DEEPER LIFE HIGH SCHOOL

Website: www.dlhschools.org, www.dlhschools.net

E-Mail: deeperlifehighschool@yahoo.com
FIRST TERM: E-LEARNING NOTES
SUBJECT: GEOGRAPHY
CLASS: SS1
SCHEME OF WORK
WEEK TOPIC
THEME 1: INTRODUCTORY/LOCAL GEOGRAPHY
1. Introduction to Geography
(a) Meaning, nature, scope and value of Geography.
(b) Town/Village
(i) Physical features e.g. Relief, Vegetation, Climate, Drainage, etc.
(ii) Cultural features e.g. Church, Mosque, Market, roads, settlements, etc.
(iii) Direction and location of physical and cultural features within the town/village.
(iv) Influence on human activities e.g. farming, fishing, pottery, trade, etc.
2. Local Government Area (LGA)
(a) LGA Headquarters (b) Locational relationship (c) Physical Characteristics: Relief,
Vegetation, Climate, Drainage, etc. (d) Economic Activities, e.g. Transportation, Agriculture,
Farming, Fishing, Trade, etc.
THEME 2: THE EARTH AND THE SOLAR SYSTEM
3. The Earth and Other Planets: (a) Components of the Solar system e.g. Mercury, Venus,
Earth. etc. (b) The earth – Size, Shape, Position in relation to the Sun and other planets.
(c) Evidence or proof of the earth’s sphericity.
4. Earth’s Rotation and Revolution: (a) Meaning of rotation and revolution. (b) Effects of
rotation. (c) Effects of revolution. (d) Differences between rotation and revolution.
5&6. Latitudes and Longitudes: Latitude – (i) Meaning of Latitude and Longitude (ii) Equator
(iii) Great circle (iv) Latitude and distances (v) Relationship with Major regions of the world
(Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, Arctic and Antarctic Circles) (vi) Longitude and time
(vii) Local Time, Standard Time and Time Zones. (viii) International Date Line
(ix) Similarities and Differences etc.
7. MID-TERM BREAK
8. The Earth’s Structure: I. Outer Structure of the earth (a) Major Spheres of the Earth:
(i) The Atmosphere (ii) The Lithosphere (iii) The Hydrosphere (iv) The Biosphere.
(b) Relationship between the three major spheres (atmosphere, lithosphere and hydrosphere)
(c) Relevance to Human activities.
II. Inner Structure of the earth –
(i) The Crust – SIAL and SIMA, Mohorovisic-discontinuity (ii) The Mantle (iii) The Core.
9&10. Rocks: (a) Meaning of rock (b) Types of rocks (i) Igneous rocks (ii) Sedimentary rocks
(iii) Metamorphic rocks (c) Characteristics of Rocks- (i) Structure (ii) Colour (iii) Texture
(iv) Permeability (c) Mode of formation of the rock types. (d) Similarities and Differences of
the rock types. (e) Importance of rocks to man.
11. Revision
12. Examination
WEEK 1
DATE: ...................
SUBJECT: GEOGRAPHY
CLASS: SS 1
TOPIC: Introduction to Geography
CONTENT:
1. Meaning, nature, scope and value of Geography.
2. Town/Village- Physical features and Cultural features
3. Direction and Location of physical and cultural features within the town/village.
4. Influence of these features on human activities
SUB-TOPIC 1: Meaning, nature, scope and value of Geography
Meaning of Geography.
The word geography is derived from two Greek words “geo” meaning the earth and “graph”
meaning to describe. The words grouped together formed the definition of Geography. Geography
therefore, can simply be defined as the “description of the earth”.
However, Geography is more than mere description of the earth. Hence, it is both defined as the
study of people, their activities, places and physical features within the earth.
Scope and Nature of Geography
Geography is a social science subject which deals with the study of man, his activities within the
environment and the physical things within the earth.
In order words, Geography studies different people in different places and their activities like
farming, trading, fishing, manufacturing and construction. It also involves the study of places like
Nigeria, Ghana, USA, Lagos etc. Geography also deals with study of natural phenomena on the
earth like climate, oceans, rocks, mountains, vegetation etc. Also, it involves studying of the
heavenly bodies like the sun, moon and the planets.
Geography as a field of study cuts across many other fields of human study such as Agricultural
science, Geology, Biology, History, Economics, Anthropology etc.
Branches of Geography
Geography is divided into three sub divisions. They are:
1. Physical Geography
2. Human/Regional Geography
3. Map Work/Reading
Values of Geography
1. Geography helps us to know the way of life of other people in other parts of the world.
