WAEC SSCE - Geography - 2009

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A mercury barometer is a device that is used to measure atmospheric pressure. Atmospheric pressure is the force per unit area exerted by the weight of the Earth's atmosphere on the surface of the Earth. A mercury barometer works by balancing the weight of a column of mercury against the atmospheric pressure. The barometer consists of a long glass tube that is closed at one end and filled with mercury. The open end of the tube is then placed in a dish of mercury. As the atmospheric pressure changes, the pressure on the surface of the mercury in the dish also changes, causing the height of the column of mercury in the tube to rise or fall. The height of the column of mercury in the tube is directly proportional to the atmospheric pressure. Therefore, the answer is option D: atmospheric pressure.

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The innermost section of the Earth is the core. The core is the central part of the Earth and is located beneath the mantle. It is the hottest and densest part of the Earth, and it consists of two layers: the outer core and the inner core. The outer core is a liquid layer that surrounds the inner core. It is composed mostly of iron and nickel, and it generates the Earth's magnetic field through the movement of electrically charged particles. The inner core, on the other hand, is a solid layer that is composed mostly of iron and nickel. It is under immense pressure and is extremely hot, with temperatures reaching up to 5,500 °C. The core is the source of the Earth's internal heat, which drives plate tectonics and the movement of the continents. It is also responsible for the formation of the Earth's magnetic field, which protects the Earth from harmful solar radiation. In summary, the innermost section of the Earth is the core, which is composed of two layers: the outer core and the inner core. The core is responsible for generating the Earth's magnetic field, providing the Earth's internal heat, and driving plate tectonics.

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The environmental hazard primarily due to human activities is ozone depletion. Ozone is a gas that protects life on Earth from the harmful effects of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. The ozone layer is a thin layer of ozone in the Earth's atmosphere. Human-made chemicals, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) used in refrigerators, air conditioners, and aerosol sprays, contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer. When CFCs reach the ozone layer, they release chlorine atoms, which destroy ozone molecules. As the ozone layer becomes thinner, more UV radiation can reach the Earth's surface, leading to increased skin cancers, cataracts, and other health problems for humans, as well as harm to plants and animals. In summary, ozone depletion is the environmental hazard primarily caused by human activities, specifically the use of human-made chemicals like CFCs.

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The rocks which are formed by the cooling and solidification of molten magma are called igneous rocks. Magma is a hot, molten rock that is found beneath the Earth's surface. When magma cools and solidifies, it forms igneous rocks. Igneous rocks can form either on the Earth's surface or beneath it. If magma cools quickly on the surface, it forms small crystals and is called extrusive igneous rock. If magma cools slowly beneath the surface, it forms large crystals and is called intrusive igneous rock. Examples of igneous rocks include granite, basalt, and pumice. These rocks can be identified by their texture and composition. Igneous rocks have a variety of uses, such as in construction, as building materials, and in jewelry making.

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The answer is Nile. The Nile River is located in northeastern Africa and is generally regarded as the longest river in the world, with a length of approximately 6,650 kilometers (4,130 miles). It flows through eleven countries, including Uganda, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt, before draining into the Mediterranean Sea. The Nile River is an important source of water for irrigation and agriculture, as well as transportation and fishing, and has played a significant role in the development of civilizations throughout history.

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Loess is an example of wind-deposited soil. It is a type of soil formed by the accumulation of fine-grained sediment (silt-sized particles) that has been deposited by the wind. The name "loess" comes from the German word for "loose", as the soil is very porous and crumbly. Loess is typically found in areas where there is little vegetation to hold the soil in place, such as in the plains of China and the central United States. It is also very fertile and can support agriculture, making it an important soil type for human societies throughout history.

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The desert landforms among the given pairs are yardangs and zeugens. Yardangs are long, narrow ridges with steep sides that are carved out of the bedrock by wind erosion. They are formed by the deflation of loose sand and silt, leaving behind harder, more resistant rock formations. Zeugens, on the other hand, are elongated ridges or hills that are formed by the wind erosion of a softer rock layer, leaving behind a more resistant layer on top. They are often found in desert landscapes where there are alternating layers of hard and soft rock. Wave-cut platforms are features formed by the erosion of coastal cliffs by waves, while self-dunes are small, isolated sand dunes that form on a flat surface, often around a single rock or obstacle. Sandbars and sandspits are coastal landforms formed by the deposition of sand by waves and currents, while barchans and tombolos are sand dunes and ridges that form in desert and coastal environments, respectively. Therefore, the correct answer is yardangs and zeugens.

