JAMB UTME - Geography - 2024

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The nearest planet to the Sun is Mercury.

Here's a simple explanation: The Solar System consists of eight major planets, which include Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, arranged in that order from closest to the Sun to farthest. Pluto, once considered the ninth planet, has been reclassified as a "dwarf planet" and is well beyond Neptune.

Mercury, being the closest planet to the Sun, has a very short orbit compared to other planets. It completes one orbit around the Sun in just about 88 Earth days. Because of its proximity to the Sun, Mercury experiences significant temperature variations, extremely hot during the day and very cold at night.

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Sills, dykes, and batholiths are examples of intrusive volcanic landforms. These are geological formations that are created below the Earth's surface from cooled and solidified magma.

Here's a simple explanation of each:

Sills are formed when magma intrudes between pre-existing layers of rock, creating a horizontal or near-horizontal sheet of solid rock. Over time, they cool and solidify, forming a flat or gently undulating body of igneous rock parallel to the layers it intruded.

Dykes occur when magma cuts across pre-existing rock layers, forming a vertical or steeply inclined body of rock. They act as pathways for magma movement and can be seen as wall-like structures that cut through layers of surrounding rock.

Batholiths are massive formations created when large amounts of magma slowly cool and solidify deep beneath the Earth's surface over a long period. These large rock bodies can cover thousands of square kilometers and are often exposed at the surface after extensive erosion.

All of these formations are created through the intrusion of magma into existing rock. As a result, they are classified as intrusive volcanic landforms, due to their origin beneath the Earth's surface, in contrast to extrusive volcanic landforms formed by lava cooling on the surface.

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On June 21st, when the sun is overhead at the Tropic of Cancer, places in the Northern Hemisphere experience a phenomenon often referred to as the **Summer Solstice**. This day marks the point when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted closest to the Sun. As a result, it receives the most direct sunlight compared to any other day of the year.

During this time, the day is significantly longer than the night. This is because the Sun travels a longer path through the sky, remaining visible for a larger portion of the 24-hour day. Therefore, areas in the Northern Hemisphere experience a **longer day and shorter night**.

This occurrence is most noticeable the further north you go, with some regions near the Arctic Circle experiencing the phenomenon known as the "Midnight Sun," where the sun is visible at midnight.

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One of the major problems impacting the effective utilization of human resources in West Africa is unemployment.

Unemployment is a significant issue because it leads to several challenges that adversely affect both individuals and the economy at large. When people, especially those who are capable and willing to work, do not have jobs, it results in a waste of potential human resources. Let's break down a few reasons why unemployment is such a pressing problem:

• Economic Impact: High unemployment rates mean that a large portion of the population is not contributing to the economic growth of the country. This diminishes the overall productivity and can lead to a lower Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
• Poverty: Unemployment often results in income instability, which can push individuals and families into poverty. This lack of income makes it challenging to meet basic needs such as food, education, and healthcare.
• Social Challenges: High levels of unemployment can lead to increased crime rates and social unrest, as people without jobs may resort to illegal activities to support themselves.
• Brain Drain: Persistently high unemployment can lead to emigration, where skilled individuals move to other countries in search of better opportunities. This exacerbates the issue as it creates a loss of talented individuals who could have contributed to local development.
• Skill Deterioration: When people remain unemployed for extended periods, their professional skills may deteriorate, making it even harder for them to find employment in the future.

Addressing unemployment requires collaborative efforts involving government policies, education systems, and private sector initiatives to create more job opportunities and develop skills that match the demands of the labor market. Therefore, unemployment remains a critical concern in achieving optimal utilization of human resources in West Africa.

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When a ship appears over the distant horizon, the mast is seen before the hull. This phenomenon can be explained by considering the shape of the Earth and how light travels.

The Earth is a large sphere, and because of its curvature, objects that are farther away become obscured by the Earth's surface as they move over the horizon. The upper parts of an object, such as the mast of a ship, are further away from the Earth's surface compared to the lower parts, like the hull. As a result, the top parts become visible first as an object like a ship comes over the horizon.

