WAEC SSCE - Geography - 1990

The soil in a typical natural rainforest remains fertile and suitable for arable agriculture because?

Détails de la réponse

The soil in a natural rainforest remains fertile and suitable for agriculture because of the continuous replenishment of nutrients. The dense undergrowth and fallen leaves decay and return nutrients to the soil. Additionally, the abundant supply of sunshine and rainfall contributes to leaching the soil and removing any buildup of harmful substances. The vegetation in the rainforest is also very lush and dense, providing a continuous source of organic matter for the soil. Finally, the soil is well-drained, which prevents water from pooling and causing waterlogging or erosion. All these factors work together to maintain the fertility of the soil in a natural rainforest.

Which of the following best explains why the older fold mountains are much lower and less rugged than the newer ones?

Détails de la réponse

The answer is D - The older fold mountains have been subjected to the forces of denudation for longer geological periods. Denudation refers to the wearing away of the Earth's surface by processes such as erosion and weathering. The older fold mountains have existed for much longer periods and have been exposed to these processes for a longer time, which has resulted in them being lower and less rugged than the newer ones. In contrast, the newer fold mountains are still being formed and have not yet had as much time to undergo denudation.

The angular distance of a point of the earth surface measured in degrees from the centre of the earth is known as?

Détails de la réponse

The angular distance of a point on the Earth's surface measured in degrees from the center of the Earth is known as latitude. Latitude is the horizontal measurement of a point's position on the Earth's surface, ranging from 0 degrees at the Equator to 90 degrees at the North and South Poles. Latitude is used in navigation, mapping, and other geographic applications to locate a point's position on the Earth's surface relative to other points.

What is the longitude of a place X whose time is noon when Greenwich meantime is 6p.m?

Détails de la réponse

The earth rotates 360 degrees in 24 hours, which means that it rotates 15 degrees per hour. The time difference between Greenwich meantime and Place X is 6 hours. Therefore, the difference in longitude between Greenwich and Place X is 6 x 15 = 90 degrees. Since the time at Place X is 12 pm (noon), we know that it is halfway between sunrise and sunset, which means that it is roughly at the meridian line of that location. Therefore, we can calculate the longitude of Place X by adding or subtracting half of the 360-degree circumference of the earth from the longitude of the Greenwich meridian (which is 0 degrees). Since the time difference between Greenwich and Place X is westward (Greenwich time is ahead of Place X time), we need to subtract 90 degrees from the Greenwich meridian to get the longitude of Place X, which is 90 degrees west, or 90°W. Therefore, the correct answer is option (E) 90°W.

When the root of a coastal cave collapsed it forms?

Détails de la réponse

When the root of a coastal cave collapses, it forms a geo. A geo is a narrow steep-sided inlet formed in coastal cliffs by the erosion of the sea. It is often created when a section of a sea cave roof collapses, leaving an opening to the sea. Over time, the waves will continue to erode the geo, deepening it and widening it to create a larger inlet. Geos are common features along the coasts of many countries and can be home to a variety of marine life.

Foliage is ever green with thin undergrowth,the leaves are small, thick, leathery and needle-shaped. This description is that of the?

Détails de la réponse

The description provided in the question is that of a coniferous forest. Coniferous trees, also known as evergreens, retain their needles throughout the year, giving the forest an evergreen appearance. These forests are typically found in regions with cold winters and cool summers, such as the northern hemisphere. The undergrowth in coniferous forests is generally thin because the canopy blocks most of the sunlight from reaching the forest floor. The small, thick, leathery and needle-shaped leaves of conifers reduce water loss due to transpiration, allowing them to survive in dry and cold climates.

Which if the following minerals is most likely to be absent in a region consisting mainly of igneous and metamorphic rocks?

Détails de la réponse

Isothermal maps give information about?