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The activity that requires a large area of land usually in thousands of hectares, availability of water either in the form of rain or irrigation, and high capital outlay is plantation agriculture. Plantation agriculture involves the large-scale cultivation of a single crop on a large area of land. Examples of plantation crops include coffee, cocoa, tea, rubber, sugarcane, and palm oil. Plantation agriculture requires a lot of land to be economically viable, which is why plantations often cover thousands of hectares. In addition to a large area of land, plantation agriculture also requires a reliable source of water, either from rainfall or irrigation, as most plantation crops need a lot of water to grow. Finally, plantation agriculture requires a significant capital investment to purchase land, equipment, and labor. Therefore, the answer is option A: plantation agriculture.

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The most common mode of transportation in Africa is road. This is because Africa has the most developed road network compared to other transportation modes. Although air, soil and ocean transportation also exist, road transportation is the most widely used because it is cheaper and more accessible to most people. Many parts of Africa still lack rail or water transport systems, making road transport the most practical option for people and goods movement. Additionally, many rural areas in Africa have poor infrastructure, making it difficult to access other forms of transportation, making road transportation the most popular means of movement for people and goods in the continent.

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The statement "it is often difficult to compare the component parts" is not true of pie charts. A pie chart is a circular chart that is divided into sectors or "slices" to represent the proportion of each category in the data being displayed. It is an effective way to display the relative sizes of different categories, as each slice represents a percentage of the whole. However, it may become difficult to compare the sizes of small slices or slices with similar percentages. Therefore, it is recommended to use pie charts only for simple data sets with a few categories.

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Life expectancy refers to the average age at which people are expected to live in a certain population or country. It is a statistical measure of the average amount of time a person can expect to live based on current mortality rates. In other words, it is the number of years a person can expect to live, on average, from birth. Life expectancy is often used as an indicator of the health and well-being of a population or country. Factors that can affect life expectancy include access to healthcare, sanitation, nutrition, and lifestyle choices. Therefore, the answer is option B: average age at which people die.

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A soil profile refers to the vertical section of the soil, from the surface to the underlying rock, that shows the different layers (horizons) of the soil. Soil horizons are distinct layers of soil with different physical, chemical, and biological properties that develop over time due to various soil-forming processes. These horizons are arranged in a vertical sequence and can be observed and analyzed by digging a soil pit or hole. The soil profile provides important information about the soil's physical and chemical properties, such as texture, structure, pH, nutrient content, and organic matter content. This information is useful in agriculture, forestry, and environmental science for understanding soil fertility, soil erosion, and land management practices. The zone of eluviation is a specific horizon within the soil profile that refers to the layer where minerals and organic matter are leached or washed out of the soil by water movement.

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A line joining places with equal degree of cloudiness is called an isoneph. This statement is incorrect as there is no such term as "isoneph". A line joining places with equal precipitation is called an isohyet, a line joining places with equal temperature is called an isotherm, and a line joining places with equal atmospheric pressure is called an isobar. Therefore, the correct answer is none of the above options.

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The question is asking for the option that is NOT a problem of mining in Africa. Therefore, we need to identify the option that does not fit with the other three options, which are all problems of mining in Africa. - The use of obsolete technology is a problem because it makes mining less efficient and can result in safety hazards for workers. - Inadequate foreign capital is a problem because mining operations require significant investment, and without sufficient funds, mining companies may struggle to maintain or expand their operations. - Shortage of power is a problem because mining operations require large amounts of energy, and without a reliable power supply, mining companies may struggle to operate at their full capacity. - Inadequate unskilled labor is a problem because mining requires a skilled workforce, and without enough trained workers, mining companies may struggle to find the personnel they need to operate effectively. Therefore, the answer to the question is the option that is not a problem of mining in Africa, which is "inadequate unskilled labor."

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When a ship appears over the distant horizon, the mast is seen before the hull. This is due to the curvature of the Earth. As the ship approaches, the hull gradually appears above the horizon, and eventually, the whole ship can be seen. This phenomenon is known as "looming". The distance at which a ship can be seen above the horizon depends on the height of the observer and the height of the ship's mast above the water.

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The ocean that connects Europe and America is the Atlantic Ocean. The Atlantic Ocean is the second largest ocean in the world and it separates the continents of North and South America to the west from Europe and Africa to the east. The ocean covers an area of approximately 41 million square miles and has an average depth of 12,080 feet. The Atlantic Ocean plays a vital role in global trade, transportation, and climate, with major ports and shipping lanes located throughout the region. The ocean also contains a diverse range of marine life and resources, including fish, oil, and natural gas. Therefore, the answer is option C: Atlantic Ocean.

