WAEC SSCE - Geography - 2005

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Soil erosion is the process of soil movement by water or wind. It is a serious problem in agriculture because it can lead to reduced soil fertility and crop yields. Out of the four options given, three of them can lead to soil erosion. Ploughing of land up and down slope can cause soil erosion because it allows water to flow down the slope, carrying soil with it. Persistent cultivation of crops in regions of inadequate rainfall can also cause soil erosion because the lack of rainfall means there is less vegetation to protect the soil from being washed away by water or blown away by wind. Over-cropping can lead to soil erosion because it means the soil is being used continuously without being given enough time to rest or recover. This can result in the soil becoming depleted of nutrients and more susceptible to erosion. However, mixed cropping can actually help to prevent soil erosion. By planting different crops together, it can create a more diverse and complex root system which helps to hold the soil in place and reduce the risk of erosion. Additionally, mixed cropping can also help to reduce the need for pesticides and fertilizers, which can also have negative impacts on the soil. In conclusion, options 1, 2, and 3 can lead to soil erosion while (mixed cropping) can help to prevent it.

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When a warm ocean current meets a cold ocean current, they produce fog. This happens because the warm air above the warm ocean current rises and cools as it meets the cold air above the cold ocean current. This cooling causes the moisture in the warm air to condense into tiny water droplets, which form a mist or fog. The temperature difference between the warm and cold currents also creates a zone of instability in the atmosphere, which can lead to other weather phenomena like storms or squalls, but not hail.

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The correct sequence in a food chain is: plants -> herbivores -> carnivores -> decomposers. Plants are at the bottom of the food chain because they are producers that convert energy from the sun into food through photosynthesis. Herbivores, such as cows or deer, eat the plants to obtain energy and nutrients. Carnivores, such as lions or eagles, eat the herbivores to obtain energy and nutrients. Finally, decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, break down the dead bodies of plants and animals, returning nutrients to the soil so that plants can grow again. This sequence of plants -> herbivores -> carnivores -> decomposers is called a food chain. Each level of the food chain is called a trophic level. The higher up the trophic levels you go, the fewer organisms there are because energy is lost at each level due to respiration, waste production, and other factors. In summary, the correct sequence in a food chain is: plants -> herbivores -> carnivores -> decomposers, with each level being a trophic level that is characterized by a specific group of organisms that obtain energy and nutrients from the previous level.

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Latitude is a geographic coordinate that specifies the north-south position of a point on the Earth's surface. The equator is an imaginary line that circles the Earth at 0° latitude, dividing the Earth into the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere. Therefore, if a town is located at latitude 14°N, it means that it is located 14 degrees north of the equator. To determine the distance of the town from the equator, we need to know how many kilometers correspond to one degree of latitude. The Earth's circumference is approximately 40,000 kilometers, and it is divided into 360 degrees of longitude (east-west) and latitude (north-south). Therefore, the distance corresponding to one degree of latitude can be approximated by dividing the Earth's circumference by 360 degrees. Distance per degree of latitude = 40,000 km / 360 = 111.11 km/degree To find the distance of the town located at 14°N from the equator, we can simply multiply the distance per degree of latitude by the latitude of the town: Distance from equator = 111.11 km/degree * 14 degrees = 1,555 km Therefore, the answer is: 1555 km.

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The distance of planet Mercury from the sun is about 57 million kilometers (km). Mercury is the planet closest to the sun in our solar system, and its distance from the sun varies depending on its position in its orbit. At its closest approach to the sun (perihelion), Mercury is about 46 million km away, while at its farthest point (aphelion), it is about 70 million km away. On average, Mercury is about 57 million km away from the sun.

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The vegetation type associated with the sub-equatorial type of climate is the rainforest. The sub-equatorial climate is characterized by high temperatures, high humidity, and heavy rainfall throughout the year. These conditions are ideal for the growth and development of lush, dense vegetation, such as the tall trees, vines, and shrubs found in tropical rainforests. Rainforests are home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, and they play a crucial role in maintaining the Earth's biodiversity and regulating the planet's climate. Therefore, the rainforest is the vegetation type that is most closely associated with the sub-equatorial climate.

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Rural-urban migration is the movement of people from rural areas to urban areas in search of better living conditions and opportunities. One effect of rural-urban migration on the source region is rural depopulation. This means that people are leaving the rural areas, causing a decrease in the population. As a result, there will be a decrease in the demand for goods and services, which may lead to a decline in the economy of the rural areas. The decrease in population also means that there will be a decrease in the workforce, which may affect the productivity and development of the rural areas. Additionally, rural depopulation may lead to a decrease in the social and cultural values of the area as the younger generations migrate to urban areas in search of better opportunities.

