WAEC SSCE - Geography - 1995

A slender, downward growing pinnacle that hangs from a cave roof is a

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A slender, downward growing pinnacle that hangs from a cave roof is called a "stalactite". Stalactites are formed by the deposition of calcium carbonate and other minerals that are left behind by water droplets that fall from the ceiling of a cave. As the water evaporates, it leaves behind tiny amounts of minerals that slowly build up over time, forming the long, slender structures that we call stalactites.

The ancient Greeks classified the climates of the world into

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An active volcano is one that

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An active volcano is a volcano that erupts periodically or has erupted recently. It is different from a dormant volcano, which is not currently erupting but has the potential to erupt in the future, and an extinct volcano, which has not erupted for a long time and is not expected to erupt again. Active volcanoes are constantly monitored by scientists to detect any signs of activity that could indicate an imminent eruption. Some active volcanoes erupt regularly, while others have irregular eruptions. Eruptions can vary in intensity, and some active volcanoes can be very destructive, causing damage to the surrounding area and endangering the lives of people living nearby.

The principal agents in soil erosion are

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Soil erosion is the process by which soil is moved from one place to another by agents such as water, wind, and waves. However, the principal agents in soil erosion are water and wind. Water erosion occurs when rainfall, runoff, and floodwater move soil particles, while wind erosion occurs when wind moves soil particles, especially in arid and semi-arid regions.

A Great Circle can be described as

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Which of the following represents the correct sequence in which denudation occurs?

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The correct sequence in which denudation occurs is: Weathering → Erosion → Deposition. Denudation refers to the process of wearing down and stripping away rocks and soil from the Earth's surface. It includes various natural processes such as weathering, erosion, and deposition. Weathering is the first step in denudation, where rocks are broken down into smaller pieces due to physical, chemical, or biological means. These small pieces of rocks are then transported by erosion, which is the second step, to different locations through agents like water, wind, and ice. Finally, deposition, which is the third step, occurs when the eroded rock particles are deposited or laid down in new locations. This can occur when the agents of erosion lose their energy and can no longer transport the rock particles, or when the particles settle in a body of water or other location. Therefore, the correct sequence in which denudation occurs is Weathering → Erosion → Deposition.

The density of the upper part of the lithosphere is

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The density of the upper part of the lithosphere is around 2.7 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³). The lithosphere is the solid, outermost shell of the Earth that consists of the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle. The density of the lithosphere varies depending on the composition and thickness of the rock layers that make up the crust and upper mantle. The upper part of the lithosphere, which includes the crust and the uppermost mantle, is composed of lighter rocks, such as granite and basalt, that have a lower density than the rocks found deeper in the mantle. This gives the upper part of the lithosphere a lower overall density of around 2.7 g/cm³.

The commentary of a football match which started at 1600 hours GMT in a town P (45⁰W) was heard in town Q at 2200 hours GMT. What is the longitude of Q

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Which of the following lakes is not found in the East African Rift Valley?

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Which of the following is not a major problem of economic development in developing countries? Inadequate

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The option that is not a major problem of economic development in developing countries is "natural resources". Natural resources, such as oil, minerals, and agricultural products, are often considered an advantage for developing countries. The major problems of economic development in developing countries include inadequate capital, technical know-how, transportation facilities, and infrastructure. Inadequate capital refers to the lack of investment and financial resources needed to support economic growth and development. Technical know-how refers to the lack of knowledge and expertise in areas such as science, technology, and engineering, which can hinder the development of industries and new technologies. Transportation facilities refer to the lack of adequate transportation infrastructure, such as roads, railways, and ports, which can limit trade and economic growth. Infrastructure refers to the lack of basic public services, such as water supply, sanitation, and healthcare, which can impact the quality of life and productivity of the workforce.

All the following are examples of heavy industries except

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Furniture making is an example of light industry and not heavy industry. Heavy industry involves the production of large-scale machinery, equipment, and materials such as iron and steel, aluminium, ship building, and petroleum refining. Furniture making, on the other hand, is considered a light industry because it involves the production of relatively small and lightweight products such as chairs, tables, and cabinets. Therefore, the correct answer is "furniture making".

Jos has a heavier rainfall than the other towns on the same latitude in Nigeria because it

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Jos has a heavier rainfall than the other towns on the same latitude in Nigeria because it is located on the windward side of a plateau. Windward side is the direction from which the wind is blowing and is characterized by upward movement of air, cooling, and condensation of moisture leading to rainfall. Jos is located on the Jos Plateau, which is a highland area with an elevation of about 1,200 meters above sea level. The plateau rises above the surrounding lowlands, and as the moist air from the south passes over the plateau, it is forced to rise, cool, and condense, resulting in rainfall. Thus, Jos receives more rainfall than other towns on the same latitude in Nigeria due to its location on the windward side of a plateau.

