2012 JAMB GEOGRAPHY PAST QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

The correct answer is “Type Red,” as indicated on the question paper. Different question paper types help manage variations across exams, allowing for similar question pools but in different arrangements to prevent cheating.

The scale of 1:50,000 on a map indicates a representative fraction, meaning that 1 cm on the map represents 50,000 cm (or 500 m) in reality. Representative fractions help in distance calculation, allowing for easy real-world measurements based on the map.

The correct answer is “spur,” which refers to a ridge of land jutting out from higher ground, typically a geological formation with a distinct gradient. It differs from valleys, which are depressed areas, and headlands, which are coastal projections.

Farming is the likely occupation due to the rural nature and possibly fertile land area. Farming, unlike mining or fishing, is often practiced in areas with arable land conducive to agriculture, as inferred from the surrounding topography and vegetation in the area.

Gradient, or the slope of land, often influences settlement distribution; people tend to settle in flat areas, as steeper areas are challenging to build on. Vegetation and roads play minor roles, but gradient is primary for geographic ease of infrastructure in this context.

The actual distance is calculated by multiplying the length (5 cm) by the scale factor (50,000), resulting in 250,000 cm or 2.5 km. Understanding map scales allows for accurate real-world measurements and navigation based on distance representation.

To calculate percentages on pie charts, measure each segment’s angle, here finding “Others” produces about 10.26%. This visual representation allows easier comparison of data proportions, and inaccuracies can result without precise angle or percentage calculations.

Zaire’s segment in the pie chart represents approximately 1,070 units, calculated based on segment angles proportionate to other values. Accurate data representation helps in demographic, economic, or geographical analyses, aiding strategic planning.

Chain survey is ideal for plains as they offer few obstructions, unlike rocky or irregular areas that impede chaining. It’s used in preliminary surveying of flat lands due to ease of chaining, which is central to chain surveying methods.

Silica and aluminum form the Earth’s crust, commonly termed SIAL (Silica + Aluminum). Unlike magnesium-based crusts, silica and aluminum dominate due to their relative abundance and structure stability in crust formation.

Sandstone is a sedimentary rock formed by the deposition and compression of sand particles over time. This process distinguishes it from igneous rocks like granite, which form from cooling magma, and metamorphic rocks like marble, formed under heat and pressure.

Basalt is an extrusive igneous rock formed when magma erupts onto the earth’s surface and cools rapidly. Unlike granite, which cools slowly beneath the surface, basalt’s quick cooling at the surface gives it a finer texture.

Sedimentary rocks form from particles of pre-existing rocks that accumulate and compress over time. Unlike igneous rocks, which form from molten material, sedimentary rocks often contain fossils due to their formation in layers. Examples include limestone and sandstone.

Barrier reefs are coral structures that parallel the coastline but are separated by a lagoon. They form as coral grows upwards on the edge of a continental shelf. Unlike barrier lakes or shelves, reefs develop through biological processes.

The continental shelf is the shallow sea bed close to land where marine life and fishing thrive due to sunlight penetration. It differs from the deep sea, which is much deeper and less accessible for fishing activities.

Ox-bow lakes form in river flood plains when meanders become isolated due to erosion and deposition. This distinguishes them from lakes in volcanic craters or deserts, as ox-bow lakes arise from river dynamics.

Wave refraction is the bending of wave fronts as they approach shallow waters near the shore. Unlike tidal movements or retrogradation, refraction occurs when part of a wave slows down due to encountering shallower depths, causing the wave to bend.

A typhoon is a violent tropical storm found primarily over the China Sea. This differs from tornadoes, which are localized whirlwinds, and tropical thunderstorms, which are less intense.

Tropical continental climates experience alternating wet and dry seasons, unlike climates with consistently high temperatures year-round. This seasonal variation is caused by monsoon winds that bring rain in some months and dry air in others.

Xerophytes are drought-resistant plants adapted to arid environments. They differ from hydrophytes, which need waterlogged soils, and mesophytes, which thrive in moderate moisture. Xerophytes have special features to conserve water, like thick skins and deep roots.

The B-horizon of tropical soils accumulates oxides, often due to leaching from upper layers. This distinguishes it from the A-horizon, where organic material is concentrated.

Soil texture is determined by the ratio of sand, silt, and clay particles. Each component influences properties like drainage and fertility. Humus impacts fertility but not texture.

Transportation is the primary economic use of oceans, allowing intercontinental trade. While ocean water is also used for recreation, transportation has the largest impact on global economies, facilitating the movement of goods and resources.

Biomes are large terrestrial ecosystems categorized by vegetation and climate, such as forests and grasslands. Unlike biomass, which measures biological mass, biomes represent entire ecological communities.

Melting ice caps and rising sea levels are consequences of global warming, which increases temperatures and accelerates ice melt, unlike atmospheric pressure increases, which are unrelated to climate change.

Intensive cultivation and overgrazing remove vegetation, increasing erosion by exposing soil to wind and water. Unlike cover crops, which protect soil, these practices make soil vulnerable.

Frozen soils make habitation difficult due to the lack of arable land, cold conditions, and challenging infrastructure. Grasslands and mineral deposits, by contrast, tend to attract populations.

