WAEC Geography Practical Questions and Answers 2026

CHECK ANSWERS FOR QUESTION 1&2 IMAGE DOWN BELOW *WAEC GEOGRAPHY (PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY – PRACTICAL)* *COMPLETE ANSWERS – QUESTIONS 3 TO 8* =========================================================== QUESTION 3 (a) What is a metamorphic rock? (3 marks) A metamorphic rock is a type of rock that is formed from the transformation of existing rock types (igneous, sedimentary, or older metamorphic rocks) under the influence of high temperature, high pressure, and chemically active fluids. This process, called metamorphism, occurs deep within the earth's crust without the rock completely melting. (b) List two examples of metamorphic rocks (2 marks) 1. Marble (derived from limestone) 2. Slate (derived from shale) (Also acceptable: Schist, Gneiss, Quartzite) (c) Outline five differences between a sedimentary rock and a metamorphic rock (10 marks) 1. Mode of formation – Sedimentary rocks are formed by the compaction and cementation of sediments (weathered fragments). Metamorphic rocks are formed by the alteration of existing rocks under heat and pressure. 2. Fossils – Sedimentary rocks often contain fossils of plants and animals. Metamorphic rocks rarely contain fossils because heat and pressure destroy them. 3. Layering – Sedimentary rocks have distinct horizontal layers (strata or bedding planes). Metamorphic rocks may have foliation (alignment of minerals) but not true sedimentary bedding. 4. Hardness – Metamorphic rocks are generally harder and more resistant to erosion than sedimentary rocks due to recrystallization. 5. Texture – Sedimentary rocks have clastic (fragmented) or crystalline texture. Metamorphic rocks have foliated (layered mineral alignment) or non-foliated texture. =========================================================== QUESTION 4 (a) Define the term weathering (3 marks) Weathering is the breakdown and decay of rocks and minerals at or near the earth's surface by physical, chemical, and biological agents. It does not involve the transport of the broken materials. (b) Highlight three benefits of weathering to mankind (6 marks) 1. Formation of soil – Weathering breaks down rocks into smaller particles that combine with organic matter to form soil, which is essential for agriculture. 2. Release of nutrients – Weathering releases essential mineral nutrients (e.g., potassium, phosphorus, calcium) from rocks into the soil for plant growth. 3. Creation of raw materials – Weathering produces clay, sand, and gravel, which are used for building, pottery, and construction. (c) Identify three factors which affect the rate of weathering (6 marks) 1. Climate – Warm and humid climates accelerate chemical weathering, while cold and dry climates slow it down. 2. Type of rock (lithology) – Some rocks like limestone are easily weathered by chemical action, while granite resists weathering. 3. Vegetation cover – Plant roots can penetrate cracks and break rocks mechanically, and decaying vegetation produces acids that chemically weather rocks. =========================================================== QUESTION 5 (a) Define the term biosphere (3 marks) The biosphere is the global ecological system that includes all living organisms (plants, animals, microorganisms) and the parts of the earth's crust, water, and atmosphere where life exists. It is the zone of life on earth. (b) Highlight four benefits of the biosphere (8 marks) 1. Provision of food – The biosphere provides crops, livestock, fish, and other food sources for human consumption. 2. Supply of oxygen – Plants in the biosphere release oxygen through photosynthesis, which animals and humans breathe. 3. Climate regulation – The biosphere helps regulate temperature, rainfall, and atmospheric composition. 4. Raw materials for industry – The biosphere supplies timber, fibres, rubber, and medicinal plants for economic activities. (c) State five characteristics of the biosphere (5 marks) 1. It is a thin layer of life on the earth's surface, extending from the ocean floor to the lower atmosphere. 2. It contains a wide diversity of living organisms (biodiversity). 3. It is constantly interacting with the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. 4. It recycles nutrients such as carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen through biological processes. 5. It is limited by factors such as temperature, water availability, and sunlight. =========================================================== QUESTION 6 (a) What is an alluvial fan? (2 marks) An alluvial fan is a fan-shaped deposit of sand, gravel, and silt that forms where a steep mountain stream flows onto a flat plain. The sudden decrease in gradient causes the stream to drop its sediment load in a cone-shaped or fan-like pattern. (b) With the aid of a diagram, describe the characteristics and mode of formation of an alluvial fan (8 marks) Mode of formation: 1. A fast-flowing stream in a mountainous area carries large amounts of sediment (boulders, gravel, sand). 