The water in which is thrown against the beach by a breaking wave is called

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The axis of the earth is inclined to the plane of the ecliptic at an angle of

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All the following are major pollutants of the environment except

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The major pollutants of the environment are substances that contaminate the air, water, and soil and can harm living organisms. Out of the options listed, "domestic cooking" is not a major pollutant of the environment. While burning fossil fuels during cooking can emit pollutants like carbon monoxide and particulate matter, the scale of these emissions is relatively small compared to the other options listed. The other options, including flaring of gas in oil wells, oil spillage, industrial waste products, and combustion from vehicles, can release large amounts of harmful pollutants into the environment. Flaring of gas in oil wells releases greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane, while oil spillage can contaminate waterways and harm wildlife. Industrial waste products can contain hazardous chemicals and heavy metals, while vehicle combustion emits pollutants like nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. All of these can cause significant harm to the environment and human health.

The relationship between organisms in the ecosystem implies that the components

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The relationship between organisms in the ecosystem implies that the components are interdependent. This means that living things in an ecosystem rely on each other for survival. For example, plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce food through photosynthesis, and in turn, they release oxygen into the atmosphere which animals need to breathe. Animals also eat plants and other animals for food, and their waste products can provide nutrients for plants to grow. This interdependence creates a delicate balance in the ecosystem, and any changes to one component can have ripple effects on the entire system.

The seasonal variation in the volume of water in a river is known as its

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The seasonal variation in the volume of water in a river is known as its regime. A river's regime can vary depending on the climate and topography of the region it flows through. In areas with distinct wet and dry seasons, the river's flow will be higher during the rainy season and lower during the dry season. This can be due to increased rainfall and runoff during the wet season or reduced groundwater recharge during the dry season. Understanding a river's regime is important for managing water resources, as it can impact activities such as irrigation, hydropower generation, and transportation. Therefore, the correct option is: regime.

Heavy rainfall favours the formation of acid soils because it

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Heavy rainfall can favour the formation of acid soils because it causes more leaching of base elements from the soil. As rainwater percolates through the soil, it dissolves and carries away minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium, which are essential for soil pH buffering. When these base elements are leached out of the soil, the soil pH becomes more acidic. In contrast, in areas with low rainfall, the base elements may accumulate in the soil, buffering the pH and preventing soil acidification. Therefore, heavy rainfall can contribute to the development of acidic soils.

The satellite of the earth is

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The satellite of the earth is the Moon. A satellite is an object that orbits around a larger object, and in this case, the Moon orbits around the Earth. The Moon is our closest neighbor in space, and it takes about 27.3 days to orbit around the Earth. The Moon is also the fifth-largest moon in the solar system and the largest relative to its host planet. It plays an important role in our daily lives, causing tides in the ocean and influencing our planet's rotation.

Igneous rocks contain

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Igneous rocks contain crystals. When magma or lava cools and solidifies, it forms igneous rocks. The cooling process allows minerals to crystallize, which gives igneous rocks their characteristic texture. The type and size of the crystals depend on the rate of cooling and the composition of the magma or lava. Since igneous rocks are formed from molten material deep within the Earth or on its surface, they do not contain humus, fossils, strata, or polyps.

The term watershed refers to the

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Which of the following is the characteristic pattern of rural settlements in the Western Highlands of Nigeria?

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Yardangs are best described as

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On September 23, all towns in the northern hemisphere experience

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On September 23, all towns in the northern hemisphere experience equal length of day and night. This is because September 23 marks the autumnal equinox, which is one of two days in a year when the tilt of the Earth's axis is neither towards nor away from the sun. This means that the duration of daylight and darkness is almost equal across the entire planet, giving an equal length of day and night in most parts of the world, including the northern hemisphere.

Which of the following is not a characteristic of the tropical desert climate?

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The tropical desert climate is characterized by very low annual rainfall, resulting in arid conditions. The high temperatures and low humidity in this climate result in cloudless skies and frequent dust haze. The very high diurnal range of temperature (i.e. the difference between the day and night temperatures) is also a common feature of the tropical desert climate. However, a very low annual range of temperature is not a characteristic of this climate. In fact, temperatures in tropical deserts can vary widely throughout the year, with hot days and cool nights. Therefore, the correct option is: Very low annual range of temperature.

