JAMB UTME - Geography - 2024

Cement factory is usually located near

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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.

Sills, dykes and batholiths are examples of

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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.

Which of the following rock types is coal associated with?

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Coal is associated with organically-formed sedimentary rocks.

To understand why coal is associated with this type of rock, let's break it down:

1. **Sedimentary Rocks:** These rocks are formed from particles or sediments that accumulate and consolidate over time. Sedimentary rocks can be broken down further into different types based on their origins.

2. **Organically-formed Sedimentary Rocks:** This subgroup specifically forms from the accumulation of organic material, including plants and animals. Over millions of years, the remains of plants (especially those from swampy or wetland areas) accumulate in layers. As more and more layers build up, the pressure and heat from above cause these plant materials to transform into coal. Thus, coal is formed over long geological periods, through the compression of organic plant material.

This process differentiates organically-formed sedimentary rocks from mechanically-formed sedimentary rocks, which result from the mechanical process of weathering and erosion of existing rocks, and from igneous rocks like plutonic, which form from the solidification of magma, and crystalline rocks, which are typically associated with metamorphic processes. Thus, **coal is uniquely tied to organically-formed sedimentary rocks because of its plant-based origin**.

One characteristic that distinguishes urban settlements from rural settlements is that

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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.

Which of the following is not an element of climate?

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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**.

A great advantage of Basin irrigation is that

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A great advantage of Basin irrigation is that water is not wasted, as the basin helps to trap and conserve water.

The development of hydro-electric power in Nigeria is least affected by the

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The development of hydro-electric power in Nigeria is least affected by the availability of suitable sites for dams. While suitable sites are necessary for building dams, other factors such as a regular supply of water and high mountains are more critical for hydro-electric power development.

The solar system comprises the sun and

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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.

The equatorial diameter of the earth is approximately

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The equatorial diameter of the earth is approximately 6,760 km. This is the distance from the equator to the equator, passing through the center of the earth.

The process of head ward erosion will lead to the formation of

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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**.

The part of the earth's crust that is covered by oceans and seas is called

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The part of the earth's crust that is covered by oceans and seas is called the hydrosphere.

Let's break it down logically:

• The hydrosphere specifically refers to all of the water found on, under, and over the surface of the Earth, including oceans, seas, rivers, lakes, and even water in the atmosphere.
• It covers about 71% of the Earth's surface, making it a significant and distinctive part of the planet.
• The stratosphere and the ionosphere are layers of the Earth's atmosphere, not related to water or Earth's crust coverage.
• The biosphere refers to all regions of the Earth occupied by living organisms. While it includes oceans and seas, it is not specific to just water coverage.

Therefore, the term that correctly describes the part of the Earth's crust covered by water bodies like oceans and seas is the hydrosphere.

Sunrise and sunset are not proofs that the Earth is spherical in shape, as they can be observed on other celestial bodies as well.

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Mercury and Venus are the two planets that lie between the Sun and Earth.

All the major industrial zones of Nigeria owe their origin mainly to

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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.

The location of iron and steel industry at Ajakuta in Nigeria is best explained by the presence of (1) iron ore at Itakpe (11) limestone at Ewekoro (III) river port at Lokoja (IV) coal at Orukpa and Okaba

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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".

The world's busiest shipping routes are on the

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The world's busiest shipping routes are found on the Atlantic Ocean. This ocean plays a crucial role in global trade and transportation due to several factors:

• Location: The Atlantic Ocean is strategically located between the continents of North America, Europe, and Africa. This positioning makes it an important corridor for trade between the densely populated and economically developed regions, including the United States, Canada, Western Europe, and parts of Africa.
• Economic Activity: Countries bordering the Atlantic Ocean, such as the United States, European countries, and Brazil, are some of the world's largest economies. As such, there is a high volume of goods being exchanged across the Atlantic Ocean, contributing to its status as a busy shipping route.
• Major Ports: The Atlantic Ocean hosts several significant ports like Rotterdam, Antwerp, Hamburg, New York, and Shanghai, to name a few. These ports serve as major hubs for commerce, where goods are received, processed, and shipped globally, adding to the traffic on this ocean.
• Historical Significance: Historically, the Atlantic Ocean has been a primary route for exploration and trade since the Age of Discovery. This long-standing use has established robust shipping routes that continue to be essential for international trade.

