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Difficulty: EasyClimate and Climatic Regions of Nigeria

Which air mass originates over the South Atlantic Ocean and is responsible for bringing rainfall and the wet season to Nigeria?

  1. Maritime Tropical (mT) air massAnswer
  2. B
    Continental Tropical (cT) air mass
  3. C
    Continental Polar (cP) air mass
  4. D
    Maritime Polar (mP) air mass

Answer

Maritime Tropical (mT) air mass
The Maritime Tropical (mT) air mass originates over the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. As it blows into Nigeria from the southwest, it carries vast amounts of water vapor, producing cloud cover and precipitation that defines Nigeria's rainy season.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary air masses affecting Nigeria's climate.
Nigeria is influenced mainly by two prevailing air masses: Maritime Tropical (mT) and Continental Tropical (cT).
Understanding the source regions of Nigeria's prevailing air masses determines their moisture characteristics.
2
Determine which air mass originates over the ocean and brings rainfall.
The Maritime Tropical (mT) air mass blows southwestward across the Atlantic Ocean picking up abundant moisture before entering Nigeria as the South-West Monsoon wind.
Oceanic origin imparts high humidity and moisture required for cloud formation and rain.

Key Concept

Air Mass Dynamics and Seasonal Rainfall in Nigeria
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Climate and Climatic Regions of Nigeria

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