Therefore, due to the curvature of the Earth, the mast, being higher and more elevated, comes into view before the hull as the ship approaches from a distance.

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In terms of the largest timber producers in Africa, it is important to understand which nation has significant timber resources and an established forestry industry. Zaire, known today as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is recognized as the largest timber producer in Africa.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has extensive forest coverage, including parts of the Congo Basin, which is the second-largest rainforest in the world after the Amazon. This vast expanse of forestland provides an abundance of timber resources. The country's forestry industry has developed around this natural resource, contributing significantly to its economy.

Other countries like Ghana and Nigeria also have substantial forests and timber industries, but they do not match the scale of Zaire. Malawi, on the other hand, is less known for timber production compared to these countries.

In summary, considering its massive forest expanse and established timber industry, Zaire (the Democratic Republic of Congo) stands out as Africa's largest timber producer.

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The angular distance of a point on the Earth's surface measured in degrees from the centre of the Earth east or west of the Greenwich Meridian is known as longitude.

Let's break this down to make it simple:

Longitude lines are imaginary lines that run from the North Pole to the South Pole. The most important line is the Greenwich Meridian, also called the Prime Meridian, which is the reference point for measuring longitude. It is designated as zero degrees (0°) longitude. When you measure how far east or west a point is from the Prime Meridian, you are measuring the longitude.

This is different from latitude, which measures the distance north or south of the Equator. Longitude lines meet at the poles, whereas latitude lines are parallel to each other.

Overall, longitude helps us determine the precise location of a place on Earth by specifying how far east or west it is from the Prime Meridian.

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Life expectancy refers to the average age at which people die. It is a statistical measure that estimates the average number of years a person is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Life expectancy can vary significantly based on various factors such as geography, lifestyle, healthcare quality, and socioeconomic status. It serves as an important indicator of a population's overall health and quality of life.

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The longest river in Africa is the Nile River. The Nile River is renowned for its extraordinary length, stretching approximately 6,650 kilometers (about 4,130 miles). This majestic river traverses several countries in northeastern Africa, including Uganda, Sudan, and primarily Egypt. Its extensive reach makes it the longest river not only in Africa but also in the world, although there is some debate with the Amazon River.

The Nile plays a crucial role in the cultures and economies of the nations it flows through. In ancient Egypt, for instance, it was vital for agriculture, enabling civilizations to thrive by providing a reliable source of water and fertile land for farming. Today, the Nile continues to be a lifeline for millions of people, supporting agriculture, transport, and providing drinking water.

In contrast, the other rivers mentioned, such as the Zambezi, Senegal, and Congo, though significant in their own right, are shorter and do not match the extraordinary length of the Nile River.

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The decline in the importance of rail transport in Africa can be best explained by the high competition from road transport. Here's why:

Accessibility and Flexibility: Road transport is generally more accessible and flexible compared to railways. Roads are available in most areas of Africa, including rural regions, allowing goods and passengers to reach their destinations directly without requiring transfer between modes of transport.

Cost-Effectiveness: In many cases, road transport can be more cost-effective because it eliminates the need for transferring goods at several points. The initial investment in road infrastructure and vehicles can also be less than maintaining or upgrading railway networks.

Adaptability to Infrastructure Limitations: Many railways in Africa suffer from outdated infrastructure, which can hinder their efficiency and reliability. On the other hand, road transport can easily adapt to newer roads and infrastructures as they are developed.

Length of Transport Routes: Although Africa is a vast continent, many trade routes within countries or regions are more economically feasible with road transport, especially for short to medium distances.

Overall, while other factors such as the low volume of goods and potential retrenchment threats exist, the dominance and rapid improvement in the road transport sector particularly highlight why rail transport has seen a decline in relevance. The flexibility and economic viability of road transport often make it a more attractive choice for businesses and individuals alike.