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On June 21st, when the sun is directly overhead at the Tropic of Cancer, places in the Northern Hemisphere experience a longer day and a shorter night. This is because the sun's rays are falling more directly on the Northern Hemisphere, causing the day to be longer and the night to be shorter. This is also known as the summer solstice, and it marks the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. As the Earth rotates on its axis, different parts of the planet receive different amounts of sunlight, which creates different seasons and lengths of days and nights.

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Most of the world's lakes are fresh lakes that are fed by rivers with outlets to the sea. These fresh lakes are bodies of water that contain low levels of dissolved salts and minerals. They are often located in areas with high levels of precipitation, such as mountainous regions, and are fed by rivers that bring in fresh water from surrounding areas. The water in these lakes is continually refreshed as water flows in from the rivers and out through outlets to the sea. Glaciers, on the other hand, are bodies of ice that are formed by the accumulation of snow over many years. They slowly move downhill under the force of gravity and may melt to form lakes. However, most of the world's lakes are not fed by melting glaciers. Some lakes may have high levels of salinity due to excessive evaporation, which can occur in arid regions with high temperatures. These lakes are often referred to as saline lakes and are not considered fresh lakes. Finally, most lakes are not constant in volume as they can be affected by changes in precipitation, evaporation, and human activities such as water extraction and damming. However, they are important sources of freshwater for many communities and are also valuable habitats for a variety of plants and animals.

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The statement that is not true of stalagmites and stalactites is that "stalacties are formed on the floor of limestone caves while stalagmites are formed on roofs of limestone caves." In reality, stalactites are formed from the ceiling of a cave, while stalagmites are formed from the ground. Stalactites form when water containing dissolved minerals drips from the ceiling of a cave and the minerals gradually build up over time to form a pointed, icicle-like structure. Stalagmites form when the same water drips onto the floor of the cave and builds up into a mound or column. Therefore, the correct option is the third one.

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The feature shared by Hong Kong, Java, and Manhattan is high population density. All three areas have a large population in a relatively small area.

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Mercury and Venus lie between the sun and the earth. Mercury is the planet closest to the sun and is the smallest planet in the solar system. Venus is the second planet from the sun and is similar in size to the Earth. Both planets orbit the sun in between the sun and the Earth. Mercury and Venus are known as the inferior planets because they orbit the sun closer than Earth does. In contrast, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune are known as the superior planets because they orbit the sun farther out than Earth does. Therefore, the answer is option C: Mercury and Venus.

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The term over-population is best defined as the situation where the population exceeds available resources. Overpopulation occurs when there are too many people living in a particular area relative to the resources and services available to sustain them. This can result in a range of environmental, economic, and social problems, such as food and water shortages, poor sanitation, pollution, and increased competition for resources. High population density is one potential consequence of overpopulation, but it is not the sole factor. Birth rate being equal to death rate, on the other hand, would result in a stable population, but not necessarily an overpopulated one. An increasing birth rate and decreasing infant mortality rate may lead to population growth, but this alone does not necessarily indicate overpopulation. It is the combination of population growth and resource depletion that can result in overpopulation. Therefore, the answer is option C: the population exceeds available resources.

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The characteristic that is not applicable to sedimentary rocks is that they are crystalline. Sedimentary rocks are formed by the accumulation and consolidation of sediment or organic matter. They are typically deposited in layers or strata, and often contain fossils. Sedimentary rocks are usually porous, meaning they have many small spaces or holes where fluids, such as water or oil, can be stored. However, unlike igneous and metamorphic rocks, sedimentary rocks are not typically crystalline. Instead, they are made up of small mineral grains or organic material that have been compacted and cemented together over time.

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Lines joining places with the same mean annual rainfall are called isohyets. These lines are also known as rainfall contours or isopluvials. Isohyets are used to map and study the distribution of rainfall in a region. They are drawn by connecting points on a map that have the same average annual rainfall. By analyzing the patterns of isohyets, we can identify areas that receive high or low amounts of rainfall, as well as seasonal variations in rainfall. The term "isohyet" is derived from two Greek words: "iso," meaning equal, and "hyetos," meaning rain. Therefore, isohyets are simply lines on a map that connect places with the same amount of rainfall. In summary, isohyets are lines that connect places with the same mean annual rainfall. They are useful for studying the distribution and patterns of rainfall in a region.

