Waec Gce 2026 Geography Practical and Physical Geography

Waec Gce 2026 Geography Practical and Physical Geography

(1b)

(i) Direction of flow: River Pra flows generally from the North to the South across the mapped area, from higher ground to lower ground towards the coast.

(ii) Dendritic drainage pattern: The river has many tributary streams joining it from both the left and right banks, forming a tree-like (dendritic) pattern.

(iii) Nature of tributary junctions: The tributaries join the main River Pra at acute angles, indicating they are flowing down the slope on homogeneous/homogenous geology.

(iv) Valley and stage of development: Around Twifo-Praso, the river has a wide valley with a floodplain and shows meandering. This shows it is in its mature/old stage with a low gradient, and it is large enough to be crossed by a road bridge and a railway bridge.

(1c)
(i) Larger settlement size: The map shows Twifo-Praso has a much larger built-up area (more black squares/buildings) than Twifo-Mampon, indicating a bigger population.

(ii) Transport junction: Twifo-Praso is located at the junction of several major roads (e.g., the road to Cape Coast and the road northwards) and the railway line passes through it with a station. Twifo-Mampon is served by only a minor road.

(iii) Bridge/ferry point: Twifo-Praso has a bridge over the River Pra (and the railway bridge), making it a major crossing point and linking both sides of the river. Twifo-Mampon has no such bridge.

(iv) Social and administrative amenities: Evidence on the map shows Twifo-Praso has more social amenities such as a market, school(s), hospital/clinic, post office, police station/chief’s palace (district capital functions). Twifo-Mampon has few or none of these, making Twifo-Praso the district capital and service centre for the area.

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(3a)
(i) The Sun, the central star that gives light and heat.
(ii) The planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune).
(iii) Natural satellites (moons), together with asteroids, comets and meteoroids.

(3b)
(i) The Earth is the only known planet that supports life.
(ii) It has large amounts of liquid water, covering about 71% of its surface.
(iii) It has an atmosphere rich in nitrogen and oxygen that protects and sustains life.
(iv) It is the third planet from the Sun and is slightly flattened at the poles (an oblate spheroid).

(3c)
(i) Deforestation: Forests are cleared for farming, timber, fuelwood and settlement. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, so their removal increases global warming. It also destroys the habitats of plants and animals and exposes the soil to erosion and loss of fertility.
(ii) Burning of fossil fuels and industrial emissions: Vehicles, factories and power plants release carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide and other gases. These trap heat in the atmosphere, causing global warming and climate change. They also cause acid rain, which damages crops, soils and water bodies.
(iii) Improper waste disposal: Plastics, chemicals and sewage dumped into rivers, oceans and land pollute water and soil. Aquatic life dies, food chains are broken, and people suffer from water-borne diseases.
(iv) Mining and quarrying (including illegal mining): These activities strip the land of vegetation and leave open pits. Chemicals such as mercury pollute rivers and farmland. This reduces land available for farming and makes water unsafe for drinking.

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(4a)
An igneous rock is a type of rock formed when molten magma or lava cools and solidifies.

(4b)
(PICK ANY FOUR)
(i) Hardness: Igneous rocks are generally hard and resistant to scratching and wear.
(ii) Crystalline Structure: They are usually made up of interlocking mineral crystals formed during the cooling and solidification of molten materials.
(iii) Absence of Fossils: Igneous rocks generally do not contain fossils because the intense heat of molten magma destroys organic remains.
(iv) Non-layered Structure: Most igneous rocks do not occur in distinct layers like sedimentary rocks.
(v) Massive Nature: They are generally compact, dense and strong, making many of them resistant to erosion.
(vi) Variable Grain Size: Igneous rocks may have coarse or fine crystals depending on the rate at which the molten material cools.
(vii) Different Colours: They occur in different colours, including black, grey, white, pink and green, depending on their mineral composition.
(viii) Resistance to Weathering: Many igneous rocks, such as granite, are resistant to weathering and erosion because of their hard and compact nature.

(4c)
(PICK ANY FOUR)
(i) Construction of Buildings: Igneous rocks such as granite are used as building materials because they are hard, strong and durable.
(ii) Road Construction: Crushed igneous rocks are used as aggregates in road construction and the production of concrete.
(iii) Railway Construction: Crushed granite is used as ballast beneath railway tracks to provide support and stability.
(iv) Production of Decorative Materials: Polished igneous rocks such as granite are used for floor tiles, kitchen countertops, wall coverings and decorative monuments.
(v) Source of Valuable Minerals: Igneous rocks are associated with valuable minerals such as tin, gold, copper and platinum, which can be mined for economic purposes.
(vi) Manufacture of Cement: Certain igneous rocks, such as basalt, can be used as raw materials or additives in cement production, depending on their mineral composition.
(vii) Soil Formation: The weathering of igneous rocks produces soil that can support agriculture. For example, basalt may weather to form fertile soils suitable for crop cultivation.
(viii) Production of Statues and Monuments: Durable igneous rocks such as granite are used for carving statues, constructing monuments and making gravestones because they can withstand weathering for a long time.