While other oceans like the Pacific and Indian Oceans are also important for global trade, the Atlantic Ocean remains particularly significant due to its connectivity and the economic powerhouses it links. The Antarctic Circle is not a major route due to its harsh environmental conditions and minimal human inhabitation, which reduces commercial sea traffic in that region.

Temperatures of adjacent coastlands are reduced when on - shore winds blow over cold currents because the

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The temperatures of adjacent coastlands are reduced when on-shore winds blow over cold currents primarily because the cold currents influence the temperature of the prevailing winds.

Here's how it works in simple terms:

When winds blow over the ocean surface, they pick up characteristics of the water beneath them. If these winds travel over a cold ocean current, the air they carry becomes cooler. As this cooler air moves onto the coastlands, it brings down the temperature of those areas. This is why coastlands experience reduced temperatures when on-shore winds carry the chill from cold ocean currents.

So, the key factor here is the cooling effect of the cold water, which cools the air above it, consequently lowering the temperature of the coastal regions the wind blows onto.

Which of the following climatic types is found on the western margins of continents between altitude 300 and 400 North and South of the Equator?

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The climatic type found on the western margins of continents between latitudes 30° and 40° North and South of the Equator is the Mediterranean climate.

The Mediterranean climate is characterized by its unique seasonal weather pattern:

• Hot, dry summers: During the summer months, these regions usually experience clear skies, ample sunshine, and little to no rainfall. The temperatures are generally high due to the influence of the subtropical high-pressure systems.
• Mild, wet winters: In the winter months, these areas receive moderate rainfall, often brought by westerly winds and cyclonic storms, while temperatures remain relatively mild and comfortable.

This type of climate is well-known for supporting specific kinds of ecosystems and is suitable for growing certain crops, such as olives, grapes, and wheat. Typical regions with a Mediterranean climate include the coastal areas of the Mediterranean Sea, parts of California in the United States, central Chile, the southern tip of South Africa, and southwestern Australia.

All the following are causes of mechanical weathering except

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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.

Which of the following is an effect of rural-urban migration on the source region?
Rural unemployment

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Rural-urban migration refers to the movement of people from rural areas to urban areas in search of better opportunities and living conditions. One of the main effects of this kind of migration is rural depopulation.

Here's why:

• Rural Depopulation: When significant numbers of individuals leave the rural areas for urban centers, the population in these rural areas declines. This is because more people are exiting than entering these areas. As a result, the overall population density decreases.


• Rural Unemployment: Paradoxically, rural unemployment might decrease rather than increase. This is because those who migrate are often people who were already unemployed or underemployed and looking for better job opportunities. When they leave, the unemployment rate in the rural area may stabilize or even decrease because the remaining population might have more employment opportunities.


• Rural Congestion: Is not an effect of rural-urban migration. In fact, with fewer people, congestion in rural areas typically diminishes.


• Urban Depopulation: When people migrate from rural areas to urban areas, the urban areas' population increases while the rural areas' population decreases. Hence, urban depopulation is not applicable in this context.

In summary, rural depopulation is one of the primary effects of rural-urban migration as it results in a decrease in the population of the rural areas being vacated.

A major problem in agricultural development in Nigeria is

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One of the major problems in agricultural development in Nigeria is the insufficient storage facilities.

The agricultural sector in Nigeria often faces difficulties after crops are harvested. Poor storage facilities mean that a substantial portion of the agricultural produce is lost due to spoilage, pests, or damage. This is a significant challenge because:

• **Loss of Produce:** Without adequate storage, farmers cannot preserve excess produce for future use, which leads to food waste and instability in food supply.
• **Reduced Income:** When farmers are unable to store their produce, they may have to sell it quickly and often at lower prices, immediately after harvest. This reduces their potential earnings.
• **Market Imbalance:** Lack of storage facilities can lead to an overflow of produce in the market right after harvest and a shortage during off-season periods, causing fluctuating prices.
• **Quality Degradation:** Poor storage facilities can lead to the degradation of the quality of produce, which in turn affects marketability and consumer trust.

Improving storage facilities would provide farmers with the ability to manage their production better, ensuring a more consistent supply of agricultural products and contributing significantly to the development of agriculture in Nigeria.

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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.

Which of the following is not true of pie chart?

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Pie charts are not suitable for representing data with wide extremes, as they are better suited for showing proportions and percentages.