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The wind that affects the West Indian Islands of the Caribbean is hurricanes. A hurricane is a tropical cyclone that forms over the Caribbean Sea and can cause severe damage to the islands in the region. It is characterized by strong winds that can exceed 74 miles per hour and heavy rainfall. Hurricanes are usually formed during the warm months of the year, typically from June to November, and can be very destructive, leading to loss of life and property damage.

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The system of cultivation of tropical commercial crops estates is known as plantation agriculture. Plantation agriculture is a form of commercial farming in which crops are grown on large estates or plantations, typically located in tropical or subtropical regions. This type of agriculture is characterized by the extensive use of labor, often in the form of indentured servants or slaves, and the cultivation of cash crops such as coffee, tea, sugar, tobacco, and rubber. The crops grown on plantations are generally intended for export, rather than for local consumption, and are usually produced using intensive farming practices.

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The statement "The trees are evergreen, forming a canopy with buttress roots, climbers and creepers" refers to the Equatorial vegetation type. The Equatorial vegetation is found near the equator, where the climate is hot and wet throughout the year. The trees in this vegetation type are tall, reaching heights of up to 50 meters, and have a dense canopy of leaves that provide shade to the lower levels. The leaves of the trees are evergreen, which means they do not shed their leaves seasonally, and they have buttress roots that help to support their height. Climbers and creepers are also common in this vegetation type, and they use the trees as support for their growth. This type of vegetation is known for its biodiversity and is home to a wide variety of animal species, including monkeys, birds, and reptiles.

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The climatic belts recognized by the Greeks were torrid, temperate, and frigid. These terms were used to describe the three main climatic zones based on their distance from the equator and the amount of solar radiation they receive. The torrid zone is the area near the equator, where the sun's rays are most direct, and the climate is generally hot and humid throughout the year. The temperate zone lies between the tropics and the polar regions and experiences moderate temperatures and four distinct seasons. The frigid zone, also known as the polar zone, is located near the North and South poles and has a cold climate with little sunlight during the winter months. These climatic belts were recognized by the Greeks as early as the 4th century BCE and were based on their observations of the world around them. The Greeks were among the first to recognize the relationship between geography, climate, and vegetation, which they described as the "oikumene," or the inhabited world. This understanding of the different climatic zones was important for agriculture, trade, and navigation, as it allowed the Greeks to anticipate the climate and weather conditions they would encounter in different parts of the world.

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A geyser is best described as a fountain of superheated water and steam that erupts from the ground periodically. It is a natural phenomenon that occurs when groundwater is heated by geothermal activity deep below the Earth's surface. As the water heats up, it expands and rises towards the surface. When the pressure builds up enough, the water and steam erupt in a powerful geyser. The eruption can last from a few seconds to several minutes, and the height of the water and steam can range from a few meters to over 90 meters. Geysers are found in areas of geothermal activity, such as Yellowstone National Park in the United States, Iceland, and New Zealand.

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A great advantage of basin irrigation is that water is not wasted. Basin irrigation is a method of irrigation where a field is surrounded by earthen banks and divided into small basins. The basin is filled with water, and the water is allowed to infiltrate the soil to a certain depth. In basin irrigation, the amount of water applied is just enough to fill the basin, and it stays there until the plants absorb it or it evaporates. This ensures that the water is not wasted by flowing away or evaporating before it can be used by the crops. Another advantage of basin irrigation is that it is a simple and low-cost method of irrigation. It is suitable for small fields and can be easily constructed by farmers themselves. Basin irrigation also helps to reduce soil erosion and nutrient loss, and the basins can trap much alluvium to enrich the soil. In summary, the great advantage of basin irrigation is that water is not wasted, as the water stays in the basin until it is absorbed by the plants or evaporates. Additionally, basin irrigation is a simple, low-cost method that can help to reduce soil erosion and enrich the soil.

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Copper is an important raw material in the electrical industry. Copper is a good conductor of electricity and heat, making it an essential material for electrical wiring and electrical components such as motors, transformers, and generators. It is also used in electronic devices like computers, smartphones, and televisions. Copper's electrical conductivity and durability make it a valuable resource for the production of electrical equipment and infrastructure, which are critical for modern society's functioning.

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A settlement developed at the meeting point of roads is known as a nodal town. Nodal towns are usually located at the intersection of major roads, which makes them an important transportation hub. As a result, they often attract economic activity such as trade and services. Nodal towns can also serve as centers of administration and governance due to their central location.

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