What is lapse rate?

Here are the answers to your geography questions, Balogun:

1. What is lapse rate? The lapse rate is the rate at which atmospheric temperature decreases with an increase in altitude. The average environmental lapse rate is approximately 6.5°C per 1000 meters (or 1 km) of ascent.

2. On an outline map of Nigeria show the vegetation zone in Nigeria. To show the vegetation zones on an outline map of Nigeria, you would typically draw and label the following zones, generally running in bands from south to north:

   • Mangrove Swamp Forest: Along the coast.
   • Freshwater Swamp Forest: Inland from the mangrove swamps.
   • Tropical Rainforest: Further inland, covering much of the south.
   • Derived Savanna: A transition zone between rainforest and Guinea Savanna.
   • Guinea Savanna: The largest zone, covering central Nigeria.
   • Sudan Savanna: North of the Guinea Savanna.
   • Sahel Savanna: In the extreme northeast, bordering the Sahara.

3. Mention two advantages of climate on agriculture.

   • Rainfall provides the necessary water for crop growth and livestock, supporting various agricultural practices.
   • Temperature influences the types of crops that can be cultivated, with different crops thriving in specific temperature ranges, allowing for diverse agricultural production.

4. With the aid of diagram describe anemometer and it uses. An anemometer is a meteorological instrument used to measure wind speed. It typically consists of three or four hemispherical cups mounted on horizontal arms that rotate around a vertical rod. As the wind blows, it pushes the cups, causing them to spin. The speed of rotation is proportional to the wind speed and is recorded by a counter. (A diagram would show the cups, arms, and central rod, indicating the direction of rotation.)

5. State three advantages of forest vegetation.

   • Forests are a source of timber and other forest products like fuelwood, medicinal plants, and food.
   • They help in regulating climate by absorbing carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen, and influencing rainfall patterns.
   • Forests prevent soil erosion by binding the soil with their root systems and reducing the impact of rainfall.