2. It helps us to know where places are on earth and understand better what is said about them.
3. It also enables us to study physical things around us like soil, vegetation, climate, mountains
etc.
4. A study of Geography makes the understanding of related topics in other subjects easy.
5. Geography helps us to know the relevance of the physical features within our environment to
man’s life.
6. It helps us gain knowledge and skills useful in different profession like Teaching, Surveying,
Estate management, Architecture, Urban and regional planning, Aviation, and Geology etc.
7. It also enable us to understand other subjects like Agricultural science, Economics, Biology
etc.
EVALUATION:
1. What is Geography?
2. Explain the scope and nature of Geography.
3. State three branches of Geography.
4. Enumerate five importance of Geography.
SUB-TOPIC 2: Town/Village - Physical features and Cultural features
Local Geography
Local Geography has to do with the study of both physical and socio-cultural aspects of our
immediate environment (i.e. our society).The locality include the Village, Town, Local Government
Area and the State.
THE VILLAGE: A village is a small nucleated rural settlement formed from the combination of
several hamlets, contains several hundred or a thousand of people with limited services and social
amenities. It is characterized by the following:
1. Relatively small area of land.
2. Homogenous people i.e. people that know one another very well.
3. People with the same cultural background and language.
4. A simple and quiet life style.
5. Few buildings and population ranging from one family to few hundreds of people.
6. People in the village engage mostly in agriculture, lumbering, small scale shopping, fishing
and religious functions.
TOWN: A town is a large nucleated urban settlement formed from the expansion or combination of
several villages with several thousands of people and several social services.
The main characteristics of a town include the following:
1. Relatively large and dense settlement.
2. Socially heterogeneous people i.e. people who may not know one another very well.
3. People with different cultural background and languages.
4. Many building with thousands of people living in them.
5. Abundant social amenities.
6. Mainly involved in secondary and tertiary activities like manufacturing, banking etc.
7. A town functions as follows, industrial, commercial, socio-cultural (universities, hotels, radio
station etc.) and residential functions.
Physical Features of a town/village
The physical features of a town/village may include the relief, vegetation, climate, drainage etc.
Relief: This refers to the surface features of the land above sea level. Relief of a place can be
lowland or highland. Lowland refers to the areas below 300m above the sea level while
highlands are areas with 300m and above.
Vegetation: Vegetation refers to different plant species that inhabit a particular area at a period
(i.e. the floristic composition of the earth). The vegetation of a place can be grouped into two
major zones. They are forest and savannah or grassland.
Climate: This can be defined as the average weather condition of an area over a long period of
time. This can be determined between 35 and 40 years using its elements like rainfall,
temperature, humidity, wind etc.
Drainage: This refers to the way in which the water which falls as rain etc. runs over the land
surface. Drainage of a place includes rivers, streams, lakes etc.
Cultural features of a town/village
Cultural features of a town/village may include markets, post office, church, mosques, roads,
police station, school etc. These features are also known as man-made features.
Evaluation.
1. Define Local Geography.
2. What is a village?
3. What is a town?
4. State three characteristics each of a village and a town.
5. Highlight four physical features within your immediate environment.
6. Mention three cultural features within the school environment.
SUB-TOPIC 3: Direction and Location of physical and cultural features within the
town/village.
The direction of any feature, physical or cultural within the town/village is determined using
compass points or cardinal points. Compass or cardinal point is divided into four- namely, North,
South, East and West. These can be sub-divide into eight and sixteen cardinal points as the case may
be as shown in the diagrams below.

