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Difficulty: HardClimate and Climatic Regions of Nigeria

A meteorological station in northern Nigeria records an annual rainfall of 850 mm850\text{ mm} concentrated within a 4-month wet season, accompanied by a mean monthly relative humidity dropping below 30%30\% during the dry season and a high annual temperature range of about 10∘C10^\circ\text{C}. Which climatic region of Nigeria does this station represent, and what primary atmospheric factor accounts for its extended dry season?

  1. Tropical Continental (Sudan) Climate, caused by the prolonged influence of the dry Tropical Continental (cT) air mass.Answer
  2. B
    Tropical Hinterland (Guinea) Climate, caused by the convergence of marine air masses over high-altitude landforms.
  3. C
    Sub-Equatorial Climate, caused by the seasonal subsidence of squall lines along the coast.
  4. D
    Highland (Montane) Climate, caused by rain-shadow effects along the Eastern Borderlands.

Answer

Tropical Continental (Sudan) Climate, caused by the prolonged influence of the dry Tropical Continental (cT) air mass.
The correct response accurately identifies the Tropical Continental (Sudan) climate belt. In northern Nigeria, the Inter-Tropical Discontinuity (ITD) retreats southward rapidly after August, leaving the region under the prolonged influence of the dry, continental air mass (cT) bringing low humidity, sparse rainfall (500–1000 mm500\text{--}1000\text{ mm}), and higher diurnal/annual temperature ranges.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the climatic parameters given in the stem
Annual rainfall of 850 mm850\text{ mm}, short 4-month wet season, low relative humidity (<30%<30\%), and high temperature range (10∘C10^\circ\text{C}).
These statistics define a semi-arid tropical continental regime in northern Nigeria.
2
Match parameters to Nigerian climatic zones
Northern Nigeria (Sudan/Sahel belt) is dominated for 7–8 months of the year by the dry Tropical Continental (cT) air mass originating from the Sahara Desert.
The Inter-Tropical Discontinuity (ITD) remains south of this latitude for most of the year, preventing moisture-laden maritime winds from bringing rain.

Key Concept

Tropical Continental Climate Characteristics and Air Mass Dynamics in Nigeria
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Climate and Climatic Regions of Nigeria

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