WAEC SSCE - Geography - 2006

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The direction of wind is recorded by an instrument called a "wind vane". A wind vane, also known as a weather vane, is a simple device that is typically mounted on a rooftop or tower to measure the direction of the wind. It consists of a flat or curved plate that is balanced on a vertical rod or spindle, with one end of the plate wider than the other. The narrow end of the plate is designed to point into the wind, while the wider end is shaped like an arrow to indicate the wind direction on a compass or other directional scale. Wind vanes are often used in combination with other weather instruments, such as an anemometer for measuring wind speed, to provide a complete picture of atmospheric conditions.

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Wind erosion is a natural process that occurs when wind removes particles from the earth's surface. The movement of wind can cause various landforms to form, such as rock pedestals, zeugens, yardangs, and other features. However, rift valleys are not a feature produced by wind erosion. Rift valleys are formed by the movement of tectonic plates and are commonly found at divergent plate boundaries, where the earth's crust is being pulled apart. The separation of the plates causes the formation of a rift valley, which can create a low-lying area between two highland areas. On the other hand, rock pedestals are created by the selective erosion of softer rock layers, while zeugens are formed by the differential erosion of alternating layers of hard and soft rock. Yardangs, meanwhile, are elongated ridges formed by the wind eroding the softer rock layers around them, leaving the harder rock layers behind. In summary, all the given options except rift valleys are features produced by wind erosion.

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The option that is not a proof to show that the Earth is spherical in shape is "twilight and dawn." Twilight and dawn occur when the sun is just below the horizon, and the Earth's atmosphere refracts or bends the sunlight. This bending of light makes the sun appear higher in the sky than it actually is, creating an illusion that the Earth's surface is flat. However, this phenomenon can occur on any curved surface, not just a sphere. On the other hand, sunrise and sunset, aerial photographs, and lunar eclipses all provide evidence that the Earth is spherical. During a sunrise or sunset, the sun appears to rise or set on the horizon, and the shape of the shadow cast by the Earth on the moon during a lunar eclipse is curved. Aerial photographs of the Earth also reveal its curvature, as the horizon appears to curve away from the observer's viewpoint. These observations provide evidence that the Earth is not flat, but rather, it is curved in shape.

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The description refers to a dispersed settlement. This type of settlement is characterized by houses that are spaced far apart from each other and are often connected by footpaths or roads. In a dispersed settlement, houses are usually located on individual plots of land, rather than being clustered together in a central area like in a nucleated settlement. This type of settlement is commonly found in rural areas where the population density is low, and people prefer to live in a more isolated and quiet environment.

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The farthest planet from the sun in our solar system is Pluto. It is located at an average distance of about 3.7 billion miles (5.9 billion kilometers) from the sun, which is almost 40 times farther away than Earth. Pluto was considered the ninth planet of the solar system until 2006 when it was reclassified as a dwarf planet. Despite its small size, Pluto has a unique place in our solar system due to its location and the mysteries that surround it.

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Limestone is an example of an organically formed sedimentary rock. It is primarily composed of calcium carbonate, which is the skeletal remains of marine organisms such as coral and shells. Over millions of years, the accumulation of these organisms on the ocean floor is compacted and cemented together to form limestone. Limestone can also be formed through chemical precipitation, where minerals in water are deposited in caves and underground formations. It is a versatile rock and can be used for a variety of purposes, including construction, as a source of lime for agriculture, and in the production of cement. Due to its porous nature, limestone can also be a source of groundwater and is often used as a natural filter for drinking water.

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The basin you are describing is called an "artesian basin." An artesian basin is a geological formation where permeable rock, such as sandstone, holds water that is trapped by layers of impermeable rock, such as shale. This water is under pressure because it is confined within the layers of rock, so when a well is drilled into the basin, the water will naturally flow to the surface without the need for a pump. Imagine a water balloon that is squeezed between two flat surfaces. The water inside the balloon is trapped and under pressure, just like the water in an artesian basin. When you poke a hole in the balloon, the water will flow out because of the pressure, just like the water in an artesian well. In summary, an artesian basin is a geological formation where water is trapped between layers of rock and is under pressure, allowing it to flow naturally to the surface without the need for a pump.