Four Cardinal Points

Eight Cardinal Points

Sixteen Cardinal Points

Evaluation.
1. With the aid of a diagram explain the cardinal points.
2. Use it to locate the direction of your school, house and other major physical and cultural
features within the town where your school is sited.
SUB-TOPIC 4: Influences of Physical features on Human Activities
Human activities commonly found in a town or village include farming, fishing, lumbering,
mining, manufacturing, and trading. These activities bring about resources like farm products,
timber and mineral resources, etc.
 The likely influences of the above mentioned features on human activities are:
1. Rivers and lakes are used for domestic purposes like washing, drinking and cooking.
2. The water bodies in a village/town can also be used for irrigation, which can boost the
agricultural products especially during dry season.
3. Relief of a place can determine the location of both cultural features and human activities.
4. The climate of an area determines the type of crops to be planted in that area. For instance
northern Nigeria grows more of food crops like millet, maize, beans, rice etc. while southern
parts grow more of cash crop like cocoa, rubber, cola nut etc. This is because of climatic
difference of the two areas.
5. Lowlands promotes extensive farming activities and man’s settlement.
Evaluation:
1. State four human activities within your town.
2. Mention three influences of physical features on the above mentioned human activities
within your town.
3. Describe a particular physical feature in your town and its effects on socio-economic
activities of that town.
GENERAL EVALUATION:
1. (a) (i) What is Geography? (ii) Define Geography. (b) Discuss the relevant of Geography to
human life.
2. (a) What is a village? (b) Describe five characteristics of a village.
3. (a) Enumerate five characteristics of a town. (b) Distinguish between a town and a village.
4. (a) State three physical features in your town. (b) Explain the relevant of any one of the
physical features to human activities in the area.
5. With the aid of a diagram, show the sixteen cardinal points.
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT:
Objective Test
1. Geography can simply be defined as............. (A) study of other subjects (B) description of
mountains and vegetation (C) description of earth (D) study of planets.
2. Compass points can be divided into the following numbers except (A) 16 (B) 8 (C) 24 (D) 4
3. To obtain the climate of a place the average atmospheric weather conditions should be
considered for about (A) 45years (B) 35years (C) 24years (D) 20years.
4. Which of the following criteria is not important in distinguishing between a village and a
town? (A) Geographical situation (B) Population size (C) Range of functions (D) Variety of
activities
5. A village is characterised by (A) the presence of several refineries. (B) availability of tertiary
health care facilities. (C) developed infrastructural facilities (D) agriculture and other primary
economic activities.
Essay Questions:
1. Mention four functions each of a village and a town.
READING ASSIGNMENT
Read Essential Geography by O.A Iwena. Pages 2-8.
PRE-READING ASSIGNMENT
Read Local Government and State Geography.
REFERENCE TEXTS:
 Essential Geography for Senior Secondary School by O.A. Iwena.
 Basic Geography Course for Senior Secondary Schools 1 by N.P. Iloeje et al.
 Senior Secondary Geography 1 by M.A. Abegunde et al.
WEEK 2
DATE...................
SUBJECT : GEOGRAPHY
CLASS : SS 1
TOPIC : Local Government
CONTENT:
1. LGA Headquarters
2. Locational Relationship
3. Physical characteristics
4. Economic activities
5. States and their capitals.
SUB-TOPIC 1: Local Government Headquarters
A local government area is formed by the combination of several towns and villages with similar
physical and cultural features. Local government areas serve as third tier or level of government in
Nigeria. There are 774 local government areas in Nigeria. Each of them has its administrative
headquarters.
Activities: Students should try with the help of teacher to name the local government areas in their
state, their headquarters and their locational relationship. The map of the state showing the local
government areas is required.
Evaluation.
1. What is local government area?
2. How many L G A are in Nigeria?
3. Mention five L G A in your state and their headquarters.
SUB-TOPIC 2: Locational Relationship
The relationship between one local government to the other can be determined with the use of
cardinal points or compass points which enables us to locate the position of one point from another.
See the explanation above.
Evaluation:
1. Describe the location of at least five L G A in your state.
SUB-TOPIC 3: Physical Characteristics
The physical characteristics that may be found in local government area are: mountains or hills,
valleys, plains, drainage, vegetation, climate etc.
Evaluation:
1. (i) Name two major (i) rivers (ii) mountains/hills in your locality.
2. Describe the climatic and vegetation types of your locality.
3. Identify specific and important physical features in your locality and describe them.
SUB-TOPIC 4: Economic Activities
The economic activities of an area have to do with various activities engaged in by the people in
such locality. These include agriculture, trading, animal rearing, mining, fishing etc. However
agriculture is common to most local government areas and it is basic to the life of the nation.
Evaluation:
1. State four major economic activities within the town where your school is situated.
2. Discuss any one of these activities and its importance to the area.
SUB-TOPIC 5: State Geography
A state is made up of a number of local government areas. The number of local government areas
varies from one state to another depending on the size of the state. Nigeria at present has thirty-six
state (36) states and the federal capital territory (FCT), Abuja. Below is the Nigerian map showing
the 36 states and FCT.
 N

