Theory question 107
Nigeria: Physical SettingWith relevant sketch maps, discuss the relationship between climate and vegetation in Nigeria.
Show the model answer
Sketch maps of rainfall distribution and vegetation belts
Rainfall decreases from over 3,000 mm in the south-east to under 500 mm in the far north; dry season lengthens northwards
Vegetation follows rainfall: mangrove and fresh-water swamp forest on the wet coast; rain forest in the south; Guinea savanna in the middle belt; Sudan savanna; Sahel savanna in the far north-east
High temperatures everywhere allow growth all year where water is available; the long dry season and harmattan in the north give grassland with drought-resistant trees; on high plateaus (Jos, Mambilla) cooler climate gives montane grassland
The heavier the rainfall, the denser the vegetation.