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The vegetation type that is found only in the Northern hemisphere is the Tundra. Tundra is a type of biome that is found in areas with very low temperatures, usually in the Arctic regions. It is characterized by very cold winters, short summers, and a layer of permafrost (permanently frozen soil) underneath the ground. The vegetation in the tundra is usually made up of low-growing shrubs, mosses, and lichens, since the cold temperatures and permafrost make it difficult for larger plants to grow. On the other hand, tropical grasslands and equatorial forests are found in tropical regions, both in the Northern and Southern hemispheres. Mediterranean vegetation, also known as scrubland or chaparral, is found in areas with a Mediterranean climate, which can be found in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres.

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A demerit of low population density is inadequate labor force. Low population density means there are fewer people in a given area, which can lead to a shortage of skilled workers for businesses and industries that may be located in the area. This can lead to a lack of economic development and growth, as businesses may not be able to find the necessary workforce to expand or operate efficiently. In turn, this can limit job opportunities and potentially lead to lower overall incomes for residents.

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The most distant planet from us is Pluto. Pluto used to be considered the ninth planet in our solar system until it was reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006. Pluto is located in the Kuiper Belt, a region of the solar system beyond the orbit of Neptune. Because of its location in the Kuiper Belt, Pluto's distance from Earth varies depending on where it is in its orbit. At its closest approach to Earth, Pluto is still over 2.6 billion miles away. At its farthest point from Earth, Pluto can be as far as 4.67 billion miles away. This makes Pluto the most distant planet (dwarf planet) from us in the solar system.

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The statement describes a warm and dusty weather condition that comes from the Sahara and extends farthest to the south in January. This weather condition is known as the Tropical Continental airmass.

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Heavy rainfalls are often associated with cumulonimbus clouds. Cumulonimbus clouds are large and vertically developed clouds that are capable of producing thunderstorms, heavy rain, hail, and even tornadoes. They form in unstable atmospheric conditions where warm, moist air rises rapidly, cools, and condenses into clouds. The top of the cumulonimbus cloud often has a distinctive anvil shape, which is created by the strong winds at high altitudes that blow the top of the cloud into a flat shape. Heavy rainfall occurs when the warm, moist air within the cumulonimbus cloud rises and cools, causing the water droplets within the cloud to condense into raindrops. As the raindrops become too heavy for the updrafts within the cloud to support, they fall to the ground as heavy rain. Cumulonimbus clouds are often associated with thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds, making them a potentially dangerous weather phenomenon.

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The phenomenon where there is a regular pattern of wind blowing from the sea towards the land during the day, and from the land towards the sea during the night on a large scale (continent-scale) is known as "monsoons". During the day, the land heats up faster than the sea, causing the air above the land to rise and cooler air from the sea to move in, resulting in a sea breeze. At night, the land cools down faster than the sea, causing the air above the sea to rise and cooler air from the land to move in, resulting in a land breeze. This phenomenon is particularly prominent in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, where it causes significant seasonal changes in temperature, humidity, and precipitation. In the summer, the warm, moist air from the Indian Ocean is drawn towards the land, resulting in heavy rainfall and flooding in some regions. In the winter, the cooler, drier air from the land moves towards the Indian Ocean, resulting in dry and clear weather. In conclusion, the phenomenon of regular land and sea breezes on a continental scale is known as "monsoons". Typhoons, fohn, and chinook are different weather-related phenomena that are not related to monsoons.

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A river capture occurs when a river channel diverts its course and begins to flow into a different river system. The diversion can occur due to various factors, such as erosion or tectonic movement. Misfit river refers to a river that does not seem to fit the valley it is flowing through. It may indicate a river capture, as the river has not yet adjusted to its new course. An elbow of capture is a sharp bend in a river that marks the point where the river is actively eroding the headward region of another stream. This is a clear indicator of a river capture in progress. A wind gap is a notch or pass in a mountain ridge that has no surface stream flowing through it. It can be a result of a river capture, where the river erodes the passageway, but subsequently diverts its course, leaving the gap dry. River terraces are flat, bench-like surfaces that occur along river valleys. They are usually formed by the river eroding its channel and leaving the old floodplain behind. While river terraces can occur for various reasons, they are not directly associated with a river capture. Based on the above explanations, options (1) I,III and IV is the correct answer as misfit river, elbow of capture, and wind gap are all features associated with river capture. is incorrect, as river terraces are not directly associated with a river capture. is also incorrect, as river terraces are excluded. Finally, is incorrect, as it excludes misfit river, which can be an important indicator of a river capture in progress.