Map of Nigeria Showing the 36 States and FCT

Evaluation:
1. How many states are in Nigeria?
2. Mention five states in Nigeria and their capitals.
GENERAL EVALUTION.
1. Mention five local government areas in your state.
2. Describe the location and position of your local government area in the state.
3. Draw map of your state showing the local government areas in the state.
4. Explain the location and position of your state in Nigeria.
5. Brief discuss the climate and economic activities of your state.
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT:
1. (a) Draw an outlined map of Nigeria, showing the six geo-political zones.
(b) List the states in each geo-political zones.
READING ASSIGNMENT
Read Essential Geography for Senior Secondary Schools by O.A. Iwena Pages 23 - 28
REFERENCE TEXTS:
1. Read Basic Geography Course for Senior Secondary Schools 1 by N.P.Iloeje et al.
2. Essential Geography for Senior Secondary Schools by O.A. Iwena.
3. Senior Secondary Geography by M.A. Abegunde et al.

WEEK 3 DATE.....................
SUBJECT: GEOGRAPHY
CLASS: SS 1
TOPIC: THE EARTH AND OTHER PLANETS
CONTENT: 1. Components of the Solar system
2. The Earth- Size, Shape and Position in relation to the Sun and other planets
SUB-TOPIC 1: Components of the Solar system
The Solar System
The solar system consists of the sun and the nine planets with their satellites. The sun is at
the centre of the planets and all other planets revolve around it on elliptical orbits. The nine planets
are Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto
The path followed by each of these planets around the sun is called ORBIT. A smaller body which
moves around a planet is called SATELLITE.