They are formed in layers and derived from old rocks and the remains of dead organic materials. This description refers

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The description in question refers to sedimentary rocks. These types of rocks are primarily formed through the accumulation of material, which can be particles derived from other rocks or the remains of dead plants and animals. Here is a simple breakdown:

• Formation Process: Over time, these particles and organic materials settle in layers, usually at the bottom of lakes, rivers, and oceans. They undergo a process called compression and cementation. This means the weight of the layers pressing down causes them to stick together and form solid rock.
• Composition: Sedimentary rocks are made up of materials like sand, silt, clay, and gravel. Additionally, they often contain fossils, which are the preserved remains or traces of ancient life.
• Characteristics: One can easily identify sedimentary rocks by their layered appearance. These layers or strata are often visible in cliffs and road cuts as different colors or textures.
• Examples: Common sedimentary rocks include limestone, sandstone, and shale.

Sedimentary rocks play a crucial role in our understanding of Earth's history. The layers can tell scientists a lot about the Earth's past environments, climate, and even the organisms that lived long ago.

Which of the following is not a sea route?

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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.

Which of the following lines of latitudes divides the earth into two hemispheres

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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.

A large expanse of low, level land, formed due to an uplift of part of the sea floor bordering a continent is called

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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.

Which of the following least influences population density in Nigeria?

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Population density refers to the number of people living per unit of area, typically measured in people per square kilometer. In Nigeria, several factors influence population density, including natural, economic, and social factors.

Thick forest vegetation can influence population density by limiting the availability of land for habitation and agricultural activities. Areas with dense forests are usually less populated because they are harder to clear for settlements and farming. Additionally, thick forests may not have sufficient infrastructure, making them less attractive for people to live in.

Similarly, tsetse fly infestation can significantly influence population density. The tsetse fly transmits sleeping sickness, which can be a health hazard for humans and animals. Areas infested with tsetse flies might have lower population densities because people avoid settling in regions where their health and that of their livestock are at risk.

Fertile agricultural land attracts people because it supports farming activities, which is a primary livelihood for many people in Nigeria. As a result, such areas often have higher population densities due to the economic opportunities they provide.

The factor that least influences population density among the given options is mining. While mining can attract workers to specific areas, its influence is usually limited to certain regions where mineral resources are available. Since mining is typically localized and not widespread, its impact on overall population density is generally lower compared to factors like agriculture or disease. Additionally, mining areas might not have sustainable living conditions to attract large populations permanently.

In summary, while all these factors can influence population density, mining has the least impact compared to the other options because it affects fewer regions and often does not provide long-term settlement opportunities.

The outer layer of the earth is called the

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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.

A mercury barometer is used for measuring

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A mercury barometer is used for measuring atmospheric pressure.

Here's a simple explanation:

A barometer is an instrument designed to measure the pressure exerted by the atmosphere. The atmosphere exerts pressure because of the mass of air above the Earth, and this pressure changes as you move up and down in altitude or due to weather systems.

A mercury barometer consists of a long glass tube closed at one end and filled with mercury. The open end of the tube is placed in a bowl of mercury, called a reservoir. The pressure from the air pushing down on the mercury in the bowl forces the mercury up the tube. When the atmospheric pressure is high, the mercury in the tube rises, and when the atmospheric pressure is low, the mercury level falls.

Thus, by measuring the height of the mercury column in the tube, we can determine the atmospheric pressure. In summary, a mercury barometer provides a way to directly observe changes in the atmospheric pressure.

Which of the following geographical regions of Nigeria covers one-fifth of the country and has a generally flat surface dotted with granitic hills? The

Answer Details

The geographical region of Nigeria described in the question is the North-Central Highlands. This area covers about one-fifth of the country and is characterized by a generally flat surface with granitic hills, known as inselbergs, scattered throughout the landscape. These hills are composed of hard rock formations that have resisted erosion, thereby standing out from the flatter surroundings.

This region is situated in the north-central part of Nigeria and is significant for its geological features and agricultural potential. The flat terrain provides an expansive area suitable for farming, while the inselbergs add to the region's natural beauty and sometimes serve as landmarks. The North-Central Highlands are an important and distinct geographical region within Nigeria due to these unique characteristics.

All the following are advantages of the bush fallowing system in West Africa except that it

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The bush fallowing system in West Africa is not very economical in the use of land. Bush fallowing involves leaving land fallow for several years to regain its fertility, which can lead to inefficient use of land.