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A continental shelf is economically important because it is a good fishing ground. Continental shelves are the flat underwater areas that extend from the shoreline into the ocean, and they are relatively shallow compared to the rest of the ocean. These shallow waters support a diverse range of marine life, including fish, crustaceans, and shellfish, which makes them ideal for commercial and recreational fishing activities. Fishing on continental shelves can be a significant source of income for countries with extensive coastlines and a thriving fishing industry. In addition to fishing, continental shelves also contain oil and gas reserves that can be economically valuable.

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Coastal erosion can be prevented by the stabilization of sandy and muddy beaches by coastal vegetation. This is because coastal vegetation, such as plants and trees, help to anchor the soil in place and reduce the impact of waves and tides. This helps to prevent erosion by holding the soil in place and reducing the amount of sediment that is washed away by the water. In addition to stabilizing the soil, coastal vegetation also helps to absorb the energy of waves and tides, reducing their impact on the shoreline. This can help to protect the coast from damage caused by storms and other extreme weather events. In summary, coastal erosion can be prevented by stabilizing sandy and muddy beaches through the planting of coastal vegetation. This helps to anchor the soil in place and reduce the impact of waves and tides, protecting the coast from erosion and damage.

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Hydraulic action is not a process of wind erosion. Wind erosion is a process whereby the wind picks up and carries away loose materials such as sand, silt, and clay from the Earth's surface. The four main processes of wind erosion are abrasion, attrition, deflation, and saltation. Abrasion occurs when the wind carries particles that scrape and scour the Earth's surface, while attrition is the wearing down of particles as they collide with each other or other materials. Deflation occurs when the wind removes loose particles from the Earth's surface, leaving behind a depression or hollow. Saltation is the movement of particles by the wind in a hopping or bouncing motion. Hydraulic action, on the other hand, is a process of water erosion, whereby the force of water breaks down and wears away rocks and other materials. Therefore, hydraulic action is not a process of wind erosion.

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The shape of the ocean floor does not affect the salinity of the oceans. The salinity of seawater is primarily influenced by the amount of dissolved salts in it. The ocean floor, on the other hand, refers to the physical features of the seafloor, including the depth, slope, and shape of the ocean basins. While the shape of the ocean floor can affect ocean currents and their mixing patterns, it does not directly affect the amount of salt in seawater. The other factors listed, such as the rate of evaporation, the degree of water mixing by currents, and the amount of fresh water added by rain, all have a direct impact on the salinity of the oceans.

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Marble, slate, and gneiss are all examples of metamorphic rocks. Metamorphic rocks are formed when existing rocks are subjected to high pressure, heat, and/or chemical changes over long periods of time. Marble is formed from limestone or dolomite that has been exposed to heat and pressure. Slate is formed from shale or mudstone that has undergone intense pressure and heat, causing the minerals to recrystallize into thin layers. Gneiss is formed from pre-existing rocks such as granite, which have undergone high heat and pressure causing the minerals to rearrange into bands. In summary, all three options are examples of metamorphic rocks, which are formed by the alteration of existing rocks due to high pressure, heat, and/or chemical changes over time.

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The biosphere is a term used to describe the portion of the Earth where life exists. It includes all living organisms, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms, as well as their interactions with each other and their environment. Therefore, the correct answer is rocks. Rocks are not living things and do not contribute to the biosphere, although they can provide habitat for living organisms. In summary, the biosphere includes all living organisms and their interactions with the environment, but does not include non-living things such as rocks.

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The instrument used for measuring the speed of wind is called a cup anemometer. A cup anemometer typically consists of three or four cups mounted on a horizontal axis. The cups are designed to catch the wind and spin around the axis. The speed of the cups' rotation is proportional to the speed of the wind, and this rotation is measured and recorded by the anemometer. Cup anemometers are widely used to measure wind speed in a variety of applications, including weather forecasting, aviation, and wind energy production. They are simple to use and provide accurate measurements, making them a valuable tool for those who need to monitor wind conditions.

