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Difficulty: EasyClimate and Climatic Regions of Nigeria

Which of the following wind systems is responsible for bringing dry, dusty Harmattan conditions across Nigeria during the dry season?

  1. North-East Trade WindsAnswer
  2. B
    South-West Trade Winds
  3. C
    South-East Trade Winds
  4. D
    Equatorial Easterlies

Answer

The North-East Trade Winds are responsible for bringing the dry, dusty Harmattan conditions to Nigeria during the dry season.
The North-East Trade Winds originate over the arid Sahara Desert and blow across West Africa when the Inter-Tropical Discontinuity shifts southwards. This air mass is dry, cool, and dust-laden, producing the characteristic Harmattan conditions during the dry season.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the atmospheric conditions described in the stem.
The stem describes dry, cool, and dusty weather known as the Harmattan.
Understanding the surface weather features helps determine the originating air mass and wind vector.
2
Determine the direction and origin of the air mass causing Harmattan conditions in West Africa.
The air originates over the Sahara Desert (Tropical Continental air mass) and blows southwestward.
Continental air masses from desert regions lack moisture and carry fine dust particles.
3
Match the originating air mass movement to the prevailing surface wind system.
The North-East Trade Winds blow from the north-east off the Sahara landmass into Nigeria.
When the Inter-Tropical Discontinuity (ITD) moves southwards, the North-East Trade Winds dominate the region.

Key Concept

Prevailing Wind Systems and Air Masses in Nigeria
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Climate and Climatic Regions of Nigeria

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