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Mechanical weathering is the process of breaking down rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition. There are several causes of mechanical weathering, but not all processes that affect rocks are related to mechanical weathering.

The options listed include:

Temperature changes: This is a cause of mechanical weathering. When rocks are exposed to fluctuating temperatures, they expand when it's hot and contract when it's cold. Over time, these repeated expansions and contractions can cause the rocks to crack and break apart.

Frost action: Also known as freeze-thaw weathering, this is another form of mechanical weathering. Water can seep into cracks in the rocks, and as temperatures drop, the water freezes and expands. This expansion exerts pressure on the rock, gradually breaking it apart.

Alternate wetting and drying: This causes mechanical weathering by changing the volume of clay minerals found in some rocks. When these rocks get wet, the clay swells, and when dry, it contracts. This constant expansion and contraction lead to mechanical breakdown.

Rain action: This is not primarily a cause of mechanical weathering. While rain can contribute to weathering processes, such as chemical weathering where it reacts with minerals in rocks to form new compounds, its primary role in mechanical weathering is minimal compared to other factors.

Therefore, among the options provided, rain action is the one that is not a direct cause of mechanical weathering.

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The Ogbunike Cave is a popular tourist destination located **near Onitsha in Anambra State**. This cave is part of a large system of limestone caves and is known for its historical and cultural significance to the people of the region. It's situated in the southeastern part of Nigeria and is associated with numerous legends and stories that reflect its importance to local traditions. Therefore, the correct location for Ogbunike Cave is **near Onitsha in Anambra State**.

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One characteristic that distinguishes urban settlements from rural settlements is that urban settlements are areas of secondary and tertiary activities.

Let's break this down:

• Urban Settlements: These are typically characterized by higher population density and more developed infrastructure. The economic activities here are primarily focused on secondary activities, such as manufacturing and industry, and tertiary activities, such as services like banking, education, healthcare, and retail. These activities are associated with more advanced stages of economic development and are common in cities and larger towns.


• Rural Settlements: On the other hand, rural areas are often associated with primary activities, such as agriculture, fishing, forestry, and mining. These activities involve direct extraction or harvesting of natural resources and are more common in less densely populated areas like villages or countryside.

To summarize, the primary distinction is that urban settlements focus on secondary and tertiary activities, providing goods and services, ultimately making them different in function and character from rural settlements, which focus more on primary activities.

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The term fossil fuel refers to energy sources that come from the remains of ancient plants and animals, buried and subjected to heat and pressure over millions of years. These fuels are primarily composed of carbon and include materials like coal, oil, and natural gas.

Among the options given:

• Gneiss is a type of metamorphic rock formed from other rocks like granite or sedimentary rock through heat and pressure. It is not a fossil fuel.
• Granite is an igneous rock that forms from the cooling and solidification of magma beneath the Earth’s surface. It is not a fossil fuel.
• Lignite is a type of coal, which is a fossil fuel. It is often referred to as brown coal and is used primarily as a fuel for steam-electric power generation.
• Mica is a group of minerals that can split into thin, tough sheets. It is not a fossil fuel.

Therefore, the correct answer is Lignite because it belongs to the category of fossil fuels. Lignite is formed from the remains of plants that lived millions of years ago, which makes it a source of stored energy that can be burned for heat and power.

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The outer layer of the Earth is called the crust. Let's understand this in simple terms:

The Earth is made up of several layers. Imagine the Earth like an onion with different layers, with each layer varying in composition and physical properties. The outermost of these layers is the crust.

The crust is similar to a thin shell around the Earth. It is very thin compared to the other layers and can be thought of as the Earth's skin. It is made up of solid rocks and minerals and is where we live and see landscapes, mountains, and oceans.

Below the crust is the mantle, which is much thicker and composed primarily of semi-solid rock. Therefore, when talking about the outermost layer, we refer specifically to the Earth's crust.

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Rocks that are formed from the cooling and solidification of molten magma are called igneous rocks.

