Theory question 104
Nigeria: Physical Setting(a) Draw an outline map of Nigeria. On the map, mark and name: (i) latitudes 5°N, 13°N and longitude 8°E; (ii) one area with rainfall of about 600 mm; (iii) one area with rainfall between 2000 mm and 3050 mm; (iv) One town in each of the areas in (ii) and (iii) above. (b) Describe the rainfall pattern in Nigeria.
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(a) Map: latitude 5°N near the coast (Niger Delta), 13°N across the far north (Sokoto, Kano area, through Katsina), longitude 8°E through Kano/Kaduna and Calabar area; about 600 mm in the far north (e.g. Sokoto, Katsina, Maiduguri, Nguru); 2000-3050 mm on the south-east coast (Port Harcourt, Calabar, Warri, Bonny).
(b) Rainfall decreases from the coast (over 2,000 mm) to the north (under 500 mm); the length of the rainy season falls from about 8-12 months in the south to 3-4 months in the north; the south has two peaks (double maximum) with the 'August break', the north has one peak (single maximum) in August; rain comes with the south-west monsoon (tropical maritime air mass); the north-east has the least; rainfall is mainly convectional, with relief rain on highlands (Jos, Obudu).
Label the latitudes with their values.