Which of the following best accounts for the decline in the importance of rail transport in Africa?

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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.

Which of the following regions in Nigeria has an average height of over 100 metres above sea level?

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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

The longest river in Africa is River

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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.

When wet and dry bulb thermometers record the same temperature, it means

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When wet and dry bulb thermometers, which together form a psychrometer, record the same temperature, it indicates that the air is saturated. This means that the air has reached its maximum capacity to hold water vapor, also known as reaching the dew point.

Normally, the wet bulb thermometer, which has a cloth soaked in water wrapped around it, shows a lower temperature than the dry bulb thermometer because evaporation cools it down. However, when the temperatures are the same for both thermometers, no evaporation is taking place. This is because the air cannot accept more water vapor, pointing to a humidity level of 100%, which is known as saturation.

An example of an organically formed sedimentary rock is

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An example of an organically formed sedimentary rock is coal.

Coal is formed from the remains of dead plants that accumulated in ancient swamps and wetlands. Over millions of years, these plant materials were buried under layers of sediment. As more layers built up on top, the increased pressure and heat transformed the plant remains into coal. The process involved is known as biochemical sedimentation, where organic materials are compacted and altered to form rock.

This is in contrast to the other options:

• Granite is an igneous rock, not sedimentary, formed from cooled magma or lava.
• Rock salt is a chemical sedimentary rock formed when water evaporates, leaving behind salt crystals.
• Sandstone is a clastic sedimentary rock formed from compacted sand particles.

To summarize, coal is the organically formed sedimentary rock among these options because it originates from ancient plant material that has undergone compaction and chemical transformation over time.

Rocks which have been formed by the cooling and solidification of molten magma are called

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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.

All the following are problems of mining in Africa except

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Mining in Africa faces several challenges, but understanding these issues helps in realizing the unique dynamics of the industry on the continent.

Inadequate Unskilled Labour: This is generally not a problem in Africa. The continent has a large population that provides sufficient unskilled labor for mining activities. Thus, an abundance of unskilled labor makes this factor not a significant issue for mining operations.

Use of Obsolete Technology: Many mining operations in Africa struggle with outdated or insufficient technology. This affects the efficiency and safety of mining activities, making it a significant challenge for the industry.

Shortage of Power: Power shortages are common in many African countries and can severely impact mining operations, which require consistent and significant energy for their activities. This is a critical challenge in mining across the continent.

Inadequate Foreign Capital: Many African nations experience difficulty in attracting sufficient foreign capital to invest in modernizing and expanding their mining sectors. This capital is crucial for technology upgrades and infrastructural development in the industry.

In summary, inadequate unskilled labour is not typically a problem for mining in Africa, whereas the other issues listed are significant challenges impacting the industry.

Which of the following countries is located within the Horn of Africa?

Answer Details

The **Horn of Africa** is a prominent peninsula in East Africa that juts into the Arabian Sea. It consists primarily of four countries: **Ethiopia**, **Eritrea**, **Somalia**, and **Djibouti**. From the options provided, only **Djibouti** is located within the Horn of Africa. This makes Djibouti geographically significant in terms of its positioning in this specific region.

For further understanding, here is a brief description of the other countries mentioned:

• Kenya: Although located in East Africa, it is situated below Ethiopia and does not form part of the Horn of Africa.
• Chad: This country is located in Central Africa and is far away from the Horn of Africa.
• Swaziland (now called Eswatini): This is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, nowhere near the Horn of Africa.

Mountains formed as a result of compressional forces in the earth's crust are

Answer Details

The mountains formed as a result of compressional forces in the Earth's crust are known as fold mountains. Fold mountains are created when two tectonic plates collide, and the compressional forces involved cause the layers of the Earth's crust to crumple and fold.

Imagine it like pushing two pieces of paper together from opposite ends; they begin to crumple and form folds. Similarly, when large sections of the Earth's crust are subjected to immense pressures from the sides, they buckle and bend into wave-like structures called folds. These folds then rise over time to form fold mountains.

Some of the most well-known mountain ranges in the world, like the Himalayas, the Alps, and the Rockies, are examples of fold mountains.

In summary, fold mountains are formed by the compression and folding of the Earth's crust, making them a direct result of tectonic forces that push the land upwards to form mountains.