To put it simply, when rocks melt deep beneath the Earth's surface because of the high temperatures, they turn into a liquid called magma. This magma can sometimes rise to the surface in the form of lava. Once either the magma or lava cools down and becomes solid, it forms a new type of rock known as igneous rock.

These rocks can be formed inside the Earth when the magma cools slowly, creating large crystals, or on the Earth's surface, when the lava cools quickly, often resulting in smaller crystals. The word "igneous" comes from a Latin word meaning "fire," which appropriately describes how these rocks form from the hot, molten magma.

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The route that is not a sea route is the one involving London, Moscow, and Baghdad.

Here's the explanation:

• The other listed routes such as New York-London-Rotterdam, London-Capetown-Melbourne, and Sydney-Suez-London primarily involve locations that are major port cities or are connected by significant sea passages, allowing ships to travel via water routes.
• On the other hand, Moscow is a landlocked city in Russia, and although it has some rivers, it does not have direct access to the sea. Moreover, the path from London to Moscow to Baghdad mostly travels overland, across Europe and parts of Asia, which are areas not typically traversed by ships in any well-known sea route.

This is why the route from London, Moscow, and Baghdad is not a sea route.

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To determine which option is not a proof of the Earth's spherical shape, let's examine each one:

Twilight and Dawn: Twilight and dawn occur when the Earth rotates, and the sun is below the horizon. The gradual increase or decrease in light during these times is due to the atmosphere bending or scattering sunlight. While this phenomenon is observed worldwide, it by itself doesn't directly indicate a spherical Earth. Instead, it emphasizes the Earth's rotation, which is consistent with a spherical shape.

Lunar Eclipse: During a lunar eclipse, when the Earth is directly between the sun and the moon, the Earth casts a shadow on the moon. This shadow is observed as a circular shape, which provides direct evidence that the Earth is spherical.

Aerial Photograph: Aerial photographs, when taken from a sufficient altitude, can show the curvature of the Earth. Photographs taken from high altitudes give visual evidence of the Earth's curved surface, supporting the spherical shape.

Sunrise and Sunset: The occurrence of sunrise and sunset happens due to the Earth's rotation on its axis. As the Earth rotates, different parts of the world experience sunlight and darkness. This rotation is consistent with the global experience of a spherical planet.

Conclusion: While all the listed phenomena have some connection to the Earth's rotation and shape, **twilight and dawn** do not directly serve as a proof of the Earth's spherical shape. They are more indicative of the rotational aspect and atmospheric effects rather than the shape itself.

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On 22nd December, the sun is directly overhead the Tropic of Capricorn in the Southern Hemisphere. This marks a significant event in both hemispheres.

In the Northern Hemisphere, this date corresponds to the **winter solstice**. Here's why:

The Earth is tilted on its axis by about 23.5 degrees. This tilt is responsible for the changing seasons. Throughout the year, different parts of the Earth receive varying amounts of sunlight depending on the planet's position in its orbit around the Sun.

During the winter solstice, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted farthest away from the Sun. As a result, it experiences the shortest day and the longest night of the year. The **winter solstice** marks the official start of winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

Thus, when the sun is directly overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn on 22nd December, the Northern Hemisphere experiences its **winter solstice**.

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The solar system is a vast and fascinating system that centers around the Sun, a star that provides light and heat to all the celestial bodies that revolve around it. Understanding what other components make up the solar system is essential for grasping how our cosmic neighborhood operates.

There are eight major planets that orbit around the Sun. These planets, in their order from the closest to the farthest from the Sun, are Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Each of these planets varies in size, composition, and distance from the Sun, but they all follow elliptical orbits.

In addition to the eight recognized planets, there are also dwarf planets, such as Pluto. Pluto was previously considered the ninth planet until it was reclassified as a dwarf planet by the International Astronomical Union in 2006 due to updated criteria that define what constitutes a planet.