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The rock that is used for fuel is called lignite. Lignite is a type of sedimentary rock that is formed from compressed peat. It is brown in color and has a soft texture, which makes it easy to mine. Lignite is used as a fuel because it has a high moisture content and low carbon content, which means it burns easily and produces a lot of heat. Lignite is mainly used to generate electricity in power plants, and it is also used as a fuel in some homes for heating and cooking. So, if you are looking for a rock that is used for fuel, the answer is lignite.

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Metamorphic rocks form when other rocks are changed by heat, pressure, and/or chemical reactions. The process of forming metamorphic rocks is called metamorphism. Heat and pressure can come from deep within the Earth or from the weight of overlying rocks. Chemical reactions can occur when fluids seep through rocks, dissolving and re-depositing minerals. This transformation can occur without melting the original rock, and can lead to the formation of new minerals and the rearrangement of existing ones, creating a new rock with unique characteristics. Tension and folding may play a role in the process of metamorphism, but they are not the primary agents of change.

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Koppen's climatic classification was based on both rainfall and temperature. This classification system divides the world's climates into five main groups based on average monthly temperature and precipitation. The groups are tropical, dry, temperate, continental, and polar. Within each group, there are further subdivisions based on variations in climate patterns. Koppen's classification system is widely used in the fields of geography, ecology, and climatology to study and understand the distribution of different climate types across the world. It is helpful for predicting and studying the impact of climate change on various regions and ecosystems, and for identifying suitable areas for agricultural and economic development.

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Diurnal range of temperature is the difference between the highest and the lowest temperature of a given day. Therefore, to obtain the diurnal range of temperature, we need to subtract the minimum temperature of the day from the maximum temperature of the same day. Option (c) subtracting the minimum temperature of the day from the maximum temperature of the same day, is the correct method to obtain the diurnal range of temperature. This is because it gives us the difference between the maximum and minimum temperature for a given day, which represents the variation in temperature that occurs within a 24-hour period. Options (a) and (b) are incorrect because they involve adding all the temperature readings, which does not give us the range of temperature for a specific day. Option (d) is incorrect because it gives us the range of temperature for a whole month, rather than a specific day. In conclusion, the diurnal range of temperature is obtained by subtracting the minimum temperature of a day from its maximum temperature.

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Xerophytic plants are usually associated with areas of low rainfall. These plants have adapted to survive in arid or semi-arid environments by developing features such as thick stems or leaves, water-storing tissues, and deep root systems to access water reserves. Xerophytic plants are also able to close their stomata (tiny pores on their leaves) during the day to reduce water loss through transpiration. These adaptations allow xerophytic plants to conserve water and thrive in environments with little rainfall.

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The river transports its load through three main processes: solution, suspension, and traction. Plucking is not one of the processes through which a river transports its load. Solution occurs when the river dissolves some of the minerals or rocks in its load into the water, creating a solution that can be transported downstream. Suspension occurs when the river carries small particles, such as silt or clay, in the water, giving the water a cloudy appearance. Traction occurs when the river pushes or rolls large particles, such as boulders or rocks, along the riverbed. Plucking, on the other hand, is a process that occurs in glacial environments, not rivers. It happens when ice freezes onto rocks and then pulls pieces of those rocks away as the glacier moves. So, plucking is not a process through which a river transports its load.

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The north-easterly wind from the Sahara blowing towards the Gulf of Guinea is called the "harmattan". This wind is a dry and dusty trade wind that blows from the Sahara Desert towards the western coast of Africa during the winter months (November to March). The harmattan is characterized by a hazy and dusty atmosphere, and it can cause low visibility and dryness in the affected areas. It is an important weather phenomenon in West Africa, and it has significant impacts on the environment, agriculture, and human health.

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A plunge pool is a feature of waterfalls. When a river falls from a height, the water hits the pool below with great force, causing erosion. Over time, the pool gets deeper, and the rocks at the bottom get smoother. Plunge pools can be dangerous to swim in due to the strong currents and swirling water at the base of the waterfall. However, they can also be beautiful and attract tourists. Many waterfalls are popular tourist attractions because of their plunge pools, which visitors can swim in under the right conditions.

