulate the populations of different species, preventing any one species from becoming too dominant. If the predator population declines, prey populations can grow unchecked, which can lead to overgrazing, habitat destruction, and other negative effects on the ecosystem. Therefore, the biotic components of the ecosystem are interdependent on each other for survival.

(a) Two examples of volcanic mountains in the world are:

• Mount Fuji in Japan
• Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania

(b) Composite cones, also known as stratovolcanoes, are formed through a combination of explosive and effusive eruptions. The process can be described with the following annotated diagram:

1. A layer of ash, lava, and other volcanic materials is deposited during an explosive eruption.
2. Lava flows out of the central vent and spreads outwards, forming layers of hardened lava.
3. The process repeats, with alternating layers of ash and lava being deposited, until the cone reaches its final height.
4. The cone may also experience flank eruptions, where lava flows out of a vent on the side of the cone instead of the central vent.

(c) Landslides can be caused by various factors, including:

1. Heavy rainfall: When rainfall is excessive, the ground may become saturated with water, causing it to become unstable and prone to landslides.
2. Steep slopes: Slopes that are too steep may not be able to support their own weight and may collapse, causing a landslide.
3. Human activity: Activities such as deforestation, mining, and construction can destabilize slopes and increase the likelihood of landslides.

(a) The two crops that are commonly cultivated under the bush fallowing system of farming in Nigeria are yam and cassava.

(b) The bush fallowing system of farming in Nigeria is characterized by the following:

1. It involves clearing a piece of land by cutting down trees and bushes.
2. The land is then left uncultivated for several years to allow natural regeneration of the vegetation.
3. After several years, the land is again cleared and crops are planted.
4. The system is usually practiced by small-scale farmers.
5. The system allows for the conservation of soil nutrients and improves soil fertility.

(c) The disadvantages of bush fallowing system of farming in Nigeria include the following:

1. It requires large areas of land to be cleared for farming, which can lead to deforestation and loss of biodiversity.
2. The long periods of fallow can lead to a loss of income for farmers.
3. The system can be labor-intensive, as it requires clearing and planting of new areas every few years.
4. The system may not be suitable for crops that require continuous cultivation, such as vegetables and fruits.

(a)

(b) Three problems facing development in Lagos State are:

1. Overpopulation: Lagos State is one of the most densely populated states in Nigeria, with a population of over 20 million people. This puts a strain on resources and infrastructure, leading to issues such as traffic congestion, inadequate housing, and inadequate access to healthcare and education.
2. Inadequate infrastructure: Lagos State faces challenges with inadequate infrastructure, particularly in terms of transportation, power supply, and water supply. This can limit economic growth and make it difficult for people to access basic services.
3. Environmental degradation: Lagos State is also facing environmental challenges, including air and water pollution, deforestation, and soil erosion. This can have negative impacts on the health and wellbeing of residents, as well as on the local economy.

(c) Three potential solutions to these problems are:

1. Improved urban planning: To address overpopulation and inadequate infrastructure, Lagos State could benefit from better urban planning that emphasizes sustainable development, such as creating more green spaces and pedestrian walkways, and promoting public transportation and renewable energy.
2. Investment in infrastructure: Lagos State could also benefit from increased investment in infrastructure, particularly in terms of transportation, power supply, and water supply. This could include building new roads, bridges, and public transportation systems, as well as investing in renewable energy and water conservation technologies.
3. Environmental protection and restoration: To address environmental degradation, Lagos State could implement policies and programs aimed at protecting and restoring the environment. This could include stricter regulations on pollution, reforestation efforts, and programs to promote sustainable agriculture and land use practices.

(a) Urbanization refers to the process of people moving from rural areas to urban areas, while population density refers to the number of people living in a particular area per unit of land. In other words, urbanization refers to the movement of people to urban areas, while population density refers to the concentration of people in a given area.

(b) Four problems created by urbanization in Tropical Africa include overcrowding, inadequate housing, poor sanitation, and increased crime rates. With rapid urbanization, there is a significant increase in the number of people living in cities, which puts pressure on housing and other infrastructure. As a result, many people end up living in slums, which lack basic services such as clean water, sanitation facilities, and healthcare. This leads to poor health outcomes and increased risk of disease outbreaks. Additionally, rapid urbanization can also lead to increased crime rates due to high levels of poverty and unemployment.

(c) The problems highlighted in (b) can be solved in several ways. First, governments can invest in affordable housing and infrastructure to reduce overcrowding and improve living conditions. Second, urban planning can be improved to ensure that cities are designed to meet the needs of residents. This can include the provision of green spaces, public transportation, and other amenities that make urban living more attractive. Third, public health interventions can be implemented to improve sanitation and access to healthcare. Finally, addressing the root causes of poverty and unemployment can help to reduce crime rates and promote economic growth.