Besides planets and dwarf planets, the solar system also contains a variety of other celestial bodies. These include moons, which are natural satellites that orbit planets; asteroids, which are small rocky bodies primarily located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter; and comets, which are icy bodies that have eccentric orbits bringing them close to the Sun occasionally.

In summary, the solar system comprises the Sun and eight planets, alongside other celestial bodies such as dwarf planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. Understanding the composition of the solar system helps us appreciate the complexity and grandeur of our cosmic environment.

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The term over-population is best defined as the situation where the population exceeds available resources. This means that the number of people in an area is greater than the resources available to sustain them, such as food, water, shelter, and health care. It can lead to various problems including poverty, environmental degradation, and a strain on infrastructure. Over-population occurs when the existing resources cannot meet the needs of the people, resulting in hardship and reduced quality of life.

In contrast, having a birth rate equal to the death rate implies a stable population over time, not necessarily over-population. Increasing birth rate and decreasing infant mortality can contribute to population growth, but they do not solely define over-population. Finally, high population density refers to a large number of people living in a small area, which could lead to over-population if resources are insufficient, but high density alone does not equate to over-population.

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A conurbation is a term used to describe a group of cities, towns, or urban areas that have merged together to form a single urban entity, while still retaining their individual identities.

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The major industrial zones of Nigeria owe their origin mainly to the presence of cash crops. This is because, historically, Nigeria's economy largely depended on agriculture, and the availability of these cash crops provided a foundation for establishing industries. For example, regions where cash crops such as cocoa, palm oil, rubber, and groundnuts were abundantly grown became focal points for industries.


These crops were in high demand both locally and internationally, encouraging the establishment of processing industries to add value before export. This led to the development of infrastructure and contributed to the economic growth of these regions.


Thus, the presence of cash crops has played a significant role in shaping the industrial landscape of Nigeria by attracting investments, creating jobs, and fostering economic development in the respective regions.

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A geyser is best described as a fountain of superheated steam. This natural phenomenon occurs when water that is trapped beneath the Earth's surface is heated by geothermal activity, such as volcanic activity, deep underground. As the water is heated, it turns into steam and builds up pressure. This pressure eventually forces the steam and hot water to be expelled violently from the ground in a dramatic outburst, creating a fountain-like effect.

Let's break this down a bit more:

• A geyser consists of a network of underground channels filled with water. The heat from molten rock (magma) heats the water in these channels.
• As the water heats, it expands and turns into steam. However, due to the depths, the water above creates pressure that allows the water below to reach temperatures above the normal boiling point.
• When this pressure is released, often when bubbles of steam rise to a narrow section of the channel nearest the surface, the superheated water violently boils, pushes through the surface, and escapes as steam and hot water – hence, a fountain of superheated steam.

This distinct eruption is what characterizes a geyser and differentiates it from other geothermal features like hot springs or thermal pools, which do not erupt but simply release heat gradually into the water.

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To determine which of the listed items is not an element of climate, we need to understand what elements constitute climate. **Climate** refers to the average weather conditions of a place over a long period, typically 30 years or more. The primary elements that define climate include **temperature**, **precipitation**, **humidity**, **wind**, and **air pressure**. Let's go through the choices given:

Precipitation: This is an important element of climate as it refers to any form of moisture that falls from the atmosphere to the earth's surface, such as rain, snow, or sleet.

Air pressure: This is a crucial element of climate because it influences wind patterns and weather systems such as cyclones and anticyclones.

Altitude: This is not an element of climate; rather, it is a geographic factor that influences climate. As you go higher in altitude, temperatures typically decrease, which can affect the climate of a region, but altitude itself is not a climatic element.

Temperature: This is a fundamental element of climate, affecting the average warmth or coldness of a place over time.

Therefore, **altitude** is not an element of climate, but a factor that can influence the other elements like **temperature** and **precipitation**.

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The movement of population from rural areas to cities, commonly known as urbanization, is influenced by several factors, particularly economic and social opportunities. In the context of Nigeria, one of the most significant reasons is due to the availability of more job opportunities in the cities. Urban centers often offer a greater variety of employment possibilities compared to rural areas. These opportunities can be in industries, services, or various sectors requiring skilled and unskilled labor.