The Solar System

The planets themselves can be grouped into two:
1. TERRESTRIAL PLANETS: They are Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars. They are called
Terrestrial planets because they have similar components with those of the earth being made
of rock and heavy minerals like iron. They are also called inner planets because they are
near the sun than others.
2. JOVIAN PLANETS: They include Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. They are
called Jovian planets because they have similar features with Jupiter being large and made of
gaseous materials.
THE SUN
The sun is the largest star in the solar system. It is at the centre of the planets. It is stationary
while all the planets move around it. It has a surface temperature of about 6,000 0c with an interior
temperature of over 20,000,0000c. In size, the sun is about 300,000 times as big as the earth. It is the
ultimate source of light and energy to all the planets. The sun is important to man because it
produces light which can be conserved as heat energy or radiant energy. Therefore, without solar
radiation from the sun called insolation, all forms of life on earth surface would not have been
possible. The stars which appear singly when viewed from the earth actually exist in groups or
clusters which are better referred to as galaxies or nebula. The Asteroid zone or belt is a
circumstellar disc in the solar system that is located roughly between the orbit of the planets mars
and Jupiter. It is occupied with irregular shaped bodies called asteroid or minor planets.
THE NINE PLANETS AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS
MERCURY
(i) It is the smallest and closet planet to the sun.
(ii) It is about 57,900,000km (36million miles) away from the sun.
(iii) It has the shortest orbit.
(iv) A year in mercury is only 88 days.
(v) It has no satellite.
VENUS
(i) It is the second closest planet to the sun.
(ii) It is often considered as earth’s twin because of the close proximity in size, mass
(weight) and density but contains no living things.
(iii) It takes 225 days to complete it revolution round the sun.
 (iv) It has no satellite.
(v) It distance from the sun is about 107,200,000km.
EARTH
(i) It is the only planet which supports the existence of plants and animals.
(ii) It has one natural satellite called the moon, which revolve around the earth eastward
once in every 27/28days.
(iii) It is described by the spacemen as a “beautiful jewel” when seen from space.
(iv) It takes the earth about 365 ¼ days to complete it orbit.
(v) It is about 148,800,000km away from the sun.
(vi) The distance of the moon from the earth is 384,629km.
MARS
(i) Mars is the fourth and next planet to the earth.
(ii) It has dark patches on its surface and is believed to be the next planet after earth to
have possibility of some plant life.
(iii) It distance from the sun is 227,200,000km.
(iv) It takes Mars 687days to complete its orbit.
(v) It has two satellite.
JUPITER
(i) It is the largest planet in the solar system.
(ii) It contains hydrogen and methane gases with light and dark bands on its surface.
(iii) It has twelve satellites that circle around it.
(iv) Its distance from the sun is 772,800,000km.
(v) It takes Jupiter 9years to complete its orbits.
SATURN
(i) It is the second largest planet after Jupiter.
(ii) It takes about 29 ½ years to complete its orbit.
(iii) The distance of Saturn from the sun is about 1,417,600,000km.
(iv) Saturn has three rings and ten satellite.
URANUS
(i) Uranus is 50 times larger than the earth and 15time as heavy.
(ii) Its orbits around the sun is in clockwise direction from east to west.
(iii) It has five satellite revolving around it.
(iv) It distance from the sun is 2,854,400,000km.
(v) It takes about 84years to complete its orbits.
NEPTUNE
(i) It is very cold, with two satellite.
(ii) It takes Neptune about 164.8years to complete its orbit.
(iii) Its distance from the sun is 4,468,800,000km.
(iv) It has two satellites.
PLUTO
(i) This is the ninth and the farthest planet to the sun.
(ii) It was discovered in 1930 by Astronomer Clyde W. Tombaugh.
(iii) It is the coldest. It is smaller than the earth.
(iv) It has the longest orbit around the sun. It takes 247.7years to complete its orbit.
(v) It distance from the sun is about 5,850,000,000km.
 IN SUMMARY
Planet Distance from the sun Period of revolution Diameter Number of satellites
(in millions of km) round the sun (in km)
Mercury 57.6 88 days 4880 None
Venus 107.9 225 days 12,100 None
Earth 149.5 3651/4 days 12,756 1
Mars 228 687 days 6,790 2
Jupiter 777.9 12 years 142,200 12
Saturn 1426 30 years 119,300 9
Uranus 2868.9 84 years 47,100 5
Neptune 4495 165 years 48,400 2
Pluto 5900 249 years 5,800 None
However, the researchers said that Pluto failed to dominate its orbit around the Sun in the same
way as the other planets. Therefore, it will be referred to as a "dwarf planet" and that Solar system
now will be described with just eight major planetary bodies.

The Picture of how the Planets Revolve Round the Sun

EVALUATION:
1. What is Solar system?
2. List nine planets in the Solar system.
3. Describe Satellite and the Sun.
4. Mention four characteristics each of the nine planets.
5. What can you say about Pluto in recent time?
SUB-TOPIC 2: The Earth- Size, Shape and Position in relation to the Sun and other planets
The Size of the Earth
The earth is the fifth largest planet in the solar system. The surface area of the earth is
approximately 443 million square kilometre (197 million square miles). Other important dimensions
of the earth are:
(i) Equatorial circumference = 40,084km
(ii) Equatorial diameter = 12,761km
(iii) Polar circumference = 39,951km
(iv) Polar diameter = 12,719km
The Shape of the Earth
The earth was thought to be flat but it is not. It has a spherical shape. It is slightly flattened at the
poles to give a nearly spherical shape, hence, the earth’s shape is better described as a geoid which
means, the earth’s shape.
 The Sphericity of the Earth
EVIDENCE/PROOFS TO SHOW THAT EARTH IS SPHERICAL
1. CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF THE EARTH: This proves that no traveller going round the
world by land or by sea has ever encountered an abrupt edge, over which he would fall. This
was established and proved beyond doubt by Ferdinand Magellan and his crew who travelled
round the world between 1519 and 1522.

Circumnavigation of the Earth

2. SUNRISE AND SUNSET: As the earth rotates from west to east, the places in the east
experience the sun earlier than places in the west. If the earth is flat, the whole earth would
experience sunrise and sunset at the same time.
 Sunrise and Sunset
3. THE CIRCULAR HORIZON: When one views a distant horizon from the deck of a ship at
sea, or from a cliff on land, the shape is always circular. As one climbs higher, the circular
horizon widens. This type of feature is seen only on a spherical body.