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Six's thermometer is a type of thermometer that is commonly used to measure the minimum and maximum temperature of a particular location over a period of time. It consists of a U-shaped glass tube that is filled with a special liquid, usually mercury or alcohol, which expands and contracts as the temperature changes. The tube is attached to two separate scales, one on either side, which record the highest and lowest temperature reached during the period of observation. Thus, Six's thermometer provides a simple and reliable way to measure both the minimum and maximum temperature at a given location.

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One of the major characteristics of heavy industries is that they require high capital outlay. Heavy industries are those industries that involve large-scale production and manufacture of heavy goods such as steel, chemicals, and heavy machinery. These industries require a significant amount of capital investment in terms of machinery, infrastructure, and technology to set up and operate. The cost of production is high due to the use of expensive equipment, and the production process is usually capital-intensive. Therefore, heavy industries require substantial financial resources to start and sustain their operations. The need for high capital outlay is one of the main reasons why heavy industries are considered to be critical drivers of economic growth in many countries, as they can stimulate investment and job creation.

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The latitudes which mark the limits of the apparent movement of the overhead sun are the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. The Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn are two imaginary lines located at approximately 23.5 degrees north and south of the equator, respectively. These latitudes mark the farthest points north and south where the sun can appear directly overhead during the year. When the sun appears directly overhead at noon, it casts no shadows, and this happens twice a year in each tropic. These points are also known as the solstices and are used to mark the beginning of summer and winter. The Tropic of Cancer is the northernmost latitude where the sun can appear directly overhead, while the Tropic of Capricorn is the southernmost latitude where the sun can appear directly overhead. The area between these two lines is known as the tropics, and it is characterized by warm temperatures and a high amount of precipitation. The Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn play an important role in determining weather patterns and climate around the world.

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Coastlines washed by cold currents normally have scanty rainfall. This is because cold ocean currents originate from polar regions, where the air is cold and dry. As these currents move towards the equator, they cool the overlying air, which causes any moisture in the air to condense and form clouds. However, since the air is cold and has little moisture to begin with, the resulting rainfall is usually minimal. Therefore, coastlines that are washed by cold ocean currents generally experience low levels of rainfall.

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The Mediterranean type of climate is best suited for fruit growing. This is because this type of climate is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, which creates ideal conditions for the growth and ripening of fruits such as grapes, olives, figs, citrus fruits, and pomegranates. Additionally, the fertile soils found in Mediterranean regions, combined with the long periods of sunshine and relatively low humidity, provide a perfect environment for fruit trees to thrive. While vegetable gardening can also be successful in this type of climate, it requires careful irrigation and soil management due to the lack of rainfall during the summer months. Cattle rearing and rice cultivation, on the other hand, typically require more water and may be more suitable in areas with higher rainfall or more temperate climates.

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A country is said to be landlocked when it does not have any direct access to the sea. This means that the country is surrounded by other countries and does not have any coastline. As a result, it cannot use ports for trading or transportation by sea, and must rely on other countries or modes of transportation, such as roads, railways, or air travel.

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Weathering, erosion, transportation, and deposition are processes of denudation. Denudation is the gradual wearing down of the Earth's surface through the processes of weathering, erosion, transportation, and deposition. Weathering is the breakdown of rocks and minerals at or near the Earth's surface, caused by physical, chemical, and biological processes. Erosion is the removal of weathered material by the action of water, wind, or ice. Transportation is the movement of eroded material by these same agents. Deposition is the settling of this material in a new location. Together, these processes can shape the Earth's surface, creating landforms such as valleys, canyons, and deltas. They can also contribute to the formation of soils and the cycling of nutrients in ecosystems. Denudation is an important geological process that has been shaping the Earth's surface for millions of years.

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The most abundant gas in the Earth's atmosphere is nitrogen. It makes up about 78% of the air we breathe, while oxygen, the gas we need to survive, only makes up about 21%. Argon is present in very small amounts, about 0.93%, and hydrogen is even less common, at less than 0.1%.

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a) 

(i) Gulf of Guinea
(ii) Bight of Bonny
(iii) Latitude 14°N
(iv) Longitude 80°E and 15°E
(v) The country to the western border
(vi) The federal capital territory. 

(b) Nigeria is the most populous country in West Africa and the seventh most populous country in the world. It is located in the western part of the continent, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the south, Benin to the west, Niger to the north, Chad to the northeast, and Cameroon to the east. Nigeria has a total land area of 923,768 square kilometers, making it the 32nd largest country in the world and the third largest in Africa, after Algeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In terms of its location, Nigeria is situated at the crossroads of West and Central Africa, making it a strategic gateway to the rest of the region.

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