Economic development tends to be concentrated in cities, attracting individuals seeking better employment prospects and higher income potential. Many people move to urban areas in search of work that they cannot find in their rural hometowns, where agriculture may be the predominant source of livelihood with limited economic diversification.

Moreover, cities in Nigeria typically provide better recreational facilities and services than rural areas. These include access to modern amenities such as shopping centers, cinemas, sports facilities, and cultural events, which contribute to a higher quality of life. This aspect is appealing, particularly to younger generations, creating an added incentive for migration.

The other factors mentioned, such as food scarcity in rural areas, might contribute to migration but are often secondary compared to the employment factor. Many rural areas have agricultural activities, so food scarcity is not the primary reason; instead, it's the lack of economic opportunities that often triggers the movement.

Finally, while it is true that the cost of living in the cities is very high, especially in terms of housing and services, this is not a reason that attracts people to move. In fact, it might be a deterrent. Nonetheless, the potential for better income and lifestyle improvement in cities often outweighs the high cost of living for many migrants.

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On June 21st, the sun is overhead at the Tropic of Cancer, marking the Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. This is the point in the year when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted closest to the sun. As a result, places in the Northern Hemisphere experience their longest day and shortest night. This means that there is more daylight compared to nighttime.

To summarize, on this date, locations in the Northern Hemisphere will experience a longer day and a shorter night. This is due to the tilt of the Earth's axis, which maximizes sunlight exposure to these regions.

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Wind action is more predominant in arid regions due to the combination of loose surface materials and the absence of vegetation cover. In these regions, there is little moisture to bind soil particles together, making them easily detachable and transportable by wind. Without vegetation to stabilize the soil and buffer wind, these loose particles are swept away, leading to significant wind erosion.

Other reasons, such as insufficient drainage or strong winds, also play a role; however, the **primary** factors are the loose surface materials and lack of vegetation, allowing wind to act with greater intensity. In contrast, humid regions have ample vegetation and soil moisture, which significantly reduce the wind's ability to erode and transport surface material.

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To determine the longitude of place X, we need to understand the relationship between time and longitude. The Earth is divided into 360 degrees of longitude, and it completes one full rotation (360 degrees) in 24 hours. Therefore, for every hour, the Earth rotates 15 degrees of longitude.

The given information is this:

• Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) is 5:00 a.m.
• Local time at place X is 12:00 noon.

The difference in time between GMT and the local time at place X is 7 hours (from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon).

Calculation:

• For each hour, there is a 15-degree difference in longitude.
• Therefore, a 7-hour difference corresponds to 7 hours × 15 degrees/hour = 105 degrees.

Now, we need to determine whether place X is east or west of the Prime Meridian (0° longitude, the reference line for GMT).

- Since the local time at place X is ahead of GMT (12:00 noon compared to 5:00 a.m.), it means X is east of the Prime Meridian.

Thus, place X is located on 105°E.

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The port described in the statement is an entrepôt. An entrepôt is a type of port or a trading post where goods are imported, stored, and then re-exported. It acts as a key transfer point in international trade, allowing products to be redistributed to neighboring countries. This concept operates on the idea that items arrive in bulk and then are sent out again, perhaps even modified or repackaged, often without the goods being subject to customs duties. In essence, an entrepôt streamlines the movement of goods, facilitating international commerce and boosting trade networks.

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The line of latitude that divides the Earth into two hemispheres is the Equator. The Equator is an imaginary line that is drawn around the middle of the Earth. It is equidistant from the North and South Poles, and it is located at 0 degrees latitude.

Because it sits exactly halfway between the poles, the Equator splits the Earth into two equal parts: the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere. The land and water areas located to the north of the Equator make up the Northern Hemisphere, while those located to the south comprise the Southern Hemisphere.