4. SHIP’S VISIBILITY: When a ship is seen at a far distance, the top of the mast is seen first
before the hull and later the rest of the ship’s body. In the same way, if a ship leaves a
harbour it disappears gradually. If the earth is flat, the ship from a distant view would appear
and disappear at once.

Ship’s Visibility on the Sea

5. PLANETARY BODIES: All other planetary bodies such as moon, stars, sun etc are circular
in shape. So the earth cannot be an exception.
6. DRIVING POLES OF EQUAL LENGTH ON A LEVEL GROUND: When poles of
equal length were driven at the same depth in a level ground by surveyors, it was found that
the centre pole is projected slightly above the poles at either side because of the curvature of
the earth. If the earth is flat, all the poles would have the same height.

Driving poles of equal length on a levelled ground

7. THE LUNAR ECLIPSE: During the lunar eclipse, the shadow of earth casts on the moon is
always circular in shape. Only a sphere, like the earth can cast such as circular shadow.

Sun

Moon Earth
An Eclipse of the Moon
8. AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH: Pictures of the earth taken from high altitudes by rockets
clearly show the curve edge of the earth. This is the most recent and up-to-date proof of the
earth’s sphericity.
EVALUATION:
1. Outline four proofs of the earth’s sphericity.
2. With the aid of diagrams describe three of the proofs mentioned above.
GENERAL EVALUATION:
1. (a) Describe the planet earth.
(b) Discuss the importance of the Sun in the Solar system.
2. (a) Explain the solar system.
(b) Outline four characteristics of the following planets (i) Mercury (ii) Jupiter.
3. Explain why Pluto is referred to as ‘dwarf planet’.
4. Differentiate between Pluto and Mercury
5. Highlight four characteristics of Uranus.
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT:
Objective Test: Choose the correct answer from letter a-d
1. The fourth planet from the sun in the solar system is (A) Mercury (B) Uranus (C) Neptune
(D) Mars.
2. The smallest planet in the solar system is (A) Jupiter (B) Mars (C) Mercury (D) Earth.
3. The biggest member of the solar system is (A) Mars (B) the moon (C) the sun (D) Neptune.
4. Which of the following is not a proof that the earth is spherical? (A) The circular horizon
(B) Planetary bodies as observed from telescope (C) The earth’s shadow in the moon during
an eclipse (D)The four seasons (E) Sunrise and sunset.
5. Stars tend to form clusters known as (A) satellites (B) Andromeda spiral (C) planets
(D) galaxies
Essay Questions:
1. (a) What is eclipse of the moon? (b) What is eclipse of the sun?
PRE-READING ASSIGNMENT:
Read the earth’s movement- Rotation and Revolution of the earth.
REFERENCE TEXTS:
1. Certificate Physical and Human Geography for Senior Secondary School by B.O. Adeleke et
al.
2. Essential Geography for Senior Secondary School by O.A. Iwena.
3. Comprehensive Geography for Senior Secondary Schools by P.O. Ajayi