Détails de la réponse

Isothermal maps give information about temperature. Isothermal maps are maps that display areas with the same temperature. They are used to show temperature variations across a particular region. These maps can be used to identify areas that are experiencing hot or cold temperatures, and to observe the movement of these temperature patterns over time. Isothermal maps are commonly used in meteorology and climate science to track the movement of air masses and the formation of weather patterns. Therefore, the correct answer is "temperature".

Which of the following types of sedimentary rocks is paired with the wrong texture?

Détails de la réponse

Which of the following is not typical submarine relief feature?

Détails de la réponse

The relief features of the submarine are the physical characteristics that make up the seafloor. A Roche moutonnee is not a typical submarine relief feature. Roche moutonnee is a type of erosional landform that is found on the surface of glaciers and mountain tops. Typical submarine relief features include the continental shelf, continental slope, and ocean deep. The continental shelf is the shallow submerged edge of the continent, while the continental slope is the steep slope leading to the ocean floor. The ocean deeps are the deepest parts of the ocean floor, which can reach depths of over 11,000 meters. Deep sea plain is also a typical submarine relief feature. It is a flat, featureless area of the seafloor that lies between the continental shelf and the mid-ocean ridges. Therefore, the correct answer is Roche moutonnee, which is not a typical submarine relief feature.

The presence of gorges in the upper section of rivers is due to the fact that?

Détails de la réponse

The correct option is "the upper course has a steep gradient." This is because the upper course of a river is the section closest to its source, and it usually has a steep gradient. The steep gradient causes the water to flow rapidly, eroding the bed and banks of the river channel. As a result, gorges are formed as the river cuts through hard rocks in the upper course, creating narrow and deep channels with steep sides. The other options, such as the volume of the river being small, rocks in the upper course being less resistant, hanging valleys, and chemicals in the water, may also contribute to the formation of gorges, but the steep gradient is the main cause.

Rock pedestals are most likely to found in?

Détails de la réponse

When it is 9:00am in Munich, Germany(longitude 11°E), the time in Calcutta, India (longitude 96°E). is?

Détails de la réponse

To find the time in Calcutta, India, we need to calculate the time difference between Munich, Germany, and Calcutta, India, and then adjust the time accordingly. The time difference between Munich and Calcutta is the difference in their longitudes, divided by 15 (since each time zone spans 15 degrees of longitude). So, the time difference is: Time difference = (96°E - 11°E)/15 = 6.33 hours This means that Calcutta is ahead of Munich by 6 hours and 20 minutes (since 0.33 of an hour is 20 minutes). If it is 9:00am in Munich, we need to add 6 hours and 20 minutes to get the time in Calcutta: 9:00am + 6 hours and 20 minutes = 3:20pm Therefore, when it is 9:00am in Munich, the time in Calcutta, India is 3:20pm. Therefore, the correct answer is option D: 2.40p.m.

Which of the following combinations can be regarded as sub-systems within the ecosystem?

Détails de la réponse

The following combination can be regarded as sub-systems within the ecosystem: - Food chain, hydrological cycle, mineral nutrient cycle A food chain is a series of organisms that depend on each other for food in an ecosystem. The hydrological cycle refers to the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. The mineral nutrient cycle is the movement of essential elements from the abiotic environment into living organisms and back again. All these processes are interconnected and interdependent, forming a sub-system within the larger ecosystem.

All the following are characteristics of a limestone region except?

Détails de la réponse

A limestone region is characterized by the dissolution of soluble rocks like limestone by rainwater and the formation of features like caverns, sinkholes, and underground drainage systems. Therefore, the correct answer is (c) adequate luxuriant vegetation cover, as the solubility of limestone tends to inhibit the growth of lush vegetation.

Loss of farmland can be contributed to all the following except?

Détails de la réponse

Which if the following crops below requires the following conditions for successful cultivation?
i Heavy rainfall of between 1270mm (50 ins) and 2000mm (80 ins) during the 4 to 6 months growing periods.
ii High mean temperature of 18° to 27°C (65° to 80°F) no cold season.
iii A warm, dry period for harvesting.
iv Loamy or clayey soil and an almost level ground.
V Cheap and abundant labour.

