WAEC SSCE - Geography - 2003

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The thin layer of unconsolidated mineral particles and organic matter that covers the land surface is called soil. Soil is a complex mixture of minerals, organic matter, water, and air, and it is a vital component of the Earth's ecosystems. Soil provides a medium for plant growth, supports the food chain by providing nutrients for organisms, filters water, and stores carbon. It is formed through the weathering of rocks and other geological processes, and it varies widely in composition, texture, and fertility depending on factors such as climate, vegetation, and topography.

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Sheet erosion tends to be more serious than other forms of erosion because it involves more widespread removal of soil from the land surface. Unlike other forms of erosion that remove soil from specific points, sheet erosion removes the topsoil and exposes the subsoil. The subsoil is not suitable for crop production, and the removal of the topsoil leads to soil infertility, which affects agricultural productivity. Additionally, sheet erosion is more difficult to control because it is caused by surface runoff, which is difficult to redirect or control, especially on sloping land.

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The feature formed from the solidification of highly fluid basic lava on the earth's surface is known as a "basalt plateau." A basalt plateau is a large area of flat, elevated land that is formed by the accumulation of layers of basaltic lava flows. These lava flows are usually highly fluid and can cover vast areas of land. As they cool and solidify, they form a thick layer of basalt rock that can be several hundred meters thick. Over time, erosion can remove the overlying rock and expose the basalt plateau. Basalt plateaus are common in volcanic regions and are found all over the world.

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The process of weathering in limestone region is mainly solution. Limestone is a sedimentary rock made up of calcium carbonate, which is easily dissolved in water that is slightly acidic. Over time, rainwater containing carbon dioxide dissolves the calcium carbonate, creating cracks and holes in the limestone. This process is known as solution and is the main process of weathering in limestone regions. As the limestone dissolves, it forms features such as sinkholes, caves, and underground drainage systems.

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Stalagmites are features of limestone regions. Limestone is a sedimentary rock formed from the accumulation of organic and inorganic materials, such as the remains of marine organisms and minerals, over time. It is composed primarily of calcium carbonate. Limestone regions are characterized by karst topography, which is characterized by sinkholes, caverns, and underground drainage systems. Stalagmites are formed in caves as a result of water dripping from the cave ceiling, depositing calcium carbonate on the cave floor over time. The resulting cone-shaped deposit grows upwards from the cave floor, forming a stalagmite.

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Soil is important to man in many ways. It serves as a medium for plant seeds to germinate, provides support for growing plants, brings water to the roots, and supplies minerals to the plants. Therefore, the correct answer is option D: I, II, III, and IV.

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Pastoral nomadism is a type of subsistence agriculture that involves raising livestock, such as cattle, sheep, and goats, by constantly moving from one place to another in search of food and water for their animals. This practice is common in arid and semi-arid regions of the world, where there is limited rainfall and vegetation. In West Africa's savanna areas, pastoral nomadism is predominantly practiced by the Fulani people, who are known for their long-distance cattle herding and transhumance practices, where they move their animals seasonally in search of greener pastures.

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Loamy soils are better for agriculture than other soil types because they retain air, moisture, and humus, which is important for plant growth. The soil texture of loamy soils is such that it allows for a balance of water retention and drainage, making it ideal for plants to absorb water and nutrients while preventing waterlogging. Additionally, loamy soils are rich in mineral nutrients and organic matter, such as humus, which supports the growth of crops. The organic matter in loamy soils provides a source of nutrients for plants and improves the structure of the soil, making it easier for roots to penetrate and access water and nutrients. Therefore, loamy soils are considered the most fertile and productive soil type for agriculture.

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The low level of trade among African countries is primarily due to the similarity of products they produce. Many African countries are reliant on the production of primary commodities, such as raw materials and agricultural products, and have a limited industrial base. This means that they often produce similar products, which reduces the need for them to trade with each other. Additionally, poor infrastructure, including transportation systems and communication networks, and trade barriers such as tariffs, import quotas, and bureaucratic red tape, also hinder trade among African countries. The high demand for home-made products and liberalization of trade are not major factors contributing to the low level of trade among African countries.