WEEK 4 DATE..................
SUBJECT: GEOGRAPHY
CLASS: SS 1
TOPIC: EARTH’S MOVEMENTS
CONTENT:
1. Meaning and effects of rotation of the earth.
2. Meaning and effects of revolution of the earth.
3. Differences between rotation and revolution of the earth.
EARTH’S MOVEMENT
The earth moves in space in two different ways. They are (a) Rotation (b) Revolution.
SUB-TOPIC 1: Meaning and effects of rotation of the earth
Meaning of Rotation of the Earth
The earth rotates on its axis from west to east in every 24hours through 3600. This is why it is said
that there are twenty four hours (24) in a day. It rotates through 150 in 1hour or 10 in 4 minutes. The
rotating earth is inclined at an angle of 23½0 along it axis.
EFFECT OF ROTATION OF THE EARTH
1. DAY AND NIGHT: As the earth rotates from west to east only one part of the earth facing
the sun experiences daylight while other part of the earth backing the sun’s ray will
experience darkness (night).
 2. DEFLECTION OF WIND AND OCEAN CURRENT: The rotation of the earth causes the
deflection of winds and ocean current to the right in the northern hemisphere and to the left
in the southern hemisphere. This principle was based on the fact that during the earth’s
rotation, the equatorial region moves at a greater velocity or speed than any other higher
latitudes because the equator is longer in circumference. The man who established this
principle is called Ferrell and at times it is referred to as Ferrell’s law of deflection.
3. APPARENT SUNRISE AND SUNSET: During the earth’s rotation, the part of the earth
that emerges from the darkness into the rays of the sun experience sunrise while the other
part going away from the sun’s rays to darkness will experience sunset.
4. TIME DIFFERENCE FROM PLACE TO PLACE: There is a difference of one hour at
every 150 apart. To the west an hour is lost and to the east an hour is gained.
5. DAILY RISING AND FALLING OF THE TIDES: The rotation of the earth causes the
rising and falling in the level of water in the sea and oceans.
6. IT CAUSES DAWN AND TWILIGHT: Dawn is a brief period between the sunrise and
complete daylight while twilight is the brief period between sunset and complete darkness.
EVALUATION:
1. Explain the rotation of the earth.
2. State five effects of rotation of the earth.
SUB-TOPIC 2: Meaning and effects of revolution of the earth
Meaning of Revolution of the Earth
The earth revolves around the sun on its orbit. It takes 365¼ days to complete one revolution. The ¼
day or 6hours is added up every four years to make an extra day in a leap year. A leap year has
366days while a normal year has 365days. Leap years are all divisible by 4.
The revolving earth is tilted or inclined at an angle of 66½ 0 to the plane of ecliptic orbit during its
revolution.
EFFECTS OF REVOLUTION OF THE EARTH
1. IT DETERMINES A YEAR. The time taken by the earth to move round the sun is fixed at
365 ¼ days which make up a year.
2. VARYING LENGTH OF DAY AND NIGHT: The length of day and night varies
depending on the position of the earth. During winter, in the northern hemisphere, around
December 22, there is increase in the number of dark hour towards the northern pole. Within
the Arctic Circle 66 ½ 0N, there is a complete absence of sunrise, hence a whole day of
darkness is experienced. While in the southern hemisphere, the period of day light increases
towards the South Pole on December 22 but the region experiences summer.
In the summer period around June 21st, the northern hemisphere experiences longer daylight
towards the poles while the Arctic Circle 66½oN the sun never sets, hence they experience
24hours of continuous daylight. This region (Arctic Circle) at this time is called ‘Land of
mid-night sun’. The sun is overhead at the tropic of cancer and no part is in darkness.
In the southern hemisphere, the period of darkness increases towards the South Pole on June
21st, but the region experience a winter.
 Earth’s
Orbit

Position of the Earth in Relation to the Sun

3. IT CAUSES SEASONS: The tropical areas like West Africa have two seasons- rainy and
dry seasons. But the temperate region countries experience four seasons- Spring, Summer,
Autumn and Winter. During spring, March 21st, the sun will be overhead at the equator
giving all places in the northern hemisphere spring equinox. This is the period when plants
begin to grow. The summer period occurs in the northern hemisphere between late May till
late July. On June, 21st, the sun is overhead at the tropics of cancer resulting in summer
solstice. This is when the northern hemisphere will have its longest day and shortest night.
September 23rd is the period referred to as Autumn Equinox. In the northern hemisphere,
leaves fall off the trees and their colour turn yellow-brown from September to October.
December 22nd is the period referred to as a winter. This is the period when weather is very
cold in the northern hemisphere because of the generally decreased sunshine. It is also known
as winter solstice. Summarily, summer is a hot season; winter is a cold season, while spring
and autumn are warm or cool.