Jebba,Lokoja and Onitsha are examples of

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Jebba, Lokoja, and Onitsha are examples of river ports. A river port is a location on a river that is designated for the loading and unloading of ships and other watercraft. These ports are established in areas where a river is deep enough to allow large vessels to dock and unload their goods. River ports serve as important transportation and trade hubs, connecting inland regions to larger bodies of water and facilitating the movement of goods to different parts of the country or even across international borders.

A spring is an outlet for

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A spring is an outlet for underground water. This means that water from underground aquifers or groundwater systems flows up to the surface through a spring. When water from rain, snow or other forms of precipitation seeps into the ground, it collects in underground rock formations or porous soil layers. These underground water reserves are also known as aquifers. When the pressure from the water in the aquifer becomes greater than the pressure holding the water down, the water flows up to the surface through a spring. Springs can be found in various geological settings, but they are most commonly associated with underground water systems. Therefore, a spring is not an outlet for rivers, streams in Karst regions, rain water in limestone regions, or volcanic lakes.

Local farmers determine the change in fertility of any tropical soil through the

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Oak and cedar are good examples of commercial trees common in the

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Neither oak nor cedar are typically found in equatorial, tundra, or desert vegetation due to unsuitable climate conditions. Oak and cedar are commonly found in Mediterranean vegetation, which is characterized by mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers.

Crater lakes are most likely to occur in

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Crater lakes are most likely to occur in regions of extinct volcanoes. These are the areas where the volcanoes have stopped erupting and have become dormant or extinct. Crater lakes are formed when the crater or caldera of a volcano fills with water. The water in the crater lake may come from precipitation, groundwater, or from streams and rivers that flow into the crater. The water in the crater lake is often deep and clear, with a blue or green tint due to the minerals and other substances that are dissolved in it. Crater lakes are important features of the landscape and can provide habitats for a variety of plant and animal species. They are also popular tourist destinations and are often surrounded by scenic views of mountains and other natural features.

Which of the following is a features of erosion in arid regions?

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A feature of erosion in arid regions is Yardang. Yardangs are elongated, streamlined ridges with steep sides that are aligned with the prevailing wind direction. They are formed by wind erosion of soft rocks, such as sandstone and shale, and are typically found in desert landscapes where there is little vegetation to stabilize the soil. The wind erodes the rock surface, creating a streamlined shape, while the harder rocks that are more resistant to erosion are left standing as ridges. Yardangs can range in size from a few meters to several kilometers long, and they are often found in clusters or fields. They are an important feature of arid landscapes, and they provide valuable information about past climates and the geological history of an area.

Settlements can be classified according to all the following except

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Which of the following vegetation belts in Africa is usually associated with the tropical continental climate?

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The vegetation belt in Africa that is usually associated with the tropical continental climate is the Sudan Savanna. The tropical continental climate is characterized by high temperatures and low rainfall, with most of the precipitation occurring in the summer months. The Sudan Savanna is a vegetation belt that is found in the region of Africa where this type of climate prevails. The Sudan Savanna is a transitional zone between the Sahara Desert to the north and the Guinea Savanna to the south. It is characterized by grasses, scattered trees, and shrubs. During the dry season, the vegetation becomes brown and dry, but during the rainy season, it becomes lush and green. The Guinea Savanna and the Tropical Rainforest are associated with higher amounts of rainfall compared to the Sudan Savanna, while the Tropical Monsoon Forest is associated with a climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. The Tropical Desert, on the other hand, is associated with a very low amount of rainfall. Therefore, the correct answer is the Sudan Savanna.

Lacustrine plains are formed

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Lacustrine plains are formed on the bed of an old lake. A lake is a body of water surrounded by land, and over time, sediments can accumulate at the bottom of the lake. When the lake dries up or drains, the sedimentary deposits left behind form a flat plain. These plains can be found in various parts of the world, and they can be quite extensive. The sedimentary deposits can include a range of materials, such as clay, sand, and silt, which can have economic value. In addition to their economic importance, lacustrine plains can also be ecologically valuable, providing habitat for a variety of plants and animals. Therefore, the correct option is: on the bed of an old lake.

Which of the following statements about Jupiter is not true? It

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The statement "is the next planet to the Earth" is not true. Jupiter is not the next planet to Earth. In fact, it is the fifth planet from the sun and is located after Mars and before Saturn.

The word shore is best described as the zone

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The word "shore" is best described as the zone between high and low water levels at the coast. This zone is called the intertidal zone or littoral zone. It is the area that is exposed to air at low tide and covered by water at high tide. The intertidal zone is a unique habitat with a diverse array of organisms, such as crabs, snails, and seaweeds, that have adapted to the constantly changing environment. The shore, or intertidal zone, is an important ecosystem that supports a variety of marine life and is also a popular recreational area for activities such as swimming, fishing, and beachcombing.

