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Difficulty: HardClimate and Climatic Regions of Nigeria

A meteorological station located in northern Nigeria records a single rainfall maximum in August, an annual total precipitation of approximately 850 mm, a dry season lasting 5 to 6 months characterized by severe Harmattan conditions, and a relatively high annual temperature range. Which climatic zone of Nigeria does this station represent?

  1. Tropical Continental (Sudan) ClimateAnswer
  2. B
    Sub-Equatorial (Coastal) Climate
  3. C
    Tropical Hinterland (Guinea) Climate
  4. D
    High Plateau (Montane) Climate

Answer

The meteorological characteristics describe the Tropical Continental (Sudan) Climate zone located in northern Nigeria.
The correct answer is the Tropical Continental (Sudan) Climate. Northern Nigeria lies under the influence of the dry continental Tropical (cT) air mass for most of the year, yielding a single rainfall maximum in August (when the maritime air mass penetrates furthest north), low annual rainfall (~500–1000 mm), a prolonged dry season with Harmattan, and higher annual temperature fluctuations.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the rainfall regime and distribution
Single rainfall peak in August with ~850 mm total indicates a short rainy season restricted to the months when the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) reaches its northernmost extent.
Rainfall in Nigeria decreases in duration and quantity from south to north.
2
Evaluate the dry season duration and air mass influence
A 5 to 6 month dry season with intense Harmattan indicates dominant influence of the dry continental Tropical (cT) air mass originating from the Sahara Desert.
The cT air mass controls northern Nigeria for more than half the year as the ITCZ retreats southward.
3
Synthesize thermal and moisture characteristics to identify the climatic zone
High annual temperature range, lower annual rainfall, single peak, and strong Harmattan are classic attributes of the Tropical Continental (Sudan climate) region.
Distinguishes northern interior climate from humid southern coastal belts and modified plateau microclimates.

Key Concept

Spatial variation of climatic zones 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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