Fertility rate measures births relative to women of reproductive age, unlike mortality rate (deaths) or growth rate (population increase). It’s a key demographic indicator used for population studies.

Population change considers births, deaths, immigration, and emigration. Population density and growth describe other metrics, while structure refers to demographic makeup.

Holiday resorts are destinations specifically designed for tourism, providing recreational and relaxation facilities, unlike rural or commercial settlements that do not primarily focus on tourism.

A conurbation is formed when multiple urban areas expand and merge, unlike a metropolis, which typically refers to a single large city. This expansion forms interconnected urban regions.

Dispersed settlements are common in fertile plains where agriculture requires larger land areas. Unlike nucleated settlements, dispersed patterns maximize space usage for farming.

Industries maximize profit by locating where costs are minimized and resources or markets are accessible. Unlike maximizing costs or minimizing revenue, profit maximization is the goal.

Economic inequality restricts food access by limiting individuals’ purchasing power, unlike low resource development or transportation issues, which can also impact but are not the primary cause.

North America and Europe widely use the standard gauge railway for efficient and safe transportation, unlike African countries, where narrow gauges are often used due to different rail systems.

Trade primarily occurs among developed countries, where economies and production capacities are high. Developing countries engage less in global trade due to lower production capacities and economic disparities.

Local crafts are made using traditional techniques by artisans, as opposed to mass production in manufacturing or processing industries. They contribute to local economies and cultural heritage.

Petroleum extraction in Nigeria involves drilling, a method used to reach underground oil reserves. This is distinct from mining (typically for minerals) or refining, which processes the crude oil rather than extracting it.

Southern Nigeria produces crops like plantains, garri, kolanuts, and palm oil due to its tropical climate. These products are transported northwards, unlike beef or grains, which are more typical in northern regions.

Eastern scarplands in Nigeria average between 300 and 400 meters in height. This range provides insights into the terrain’s features, which affect vegetation, climate, and human activities in the region.

Terracing, irrigation, and research are strategies used to counter soil erosion, water scarcity, and lack of modern farming techniques. Irrigation ensures water supply, while research and terracing address soil conservation.

Lagos is highly urbanized and industrialized, attracting people in search of job opportunities and modern amenities. Its coastal location facilitates trade and access, further boosting its attractiveness compared to primarily agricultural areas.

Different regions in Nigeria produce various goods, facilitating trade. This economic interdependence encourages exchange between regions with distinct agricultural or mineral outputs, more so than transportation improvements alone.

The East African Rift Valley is the world’s most extensive, spanning from the Middle East down through eastern Africa. This geological formation results from tectonic plate divergence, creating unique land features and ecosystems.

The Sahel experiences frequent drought due to its arid climate. Unlike regions prone to flooding or volcanic activity, the Sahel’s semi-arid conditions and poor rainfall make it susceptible to desertification.

Hassi Messaoud is a major petroleum extraction area in Algeria. Unlike other options, this region is renowned for its vast oil reserves, supporting Algeria’s economy as a significant oil-exporting country.

Physical and economic factors influence population distribution; fertile land, water availability, and job opportunities attract people, while unfavorable conditions such as deserts deter settlements. Social and political factors play minor roles in the region.

Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, is located in Kenya, near the border with Tanzania. This extinct volcano attracts climbers worldwide and significantly impacts regional weather and biodiversity.

Cocoa, a key crop in West Africa, and coffee, predominant in East Africa, are significant exports due to favorable climatic conditions for their growth. Groundnuts and cotton are also important but less dominant in plantations.

The Nile Delta is Africa’s most densely populated delta, supporting extensive agriculture and settlements due to fertile soil and abundant water supply. In contrast, the Niger Delta, while populous, is more industrial than agriculturally focused.

A conurbation forms when two or more urban areas grow and merge into a single metropolitan area, unlike a megalopolis, which specifically refers to a region encompassing several large cities.

Holiday resorts are centers designed specifically for leisure and tourism, offering amenities like beaches, parks, and recreational facilities, unlike commercial or rural settlements, which are primarily economic or residential.

Fertility rate measures births relative to the population of women able to bear children, unlike growth rate, which measures overall population increase or decrease due to births, deaths, and migration.

Melting ice caps and rising sea levels are direct consequences of global warming, which increases atmospheric temperatures and causes polar ice to melt. Atmospheric pressure increases are not directly caused by global warming.

An ox-bow lake typically forms in a river floodplain when meanders become isolated due to erosion and sediment deposition. Volcanic craters, karst valleys, and oases do not generally support ox-bow lakes.

The continental shelf is the shallow sea bed close to land where marine life and fishing thrive due to sunlight penetration. It differs from the deep sea, which is much deeper and less accessible for fishing activities.

Wave refraction is the bending of wave fronts as they approach shallow waters near the shore. Unlike tidal movements or retrogradation, refraction occurs when part of a wave slows down due to encountering shallower depths, causing the wave to bend.

A typhoon is a violent tropical storm found primarily over the China Sea. This differs from tornadoes, which are localized whirlwinds, and tropical thunderstorms, which are less intense.