Which of the following planets has the longest orbit around the sun?

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Neptune has the longest orbit around the sun compared to the other planets listed. This is because Neptune is the eighth planet from the sun and is located the farthest from the sun, at an average distance of about 2.8 billion miles (4.5 billion kilometers). It takes Neptune about 164.8 Earth years to complete one orbit around the sun. In contrast, Jupiter, the largest planet in the solar system, has an average distance from the sun of about 484 million miles (778 million kilometers) and takes only about 11.9 Earth years to complete one orbit around the sun.

The important area for lumbering in Nigeria is found in the

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The important area for lumbering in Nigeria is the Ibadan-Benin-Port Harcourt region. Lumbering is the process of cutting and processing trees into logs, planks, and other forms that can be used for construction and other purposes. The Ibadan-Benin-Port Harcourt region is located in the southern part of Nigeria and is known for its large forest reserves which contain valuable timber species like mahogany, teak, and ebony. The region also has a favorable climate for tree growth and is well-suited for lumbering activities.

Grit is a good example of

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Grit is a good example of mechanically formed sedimentary rock. Mechanically formed sedimentary rocks are formed by the accumulation and consolidation of sediment, which is produced by the weathering and erosion of pre-existing rocks. Grit specifically is a type of sedimentary rock that is made up of sand-sized particles of quartz and other minerals, which have been transported by wind or water and deposited in layers. Over time, these layers become compacted and cemented together to form solid rock. Therefore, grit is not formed by volcanic activity, organic processes, or metamorphic processes.

Soil erosion leads to all the following except the

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Soil erosion is a major problem that occurs when topsoil is washed away or blown off, leading to the loss of valuable soil nutrients, decreased soil fertility, and loss of cultivable land. The consequences of soil erosion also include increased water pollution, decreased water reservoirs, and the aggravation of drought conditions. Therefore, it is evident that soil erosion does not increase the yield per hectare; rather, it leads to a decrease in crop yield due to the loss of nutrients and soil fertility.

When two separate towns grow and merge into, the one new settlement formed is called a

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When two separate towns grow and expand to the point where they merge together, they form a new settlement that is called a conurbation. A conurbation is a large urban area comprising several towns or cities that have grown together and become one continuous built-up area. This often happens as a result of urbanization, where people migrate from rural areas to urban centers in search of better economic opportunities and a higher standard of living. As more and more people move into these urban areas, the separate towns begin to grow and expand until they eventually merge into one large conurbation.

The largest irrigation scheme in Africa is served by the

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Which of the following feature is not associated with coastal erosion?

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The feature that is not associated with coastal erosion is the marine dune. Coastal erosion is a natural process that occurs along the coastlines due to the impact of waves and other coastal processes. The other four features mentioned in the options are all associated with coastal erosion. A wave-cut platform is a flat, rocky surface formed by the erosion of coastal cliffs by waves. A stack is a tall, vertical column of rock that stands in the sea near a coastline. A geo is a narrow inlet or cove between steep cliffs, created by coastal erosion. A bay is a broad inlet of the sea where the land curves inward, usually with a beach or a small port. However, a marine dune is not associated with coastal erosion, as it is a feature that forms on sandy beaches and dunes due to the accumulation of sand by the action of wind.

Africa is threatened today by serious soil erosion because the

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The predominant action at the upper course of a river is

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The predominant action at the upper course of a river is corrosion. This is because the upper course of a river is characterized by steep gradients and high velocity, which leads to the erosion of the riverbed and banks. The force of the water cuts into the rock and soil, wearing it away over time. This process is known as corrosion or hydraulic action. The erosion caused by corrosion leads to the formation of steep-sided V-shaped valleys and gorges in the upper course of a river. The erosion also causes the river to deepen and widen its channel, increasing its capacity to carry water and sediment downstream. As the river flows downstream, transportation and deposition become more dominant processes.

All the following are ways in which rivers are useful to man except the

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The effect of humus in the soil is make the soil

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Humus in the soil helps to retain more moisture, which is important for plant growth. It acts like a sponge, holding onto water and releasing it slowly so that plants can access it over time. Humus also improves soil structure and texture, making it easier for roots to penetrate and access nutrients. It does not make the soil sparkle or very soft, nor does it make it hard.