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(5a) =CHARACTERISTICS OF A WATERFALL=
(i) It has a steep drop in the river bed.
(ii) It is formed where there is a difference in the hardness of the underlying rocks.
(iii) It is usually associated with a gorge, plunge pool and a river channel.
(iv) It is a result of vertical erosion, mainly by the force of falling water.
(v) It is often found in areas of high relief, such as mountains and plateaus.
(vi) It is a dynamic feature, constantly changing in size and shape due to ongoing erosion.

=MODE OF FORMATION=
(i) A river flows over a band of resistant rock (e.g. basalt) that overlies a softer rock (e.g. sandstone or shale).
(ii) The softer rock is eroded more quickly, creating an undercut at the base of the resistant rock.
(iii) The overhanging rock collapses, and the waterfall retreats upstream.
(iv) The process continues, resulting in a steep drop, a plunge pool and a gorge.

(5b)
(PICK ANY THREE)
(i) Generation of Hydroelectric Power: Waterfalls provide water that can be used to generate electricity for domestic and industrial purposes.
(ii) Source of Fresh Water: Water from waterfalls can be used for drinking, cooking, washing and other domestic activities after appropriate treatment.
(iii) Tourism and Recreation: Waterfalls attract tourists for sightseeing, photography, picnics and other recreational activities, thereby generating income.
(iv) Development of Industries: Water from waterfalls can be used by industries for manufacturing, processing and other industrial activities.
(v) Irrigation: Water from waterfalls and their associated rivers can be used to irrigate farmland, especially during the dry season.
(vi) Fishing: The pools and rivers associated with waterfalls may support fish and other aquatic organisms, providing food and income for local communities.
(vii) Source of Minerals: Water flowing over rocks may help to concentrate certain minerals in river deposits, which can be exploited for economic purposes.
(viii) Cultural and Spiritual Importance: Some waterfalls are regarded as sacred places and are used for traditional ceremonies and cultural activities by local communities.

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(7a)
A residual mountain is a mountain left standing after the surrounding land has been worn away by erosion and denudation. It survives because it is made of harder, more resistant rock. It is a remnant of a once higher upland. Example: Table Mountain in South Africa.

(7bi)
Tectonic plateau;
(i) It is formed by large-scale uplift of the Earth’s crust.
(ii) It has a wide, flat or gently undulating top.
(iii) It has steep sides (escarpments) and stands high above sea level.
(iv) Rivers cut deep valleys or gorges across it and form waterfalls at its edges. Example: the East African plateau.

(7bii)
Structural plain;
(i) It is underlain by horizontally bedded sedimentary rocks.
(ii) It is a wide, flat or gently sloping lowland.
(iii) It was exposed by uplift or the retreat of the sea.
(iv) It usually has fertile soils and few relief features. Example: the Great Plains of the USA.

(7biii)
Volcanic mountain;
(i) It is built from lava and ash piled around a vent.
(ii) It is often cone-shaped with steep slopes.
(iii) It has a crater or caldera at the summit.
(iv) It has alternating layers of lava and ash and may be active, dormant or extinct. Examples: Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Cameroon.

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(8a)
(PICK ANY FIVE)
(i) Rivers.
(ii) Lakes.
(iii) Rainfall.
(iv) Groundwater.
(v) Springs.
(vi) Oceans and seas.
(vii) Streams.
(viii) Dams and reservoirs.

(8b)
(PICK ANY FIVE)
(i) Construction of Dams and Reservoirs: Governments should construct dams and reservoirs to collect and store water during periods of heavy rainfall. The stored water can be used during the dry season for domestic purposes, irrigation and electricity generation.
(ii) Treatment of Water: Water should be treated through filtration, sedimentation, boiling or chlorination to remove impurities and harmful microorganisms. This makes it safer for drinking and other domestic uses.
(iii) Prevention of Water Pollution: Industries and individuals should avoid discharging untreated sewage, chemicals, oil and refuse into rivers, lakes and other water bodies. This helps maintain water quality and protects aquatic organisms.
(iv) Construction of Boreholes and Wells: Boreholes and wells should be constructed to make groundwater available, particularly in areas where surface water is scarce. Proper maintenance and protection of these sources will help ensure a reliable water supply.
(v) Provision of Irrigation Facilities: Irrigation systems such as canals, sprinklers and drip irrigation should be developed to supply water to crops during periods of inadequate rainfall. This improves agricultural production and reduces dependence on rainfall.
(vi) Proper Maintenance of Water Supply Facilities: Water pipes, pumps, treatment plants and storage tanks should be inspected and repaired regularly. This reduces water wastage caused by leakages and ensures a steady supply of water to communities.
(vii) Conservation of Water: People should be encouraged to use water carefully by repairing leaking taps, reusing suitable wastewater and avoiding unnecessary wastage. Water conservation helps preserve supplies for future generations.
(viii) Protection of Watersheds and Catchment Areas: Forests, wetlands and vegetation around rivers, lakes and reservoirs should be protected. This reduces soil erosion, prevents excessive siltation and helps maintain the quantity and quality of water available for human use.