Détails de la réponse

The instrument used for recording the direction of the prevailing wind of a place over a period of one month is called?

Détails de la réponse

The instrument used to record the direction of the prevailing wind of a place over a period of one month is called a wind vane. A wind vane, also known as a weather vane, is a simple device that consists of a flat or curved surface that pivots around a vertical axis. The surface is usually shaped like an arrow or a rooster, with one end larger than the other. The smaller end is pointed into the wind, while the larger end indicates the direction from which the wind is blowing. Wind vanes are commonly used by meteorologists to determine the direction of the wind at a particular location. By recording the direction of the wind over a period of time, meteorologists can create a wind rose, which is a graphical representation of the frequency and direction of the wind at a particular location.

The term gauge in railway transport refers to the?

Détails de la réponse

In railway transport, the term "gauge" refers to the distance between the two rails of a track. It is the fixed distance between the inside edges of the two rails that allows trains to run smoothly and safely. The gauge of a railway track is usually determined by the design and construction of the rolling stock (i.e., locomotives and railcars) that will be used on it. Different countries or regions may use different gauges depending on factors such as geography, history, and economic considerations.

A rain gauge is kept in an open place in the observatory because?

Détails de la réponse

A rain gauge is kept in an open place in the observatory because raindrops get into the funnel without any obstruction. The gauge is used to measure the amount of rainfall in a particular area over a period of time. It works by collecting rainwater through a funnel that directs the water into a container. If the gauge is not kept in an open space, it may not collect all the rain that falls, as raindrops may be deflected by surrounding objects or wind. Therefore, to get an accurate measurement of rainfall, the gauge must be kept in an open place where it can collect all the rain that falls directly into the funnel.

Which of the following combinations of processes is associated with the formation of a rift valley?

(i)Tension or compression forces

(ii)Resistance and faulting

(iii)Emergence of the middle crust of rocks

(iv) Submergence of the middle crust of rocks

Détails de la réponse

Most warm ocean current?

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(a) Name three types of mountains and give a good example of each

(b) Describe the process of formation of any type of mountains

(c) In what four ways are mountains of great importance to man?. 
 

Détails de la réponse

None

(a) With specific examples give four reasons why countries exchange goods and services

(b) Account for the low volume of trade between Nigeria and the rest of Africa. 
 

Détails de la réponse

None

 Discuss the distinguishing characteristics of each of any three of the following

(a) Plantation agriculture in East Africa

(b) Irrigation farming in the Nile Valley

(c) Pastoral nomadism in West Africa

(d) Fruits farming in Southern Africa. 
 

Détails de la réponse

None

(a) Draw a sketch map of Nigeria to show any three vegetation belts.

(b) Describe the effects of climate on the vegetation of any one of the belts

(c) Name any two resources found in the vegetation belt shown in (a) above and describe any two uses of each. 
 

Détails de la réponse

None

 Write a geographical account of petroleum mining in North Africa under the following headings:

(a) Major areas (b) Methods of mining (c) Transportation (d) Importance to the economy

Détails de la réponse

None

(a) Draw an outline map of Nigeria and on it show and name:
(i) one area each for oil palm, cotton and cocoa cultivation
(ii) one forest belt and one savanna belt

(b) Explain any four ways in which any one of the crops named in (a) above is important to the economy of Nigeria

(c) What three problems does the cultivation of the crops named in (b) above face? 
 

Détails de la réponse

None

(a) On an outline map of West Africa show and name:
(i) two countries important for the production of rubber
(ii) one important town in the rubber producing area in each country
(iii) two countries important for the production of groundnuts
(iv) one important town in the groundnut producing area in each country

(b) Describe the process of production of either rubber or groundnuts, in the country shown on your map

(c) Explain any three factors which hinder the large scale production of either rubber or groundnuts in WestAfrica. 
 