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The greatest problem associated with cattle rearing in West Africa is the presence of tse-tse fly. Tse-tse flies are bloodsucking insects that transmit a parasite causing African animal trypanosomiasis or nagana disease in cattle. This disease reduces the productivity and growth of the animals, resulting in lower milk and meat yields. The presence of tse-tse flies also restricts the areas where cattle can graze, making it difficult for farmers to find suitable grazing land for their herds. This ultimately leads to reduced profits for farmers and hinders the growth of the cattle industry in West Africa.

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The Mediterranean type of climate is best favored for fruit growing. This is because the climate is characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Such conditions are ideal for growing a variety of fruits, including citrus fruits, grapes, olives, and figs. These fruits require long, warm, and dry summers for ripening and cooler, moist winters for growth. Additionally, the soil in the Mediterranean region is fertile and suitable for fruit growing. While other crops such as wheat and cotton can also grow in this climate, fruit growing is the most favored.

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The major benefit of international trade is revenue generation. This means that countries can sell their goods and services to other countries and generate income that can be used for economic growth and development. International trade also creates jobs and stimulates competition, which can lead to lower prices and higher quality products. While there are other potential benefits to international trade, such as the stabilization of prices, the free movement of people across borders, and increased access to essential goods, revenue generation is considered the most significant benefit.

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The major causes of change in population size are births, deaths, and migration. Births increase the population size by adding new individuals to the population. Deaths decrease the population size by removing individuals from the population. Migration can increase or decrease the population size depending on whether people are moving in or out of the area. Overall, population size is influenced by the balance between births, deaths, and migration. If the number of births is greater than the number of deaths and migration, the population will increase. Conversely, if the number of deaths and migration is greater than the number of births, the population will decrease.

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Lava plateaux are not examples of intrusive volcanic features. Intrusive volcanic features are structures that form from magma that cools and solidifies beneath the Earth's surface. Dykes and sills are sheet-like intrusions that form when magma intrudes into existing rock layers and solidifies. Batholiths are large masses of rock that form deep within the Earth's crust from slowly cooling magma chambers. These intrusive features are generally characterized by their coarse-grained texture and slow cooling process, which allows for the formation of large mineral crystals. In contrast, lava plateaux form when lava erupts onto the Earth's surface and spreads out in all directions, creating a flat, elevated area of land. Lava plateaux are extrusive features, which means they form from volcanic activity that occurs on the Earth's surface, rather than beneath it.

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The difference between high tide and low tide is referred to as "tidal range". Tidal range is the vertical distance between the highest water level during high tide and the lowest water level during low tide. It is influenced by various factors, including the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun, the shape and depth of the coastline, and the wind and weather patterns. Understanding tidal range is important for activities such as boating, fishing, and beachcombing, as well as for managing coastal ecosystems and infrastructure.

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The option that is not a contribution of land transport to the economic development of any country is "depopulation of urban centres." Land transport provides many economic benefits to a country, such as generating income and employment opportunities, as well as diffusing ideas and innovations. However, land transport does not contribute to the depopulation of urban centers. In fact, it can have the opposite effect by making it easier for people to travel to and from urban centers, leading to increased population growth. Therefore, the depopulation of urban centers is not a contribution of land transport to the economic development of any country.

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The Equatorial forests of the Amazon basin are generally referred to as the "selvas." The term "selvas" is Spanish for "jungles" or "forests," and it is used to describe the dense tropical rainforests that cover much of the Amazon basin. These forests are characterized by their high levels of biodiversity, with millions of plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else on earth. The Amazon rainforest is also known as the "lungs of the earth" because it produces approximately 20% of the world's oxygen. The Amazon basin spans nine countries in South America, with the largest portion in Brazil.

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The Atlas, Andes, and Himalayas are all examples of fold mountains. However, the Vosges Mountains are not a fold mountain range. Fold mountains are formed when two tectonic plates collide and the crust is crumpled and pushed upward, creating a mountain range. The Atlas, Andes, and Himalayas are all examples of fold mountains because they were formed by the collision of two tectonic plates. The Vosges Mountains, on the other hand, were formed differently. They were created by a combination of volcanic activity and erosion. The Vosges Mountains were once much higher than they are today, but over time, erosion has worn them down. Therefore, the Vosges Mountains are not considered to be a fold mountain range.