2. When the stream reaches the foot of the mountain, it emerges onto a flat plain or valley floor. 3. The gradient suddenly decreases, causing the stream to lose velocity and energy. 4. The stream deposits its sediment load in a spreading, fan-shaped pattern. 5. Over time, repeated deposition builds up a landform that resembles a fan from above. Characteristics: 1. Shape – broad, fan-shaped or cone-shaped from above; wedge-shaped in cross-section. 2. Composition – poorly sorted mixture of boulders, gravel, sand, and silt. 3. Location – found at mountain fronts, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. 4. Slope – steepest near the mountain apex and gentler toward the edges. 5. Stream pattern – multiple distributary channels that braid across the fan surface. (Diagram description – draw in your answer booklet): Draw a mountain on the left. Draw a stream coming down from the mountain. At the foot of the mountain, draw a wide fan-shaped area spreading to the right. Label: mountain, stream channel, apex of fan, distributary channels, toe of fan. Label "Alluvial fan" in the centre. =========================================================== QUESTION 7 (a) Identify four factors which influence the amount of rainfall received in an area (8 marks) 1. Latitude – Tropical areas near the equator receive high rainfall due to rising air and convergence, while subtropical deserts receive low rainfall. 2. Proximity to large water bodies – Areas near oceans, seas, or large lakes receive more rainfall due to evaporation and moisture supply. 3. Prevailing winds – Onshore winds bring moist air from the sea, causing rainfall; offshore winds are dry. 4. Relief (orography) – Windward sides of mountains receive heavy orographic rainfall, while leeward sides (rain shadows) receive very little. (b) With the aid of a diagram, describe how latitude affects the temperature of a place (7 marks) Explanation: Latitude is the angular distance of a place north or south of the equator. It is the most important factor controlling temperature. 1. At the equator (0° latitude), the sun's rays strike the earth almost vertically (directly) throughout the year. This concentrates solar energy over a small area, producing high temperatures. 2. As latitude increases towards the poles, the sun's rays strike the earth at an oblique (slanted) angle. The same amount of solar energy is spread over a larger area, reducing temperature. 3. Polar regions (above 66.5° N/S) receive very little solar energy because the sun remains low on the horizon or is absent for months. Diagram description (draw in your answer booklet): Draw a circle representing the earth. Draw the equator horizontally across the middle. Draw the Tropic of Cancer (23.5°N), Tropic of Capricorn (23.5°S), Arctic Circle (66.5°N), and Antarctic Circle (66.5°S). Draw arrows showing the sun's rays. Label: Equator (hot, vertical rays), Mid-latitudes (cooler, slanted rays), Poles (cold, very slanted/absent rays). Title: "How Latitude Affects Temperature". =========================================================== QUESTION 8 (a) Define the term water resources (3 marks) Water resources are natural sources of water that are useful or potentially useful to humans. They include surface water (rivers, lakes, reservoirs), groundwater (aquifers, wells), and atmospheric water (rain, snow). They are used for drinking, agriculture, industry, and recreation. (b) Identify three effects of water pollution (6 marks) 1. Death of aquatic life – Toxic chemicals, sewage, and oil spills kill fish, plants, and other organisms in rivers, lakes, and oceans. 2. Spread of waterborne diseases – Contaminated water causes diseases such as cholera, typhoid, dysentery, and diarrhea in humans. 3. Destruction of ecosystems – Pollution disrupts food chains and destroys breeding grounds for fish and other wildlife. (c) Outline three usefulness of water resources (6 marks) 1. Domestic use – Water is used for drinking, cooking, bathing, washing, and sanitation in homes. 2. Agricultural irrigation – Water from rivers, lakes, and wells is used to grow crops, especially in dry seasons or arid regions. 3. Generation of hydroelectric power – Flowing water from rivers and dams is used to turn turbines and produce electricity. ===========================================================

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