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Difficulty: HardClimate and Climatic Regions of Nigeria

An analysis of climatic data for two Nigerian cities shows that Station I experiences a mean annual temperature range of less than 3∘C3^\circ\text{C} with two distinct rainfall peaks separated by a brief dry interval, whereas Station II exhibits a mean annual temperature range exceeding 9∘C9^\circ\text{C} with a single brief wet season lasting four months. Based on these characteristics, which climatic zones of Nigeria are represented by Station I and Station II respectively?

  1. Station I represents the Sub-Equatorial (Coastal) climate, while Station II represents the Tropical Continental (Sudan) climate.Answer
  2. B
    Station I represents the Tropical Hinterland (Guinea) climate, while Station II represents the Sub-Equatorial (Coastal) climate.
  3. C
    Station I represents the Tropical Continental (Sudan) climate, while Station II represents the High Plateau (Montane) climate.
  4. D
    Station I represents the High Plateau (Montane) climate, while Station II represents the Tropical Hinterland (Guinea) climate.

Answer

Station I represents the Sub-Equatorial (Coastal) climate, while Station II represents the Tropical Continental (Sudan) climate.
The correct answer accurately identifies Station I as Sub-Equatorial (Coastal) and Station II as Tropical Continental (Sudan). Southern coastal regions of Nigeria experience intense maritime moderation resulting in very low annual temperature ranges (<3∘C<3^\circ\text{C}) and two distinct rainfall peaks (bimodal rainfall distribution) separated by the August spell. Farther north, interior continentality and brief seasonal exposure to the maritime tropical air mass lead to high annual temperature ranges (>9∘C>9^\circ\text{C}) and a short, single-peak rainy season.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the temperature range and rainfall pattern of Station I
A very low mean annual temperature range (<3∘C<3^\circ\text{C}) and double rainfall peaks are typical of the southern coastal belt under continuous influence of the Maritime Tropical (mT\text{mT}) air mass.
Maritime proximity moderates thermal fluctuations and the dual passage of the Inter-Tropical Discontinuity (ITD\text{ITD}) produces the August break pattern.
2
Analyze the temperature range and rainfall pattern of Station II
A large mean annual temperature range (>9∘C>9^\circ\text{C}) paired with a short 4-month rainy season indicates a northern inland location.
Northern Nigeria experiences prolonged exposure to dry Continental Tropical (cT\text{cT}) air masses and limited seasonal exposure to moist mT\text{mT} winds.
3
Synthesize and match to Nigerian climatic regions
Station I aligns with the Sub-Equatorial Climate zone, while Station II matches the Tropical Continental Climate zone.
This matches the south-to-north transition of rainfall duration and thermal amplitude across Nigeria.

Key Concept

Latitudinal Zonation and Thermal/Precipitation Gradients of Nigerian Climatic Regions
Estimated Time:2m 0s
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Topics

Climate and Climatic Regions of Nigeria

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