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Of the options given, ox-bow lakes are not typically found in the upper course of a river. Ox-bow lakes are formed when a meandering river erodes the outer bank of a bend, causing the river to change course and cut off the meander. The abandoned meander then becomes an ox-bow lake. In the upper course of a river, the landscape is characterized by steep gradients, rough terrain, and rapid erosion. V-shaped valleys, interlocking spurs, and waterfalls are common features in this area. Interlocking spurs are ridges of higher land that protrude into the valley and force the river to wind its way around them. Waterfalls are formed when a river falls from a height, creating a plunge pool at the bottom. V-shaped valleys are created by the erosion of the river channel as it cuts its way down through the landscape.

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Rural settlements can provide urban settlements with agricultural products such as fruits, vegetables, and grains. These products are essential for sustaining the population of urban settlements, as they provide food and raw materials for various industries. Additionally, rural settlements can also provide employment opportunities for individuals in urban settlements who may seek work in agricultural fields. This can help ease the burden of high unemployment rates in urban areas. While rural settlements may not directly provide manufactured goods or ideas and innovations, their provision of agricultural products and employment opportunities can indirectly contribute to the development and growth of urban settlements.

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Continental shelves are important for fishing, the development of harbors, and recreation. However, they are not important for sea piracy. Continental shelves are shallow underwater areas that extend from the shoreline to the edge of the continental slope. They are important for fishing because they are rich in nutrients and support a diverse range of marine life, making them ideal fishing grounds. The development of harbors is also possible on continental shelves because the water is shallow and calm, making it easier for ships to anchor and dock. Additionally, continental shelves are popular destinations for recreation such as diving, snorkeling, and surfing. However, sea piracy is not related to continental shelves. Sea piracy is a criminal act that involves attacking ships on the high seas, and it can happen anywhere in the world's oceans, including areas far from continental shelves. Therefore, continental shelves are not important for sea piracy.

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An area is said to be overpopulated when it has more people than the resources available to support them. This means that the population exceeds the capacity of the land to produce enough food, water, and shelter for everyone. Overpopulation can lead to poverty, malnutrition, disease, and other negative consequences. It is not just about the lack of food or migration, but the inability of the area to support the number of people living there.

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The ports that specialize in receiving goods from ships and then redistributing them to neighboring countries are called "entrepots." These ports act as a middleman between the importing country and the neighboring countries, where the goods are re-exported. They typically have good transportation connections to the neighboring countries, such as road or rail links, to facilitate the movement of goods. Entrepots are also known as "free ports" or "duty-free ports" because they often offer tax breaks and other incentives to encourage trade. They can be found in strategic locations, such as at the crossroads of major shipping lanes or at the junctions of different transportation routes.

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When it comes to transporting perishable goods or items of high unit value like gold or diamonds, the best mode of transportation is air. This is because air transport is the quickest and most efficient means of transport, which helps to ensure that the goods arrive at their destination in a timely manner. In addition, air transport is also the safest means of transport for such valuable or perishable goods, as it provides a high level of security and reduces the risk of theft or damage during transit. The use of specialized cargo planes and temperature-controlled containers also helps to maintain the quality and freshness of perishable goods during transit. On the other hand, while road, rail, and sea transport are suitable for other types of goods, they are not as efficient or secure when it comes to transporting perishable goods or high-value items. Road transport is slower and can be affected by traffic and weather conditions, while rail transport may not provide the necessary security for valuable goods. Sea transport, on the other hand, is slow and can be affected by rough weather conditions, which can lead to delays and damage to goods.

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Zaire (now known as the Democratic Republic of Congo or DRC) is noted for lumbering in Africa. Lumbering, also known as logging, is the process of cutting down trees for commercial use. The DRC has an abundance of forests that cover more than half of the country's land area, and it has one of the largest forest reserves in Africa. The country has an estimated 100 million hectares of forest, which makes up about 10% of the world's tropical forests. The DRC's forests are rich in various species of trees, including hardwoods like mahogany, teak, and ebony. These trees are highly valued for their durability and aesthetic appeal, and they are in high demand in the global market for furniture, flooring, and other high-end products. However, the logging industry in the DRC has faced various challenges due to poor governance, weak regulations, and illegal logging practices. Despite these challenges, logging remains an important economic activity in the DRC, and it contributes significantly to the country's GDP.

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