The importance of the Equator is not just in the division of hemispheres; it also plays a crucial role in climate. Regions located near the Equator typically experience a tropical climate with minimal temperature variations year-round.

In contrast, lines like the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn are found north and south of the Equator, respectively, and they define the limits of the tropical zone. The Antarctic Circle is situated further south and marks a different climatic boundary.

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The ancient Greeks were pioneers in observing and classifying the Earth's climate zones. They recognized three primary climatic belts based on their understanding of the Earth's environment. These belts were:

• Torrid Zone: This zone is the hottest part of the Earth, located near the equator. The Greeks believed it to be extremely warm because it lies where the sunlight strikes the Earth most directly. Today, we know this region as the tropical zone.
• Temperate Zone: This area lies between the torrid and frigid zones. It experiences more moderate temperatures. The Greeks saw this as a **habitable** zone, with a climate suitable for a majority of human living. It corresponds to the mid-latitudes in modern geography.
• Frigid Zone: This is the coldest area, positioned around the poles. The Greeks considered it extremely cold and largely uninhabitable due to its distance from the equator and the angle at which sunlight reaches these regions. Today, this relates to the polar regions.

Thus, the Greeks recognized these **three climatic belts**: Torrid, Temperate, and Frigid. This classification was an early attempt to systematically understand the Earth's climatic patterns using observable natural phenomena, such as sunlight and temperature differences.

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The location of the iron and steel industry at Ajaokuta in Nigeria can be best explained by considering certain factors critical to the iron and steel production process. These factors include **availability of raw materials**, **efficient transportation networks**, and **proximity to fuel sources**.

Firstly, the presence of **iron ore at Itakpe** is crucial because iron ore is the primary raw material needed for steel production. The proximity of Itakpe's iron ore deposits to Ajaokuta reduces transportation costs and ensures a steady supply of the primary raw material, enhancing the industry's efficiency. Therefore, **availability of iron ore is a significant consideration**.

Secondly, **limestone at Ewekoro** is essential because limestone is a critical component used in removing impurities during the steelmaking process, particularly in the blast furnace. Limestone acts as a flux which combines with impurities and forms slag that can be easily removed. **Proximity to limestone sources ensures access to necessary materials for processing**, which is a factor in choosing the location of the industry.

The presence of a **river port at Lokoja** facilitates the transportation of raw materials and finished products, as waterways provide a cost-effective and efficient means of transportation. This is important for both importing required materials and exporting the finished steel products.

Additionally, **coal at Orukpa and Okaba** is important as coal is often used to generate the high temperatures needed in steel production, either directly or through the production of coke, a coal derivative used in blast furnaces.

In conclusion, the location of the iron and steel industry at Ajaokuta is best explained by the presence of:

• Iron ore at Itakpe, for the primary raw material.
• Limestone at Ewekoro, for aiding the processing in steelmaking.

Therefore, the most relevant factors are the **availability of iron ore and limestone**, making the best answer "I and II only".

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A **coastal plain** is a **large expanse of low, level land** that is formed due to an **uplift of part of the sea floor bordering a continent**. Essentially, it is an area where the land is relatively flat and is located near the coast.

This type of landform often occurs due to geological activities over time where the sea floor is pushed upwards, resulting in a broad, flat land surface extending inland from the coast. Coastal plains are typically characterized by their flat terrain and proximity to the ocean, making them influenced by marine conditions.

In summary, **a coastal plain is the result of the elevation of a portion of the sea floor adjacent to the continent**. It is characterized by its flatness and location near the sea, distinguishing it from other types of plains such as deltaic, outwash, or flood plains which have different formation processes and characteristics.

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The **most common mode of transportation in Africa** is **road transportation**. This includes vehicles like cars, buses, and motorcycles that travel on roads and highways. Road transportation is widespread because it is **versatile** and can reach many rural and urban areas that are not accessible by other means of transportation. Roads are often less expensive to build and maintain compared to infrastructure needed for other modes such as railways or airports.