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An inselberg is a residual hill with steep sides and usually exposed by denudation. It is a geological landform that stands out conspicuously above the surrounding plain due to its resistance to erosion. Inselbergs are typically composed of hard rocks such as granite, and they are often found in arid or semi-arid regions where weathering is minimal. Therefore, the correct option is: "a residual hill with steep sides and usually exposed by denudation."

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The mode of transport that is best suited for the distribution of petroleum products is pipeline. Pipelines are specifically designed for the transportation of liquids and gases over long distances, making it an efficient means of transporting petroleum products. It is cost-effective, safe, and minimizes the risk of accidents and environmental pollution. Additionally, pipelines require minimal maintenance, have a high capacity for transport, and reduce the cost of transportation compared to other modes of transport like road, water, or rail. Therefore, pipelines are the most preferred mode of transport for the distribution of petroleum products.

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Heavy manufacturing industries are characterized by their dependence on electricity-powered equipment. These industries typically produce goods such as machinery, vehicles, and heavy equipment in large quantities. Due to the size and complexity of the machinery required, heavy manufacturing industries typically require a large amount of space for their workshops and factories. Additionally, heavy manufacturing industries often employ a significant number of workers, many of whom are specialized and highly skilled in their trade. Overall, heavy manufacturing industries tend to be capital-intensive and require significant investment in machinery and equipment.

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The ultimate source of energy in the biosphere is the sun. The sun emits electromagnetic radiation, including visible light, which is used by plants in the process of photosynthesis to produce organic compounds that store energy. These organic compounds are consumed by other organisms, transferring energy through the food chain. Therefore, without the sun, there would be no energy available for life to exist on Earth.

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Chalk is a good example of an organically formed sedimentary rock. It is made up of the microscopic skeletons of marine plankton that lived millions of years ago. These skeletons settled on the ocean floor and over time, were compacted and cemented together to form the soft, white rock that we know as chalk. The process of formation of chalk is an example of biological sedimentation. Chalk is often found in areas that were once covered by shallow seas, such as the White Cliffs of Dover in England.

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The combination of sial and sima constitute the lithosphere. Sial is the upper layer of the Earth's crust, which is composed of lighter rocks such as granite, while sima is the lower layer composed of heavier rocks such as basalt. The lithosphere is the solid, outermost layer of the Earth, which includes both the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle. It is the rigid layer upon which the Earth's tectonic plates move and interact with each other, causing earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and the formation of mountains.

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The country that is not a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is Cameroun. ECOWAS is a regional organization of West African countries that was established to promote economic integration among its member states. It was founded in 1975 and currently has 15 member states, including Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. However, Cameroon is not a West African country, and therefore, it is not a member of ECOWAS.

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The feature found in the upper course of a river is a gorge. This is a narrow and steep-sided valley that is usually formed as a result of erosion by fast-flowing water over a long period of time. The river in the upper course has a high gradient, and the water flows with greater force and velocity, thus eroding the rock and soil more efficiently. The rocks in the upper course of a river are typically harder, and the river may have to cut through them, forming a narrow and steep-sided valley known as a gorge. Gorges are often characterized by vertical cliffs or near-vertical cliffs, and they may have rapids and waterfalls where the river's gradient is steeper.

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Coal is the type of rock that is a source of energy. Coal is a sedimentary rock that is formed from the accumulation of plant material over millions of years. When coal is burned, it releases energy in the form of heat and is used as a fuel for various purposes such as electricity generation, heating, and cooking. Coal is one of the most widely used sources of energy in the world and plays an important role in many economies.