Détails de la réponse

None

(a) On a sketch map of Nigeria, mark and name the following
(i) the Western Uplands, the Udi Hills and the North Central Plateau
(ii) one important river basin
(iii) one natural lake and one man-made lake

(b) Explain with specific examples the importance of river basin in the development of Nigeria

(c) What three factors are limiting the use of river basins in Nigeria?
 

Détails de la réponse

None

Show the similarities and differences between road and railway as major means of transportation 
 

Détails de la réponse

None

 Study the climatic table below and use it to answer the questions that follow Stations 

(a)(i) What is the annual range of temperature for the station?
(ii) What is the annual rainfall?

(b) aye a brief description of the distribution of rainfall at the station

(c) Suggest, giving reasons, the type of climate that is represented by the climate table

(d)(i) Name the type of natural vegetation that is likely to be found around the station
(ii) Describe briefly the main characteristics of the vegetation 
 

Détails de la réponse

None

(a)(i) Name two distinct types of soil erosion
(ii) Locate an area where each type is most common

(b) Outline any three factors that have been responsible for any one of the types of soil erosion named above

(c) Describe any three measures being taken to solve the problem of soil erosion in any one of the areas. 
 

Détails de la réponse

None

(a) Draw a sketch map of Nigeria, and on it mark and name
(i) one area of high population density
(ii) one area c population density
(iii) one town in each area shown

(b) Give four reasons in each case for the type of population density shown on your map. 
 

Détails de la réponse

None

(a) With the aid of appropriate diagrams, describe the distinguishing characteristics of any three types of urban settlements

(b) Discs any four problems of urbanization 
 

Détails de la réponse

None

Write a geographical account of fishing in Southern Africa under the following headings:

(a) important fishing areas and fishing ports

(b) Methods of fishing

(c) Major types of fish caught

(d) Preparation and marketing of fish

(e) Importance to the economy. 
 

Détails de la réponse

None

(a) What are the similarities and differences between the lines of latitude and longitude?

(b) An international cricket match between The Gambia and India is scheduled to start in Banjul (longitude 16°W) at 9.00a.m local time on 26th June. Calculate the time and day that listeners will have to tune to their radios for the start of the commentary at (i) Bombay (74°E) (ii) Pittsburg (89°W). 
 

Détails de la réponse

None

Explain any six factors each which have favoured the development of any two of the following industries:

(a) Iron and steel industry in the Ruhr region

(b) Ship building in Japan

(c) Chemical industry in eastern United States of America

(d) Textile industries in Great Britain 
 

Détails de la réponse

None

(a) On an outline map of Nigeria locate and name:
(i) one important sea port and one important river port
(ii) The road or railway serving each of the ports in (i) above
(iii) one international airport and one domestic airport

(b) What four factors have helped the development of any one of the ports?

(c) What two factors have limited the use of any one of the ports? 
 

Détails de la réponse

None

(a) Describe the characteristics of any two of the following types of landforms
(i) delta
(ii) atoll
(iii) caldera

(b) Explain with the aid of diagrams the mode of formation of each of the landforms you have chosen 
 

Détails de la réponse

None

(a) State three reasons to show that the earth is spherical

(b) Describe three effects of the revolution of the earth

(c) Calculate the noon altitude of the sun at the Tropic of Capricorn on June 21 
 

Détails de la réponse

None

Explain the factors responsible for the very high population density in the

(a) North-East of USA

(b) Indus and Ganges deltas. 
 

Détails de la réponse

None

(a) On an outline map of Africa show and name
(i) three countries notable for lumbering
(ii) one town in each country important for saw milling
(iii) one seaport in each country important for the export of timber and lumber products

(b) Explain any three ways in which lumbering is of importance to West African countries

(c) Discuss any three problems resulting from the exploitation of timber resources in West Africa. 
 

Détails de la réponse

None