Despite the challenges such as limited road networks and varying road conditions in some regions, **road transportation remains the backbone** of both passenger and freight transport due to its **flexibility** and **accessibility**. In many African countries, it is the most relied upon form of transport connecting people to markets, healthcare facilities, schools, and places of employment.

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The system of cultivation of tropical commercial crops estates is known as plantation agriculture.

Plantation agriculture is a type of farming where a single crop, often a cash crop, is grown on a large area of land. This method is commonly seen in tropical areas where conditions favor the growth of certain commercial crops like tea, coffee, rubber, cocoa, and palm oil.

The defining characteristics of plantation agriculture include:

• Large Scale Production: Crops are grown on expansive estates, which enable significant quantities to be produced.
• Monoculture: Typically, only one type of crop is cultivated for commercial purposes at a time, making it a form of monoculture.
• Capital-Intensive: It often requires heavy investment in machinery, infrastructure, and labor.
• Export-Oriented: The crops grown are usually intended for international trade, contributing to the economy of the region.
• Scientific Techniques: Utilizes advanced agricultural technologies and scientific methods to maximize yield and productivity.

This system significantly contributes to the economies of tropical regions by generating foreign exchange and providing employment opportunities.

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The location of a cement factory is primarily influenced by its proximity to the source of raw materials. Cement production involves the use of abundant natural resources such as limestone, clay, and rock, which are crucial ingredients in the manufacturing process. These raw materials are usually heavy and bulky, making transportation costly. Therefore, by situating the cement factory near these resources, transportation costs can be minimized, leading to more efficient and cost-effective production. This proximity also ensures a steady and reliable supply of raw materials, which is essential for uninterrupted production.

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Quartzite, schist, and marble are all examples of metamorphic rocks.

Here's why:

• Metamorphic Rocks: These are rocks that have undergone a transformation due to intense heat and pressure. This process, called metamorphism, alters their original form or mineral composition without melting them.
• Quartzite: This forms from sandstone, a sedimentary rock, that has been exposed to heat and pressure, resulting in a very hard, durable rock.
• Schist: This rock is typically formed from shale, another sedimentary rock, or sometimes from basalt, an igneous rock. It has a shiny appearance due to the presence of mica minerals.
• Marble: This is formed from limestone, a sedimentary rock that undergoes recrystallization under high heat and pressure, resulting in a rock that is often used in sculpture and architecture.

Sedimentary Rocks are formed from the accumulation of sediments, while Igneous Rocks are formed from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava. Volcanic rocks are a subset of igneous rocks that specifically form from lava at the earth's surface. Thus, quartzite, schist, and marble do not fall under these categories.

Answer Details

Let's understand the term **headward erosion**. **Headward erosion** refers to the process where a river or stream erodes its source region, causing the stream's origin to move backward away from the direction of water flow. This process can have several impacts and can lead to the formation of certain landforms.

Among the options provided, **headward erosion** is most commonly associated with the formation of **river capture**. When **headward erosion** continues over time, it can cause one river to extend its course and intersect with a neighboring river, capturing its flow. This event is known as **river capture** or **stream piracy**. Essentially, the rapid erosion at the river's source enables it to cut through the drainage divide and capture the headwaters of another river.

Let's briefly see why the other options are less relevant to **headward erosion**:

• **Potholes** are typically formed on the riverbed as a result of mechanical weathering and the swirling movement of water and debris, rather than headward erosion.
• **Oxbow lakes** form when a meander from a river is cut off, creating a free-standing body of water, which is more a result of lateral erosion rather than headward erosion.
• **Alluvial cones** or **alluvial fans** form where a river or stream spreads out sediment as it exits a mountainous area onto a flatter plain. This is not directly caused by **headward erosion**, but rather sediment deposition.

Therefore, the process of **headward erosion** most directly leads to the formation of **river capture**.

Answer Details

The Biu Plateau has an average height of over 100 meters above sea level. The Biu Plateau is a region of high ground in northeastern Nigeria