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Abrasion, attrition, and deflation are processes of wind erosion. Abrasion is the process by which wind carries small rock particles that strike and scrape against rocks, breaking them apart. Attrition is the process by which these small rock particles collide with each other, breaking into even smaller particles. Deflation is the process by which wind removes and carries away loose particles, such as sand or dust, leaving behind a surface that is more compact and solid. Together, these processes can erode and shape landscapes in arid regions with little vegetation cover, such as deserts.

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Fold mountains are formed as a result of compressional forces. When two tectonic plates collide, the rock layers between them are pushed together and forced upward, causing the crust to fold and buckle. This process is known as orogeny and it results in the formation of fold mountains, such as the Himalayas, the Alps, and the Andes. The compressional forces can also cause the rocks to fracture and fault, leading to the formation of thrust faults and overthrusts. Over millions of years, erosion can wear down the mountains, but the forces that created them can still be seen in their folded and faulted rock layers.

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Among the four options given, Libya is the leading producer of petroleum. Libya is a country located in North Africa, with significant reserves of crude oil, making it one of the top oil producers in Africa and the world. Oil and gas production is the backbone of Libya's economy, accounting for over 90% of export earnings and more than 60% of its GDP. In recent years, Libya has consistently ranked among the top 20 oil-producing countries in the world, with an estimated 48 billion barrels of proven reserves. Therefore, Libya is the correct answer to the question.

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Flooding can be prevented by planning towns and cities in such a way that they take into account the possibility of flooding. This can involve building structures on higher ground, creating designated flood plains, and ensuring that drainage systems are properly designed and maintained. Dumping refuse in drainage channels can actually exacerbate flooding by clogging up the system, while building houses and roads in flood plains can put people and property at risk. Building strong fences around buildings does not directly prevent flooding, although it may provide some protection from the effects of flooding such as debris carried by the flood waters.

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The warm ocean current is the Mozambique current. It flows southwards along the southeastern coast of Africa, originating from the equatorial counter-current in the Indian Ocean. This current brings warm water from the tropics towards the poles, influencing the climate and weather patterns of the areas it passes through. The other options listed are all cold ocean currents, which flow from polar regions towards the equator, carrying cold water with them.

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An aquifer is a water-bearing rock layer that can store and transmit groundwater. It is usually found between two layers of impermeable rock that prevent the water from seeping out. The permeable rock can be sandstone, limestone, or other types of rock that allow water to flow through their pores and spaces. Aquifers are important sources of water for wells and springs, and they can be replenished by precipitation and surface water that percolates down into the ground.

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The statement that is not true of Cool Temperature Western Margin Climate is "summer rainfall and water drought". This is because this type of climate has a high and relatively evenly distributed rainfall throughout the year, with no distinct dry season. The other options are true. The mean annual temperature is between 5°C and 16°C, with an annual temperature range of 13°C. The summers are moderately warm and the winters are fairly mild.

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(i) The Canary Islands are located off the northwest coast of Africa, near the western Sahara desert. Madagascar Island is situated off the southeast coast of Africa, in the Indian Ocean.

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(b) (i) The type of vegetation associated with the Tropical Continental Climate is savanna vegetation, also known as tropical grassland.

(ii) Savanna vegetation has adapted to the climatic characteristics of the Tropical Continental Climate in several ways. First, many plants in savannas have deep root systems to access groundwater during the dry season, helping them survive prolonged periods of drought. Second, savanna plants often have thick bark or waxy coatings on leaves to minimize water loss through transpiration. These adaptations help them conserve water in hot and dry conditions. Third, some savanna plants, such as acacias, have evolved thorns or toxins to deter herbivores, which are abundant in these open landscapes. This serves as a defense mechanism to protect against browsing animals. Fourth, savanna vegetation has developed mechanisms for rapid growth and reproduction during the brief rainy season, allowing them to take advantage of the limited period of favorable conditions for growth and seed dispersal. These adaptations collectively enable savanna vegetation to thrive in the challenging climatic conditions of the Tropical Continental Climate.

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