(a) Explain any five functions which urban centres perform for rural areas

(b) What four problems may limit the performance of the functions identified in (a) above 
 

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None

 (a) (i) Draw a well labelled diagram to show the internal structure of the earth
(ii) Describe the distinguishing characteristics of any one of the layers shown in your diagram

(b) Outline the importance of either the hydrosphere or the biosphere to man 
 

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None

(a) Market gardening is predominantly practised around major urban areas

(b) Lumbering is practised mainly in the high forest belt

(c) Rice is cultivated in large quantity in the Middle Belt

(d) Cattle rearing is important in the Sudan Savanna Belt. 
 

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None

(a) On an outline map of Nigeria, locate and name
(i) an inland drainage basin
(ii) a delta
(iii) a man-made lake
(iv) a confluence town

(b) In what four ways can physical factors limit the use of rivers for transportation in Nigeria?

(c) How can these limitations be overcome? 
 

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None

(a) Draw a sketch map of Africa and on it, show and name
(i) the Fouta Mallon Highlands and the Cameroun Highlands
(ii) one important river that takes its source from each highland
(iii) one important inland drainage basin
(iv) one artificial lake (v) one lagoon coast

(b) Highlight three ways in which river basins are important to the economy of Africa

(c) Describe any three major characteristics of the coastline of Africa 
 

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None

(a) Highlight the distinguishing characteristics of the natural vegetation associated with either the cool temperate (eastern margin type) or the tropical continental climate

(b) Explain the sectors that have aided the occurrence of the vegetation type in the area you have selected. 

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None

(a) On an outline map of Nigeria, locate and name the; 
(i) North-Central Highlands, Western Highlands, Adamawa Highlands and Udi Hills
(ii) Rivers Sokoto, Gongola, Oshun and Anambra

(b) Describe four ways in which the North-Central Highlands are of economic importance

(c) Highlight any four problems limiting the economic development of the region 
 

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None

(a)(i) Name the three climatic belts recognised by the Greek system of classification
(ii) What is the basis of this classification?

(b) State one characteristic of each of the recognised belts

(c) What three advantages has the Koppen's classification over the Greek system? 
 

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None

(a) Explain any five factors that should be considered in the location of a cement factory

(b) Describe any three problems facing cement factories in Tropical Africa
 

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None

(a) Account for the inter-dependence in trade between Nigeria and Britain

(b) What four factors may limit this trade?

(c) State three ways by which the trade between the two countries can be improved  
 

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None

(a) Draw an outline map of Nigeria and on it, show and name
(i) the savanna belts and one important town in each of the belts

(b) Highlight three vegetation characteristics of any one of the savanna belts shown on your map

(c) Describe the relationship between vegetation and rainfall in the savanna belts. Give reasons for any three of the following in Nigeria 
 

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None

(a) On an outline map of Nigeria locate and name:
(i) the Eastern Highlands, Eastern Scarp lands and Chad Basin
(ii) one important river in each region
(iii) one important town in each region

(b) Describe the Eastern Highlands under the following headings:
(i) population and settlement
(ii) natural resources
(iii) economic activities. 
 

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None

(a) Highlight the economic importance of oceans to man, giving specific examples

(b) Select any one warm current in the North Atlantic Ocean and describe the factors responsible for its movement
 

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None

Describe how each of the following factors affects the climate of Africa

(a) Latitude (b) Ocean currents (c) Distance from the sea 

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None

(a) Describe five causes of flooding

(b) In what four ways can flooding be controlled?

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None

(a) Describe any four factors which have favoured the development of plantation agriculture in East Africa

(b) State any four ways in which plantation agriculture is important to the economy of the region

(c) Outline any four problems facing this system of agriculture in the region 

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None

(a) Explain four ways in which a fall in birth rate can be beneficial to a country

(b) What four problems can arise from a fall in the birth rate of a country?

(c) In what four ways can the birth rate of such a country be increased?
 

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None

(a) Draw an outline map of West Africa and on it show and name:
(i) any three member countries of the ECOWAS
(ii) the capitals of the countries shown

(b) Outline any three objectives of the ECOWAS

(c) Explain three factors that have limited the full attainment of these objectives 
 

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None

(a) In what fours ways is water transportation important in international trade?

(b) Highlight four limitations of water transpiration

(c) How can these limitations be overcome? 
 

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None

(a) Describe the significance of minerals as an environmental resource

(b) Highlight three major problems resulting from the exploitation of mineral resources 

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None

(a) On a sketch map of Africa, show and name:
(i) two areas important for a named fuel mineral, each in a different country
(ii) two areas important for a named metallic mineral, each in a different country
(iii) one major town in each area

(b) Highlight any fours problems facing mining in Africa

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None