The Four Seasons of the Earth

4. CHANGES IN THE ALTITUDE OF THE MID-DAY SUN: The revolution of the earth
cause a change of the mid-day sun resulting in equinoxes and solstices.
a. EQUINOXES: Equinox means equal day and night. It is the time when the mid-day sun
is directly overhead at the equator. This occurs on March 21st and September 23rd.
b. SOLSTICES: This means that the period of day and night is not equal. It is the time
when the sun is vertically overhead at the tropic of cancer. This normally occurs on
December 22nd and June 21st.
5. CHANGES IN SEASONAL TEMPERATURE: There is a warm and bright summer while
winters are cold and dark in the arctic region
EVALUATION:
1. Describe the revolution of the earth.
 2. Explain four effects of the revolution of the earth.
SUB-TOPIC 3: DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ROTATION AND REVOLUTION OF THE
EARTH
1. During rotation the earth rotates on its axis while during revolution it revolves round the sun
along its orbit.
2. The earth rotates through 3600 in 24 hours (one day) whereas it revolves round the sun in 365¼
days (one year).
3. The rotating earth is inclined at an angle of 23½0 along its axis while the revolving earth is tilted
or inclined at an angle of 66½ 0 to the plane of ecliptic.
4. Rotation causes day and night whereas revolution causes seasons.
5. Rotation causes the difference of one hour between two meridians – 150 apart whereas revolution
causes changes in the altitude of the mid-day sun.
EVALUATION:
1. Differentiate between rotation and revolution of the earth.
GENERAL EVALUATION
1. (a) Describe the effects of rotation of the earth.
(b) Distinguish between rotation and revolution of the earth.
(c) With the aid of a suitable diagram, describe an eclipse of the sun. (SSCE August, 1991)
2. Give reasons why: (i) all areas north of the Arctic Circle have 24hours of day light on June
21st. (ii) Area within the tropics have more sunshine than areas outside the tropics. (SSCE
NOV.,1994)
3. (a) With the aid of diagram, describe the four positions of the earth during its revolution
around the sun.
(b) Explain why summers are usually warm and bright while winters are cold and dark in the
Arctic region. (SSCE NOV., 1994)
4. Write explanatory notes on each of the following: (a) Twilight (b) Solstices (c) Equinoxes
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT:
Objective Test. Choose the correct answer from letter a-d
1. The rotation of the earth causes (A) changes in the altitude of the mid-day sun (B) day and
night (C) variations in the length of day and night (D) differences in the length of one year.
2. Which of the following conditions occurs during equinox? (A) The tropic of Cancer
experiences longer day than the tropic of Capricorn (B) All places across the globe
experience equal lengths of day and nights (C) The length of day at the Equator is shorter
than the tropic of Cancer (D) The moon is star-shaped all through the night all over the
world.
3. When the sun is directly overhead at the tropic of Capricorn (23½0S) on 22nd December, the
Northern Hemisphere experiences its (A) twilight (B) winter solstice (C) summer solstice
(D) spring equinox (E) autumn equinox.
4. In the southern hemisphere, the autumnal equinox occurs on (A) 21st March (B) 21st June
(C) 23rd September (D) 22nd December (E) 4th January.
5. Which of the following is a leap year? (a) 1978 (b) 2001 (c) 1988 (d)1990
ESSAY
1. Explain the following: (a) Twilight (b) Dawn (c) Eclipse.
2. With the aid of diagram describe (i) Eclipse of the Sun (ii) Eclipse of the Moon.
REFERENCE TEXTS:
4. Certificate Physical and Human Geography for Senior Secondary School by B.O. Adeleke et
al.
5. Essential Geography for Senior Secondary School by O.A. Iwena.
6. Comprehensive Geography for Senior Secondary Schools by P.O. Ajayi.
WEEK 5 &6
SUBJECT: GEOGRAPHY
CLASS: SS 1
TOPIC: Latitudes and Longitudes
CONTENT:
1. Meaning and uses of Latitude.
i. Equator
ii. Relationship with Major regions of the world (Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, Arctic and
Antarctic Circles)
iii. Latitude and distance.
2. Meaning and uses of Longitude
i. Great circle
ii. Longitude and time.
iii Local Time, Standard Time and Time Zones.
iv International Date Line.
3. Difference and Similarities between longitude and latitude.
SUB-TOPIC 1: Meaning and Uses of Latitude
Meaning of Latitude.
Latitude is an imaginary line drawn on the globe running from west to east. It is the angular distance
of a point on the earth’s surface, measured in degrees from the centre of the earth. The earth is
divided into equal halves – the northern and southern hemisphere by latitude (O0) called the
equator. Other lines of latitude are parallel to the equator and to each other, hence, the latitude are
also called parallels of latitude.

Lines of Latitude run from west to east

The major lines of latitude are:
i. The Equator (0°)
ii. The Tropic of Cancer 23 ½ °N
iii. The Tropic of Capricorn 23 ½ °S
iv. The Arctic Circle 66 ½ °N
v. The Antarctic Circle 66 ½ °S
These are diagrammatically showing below
 0

The Parallel of Latitude

Equator: Equator is a line of latitude that divides the earth into two halves- northern hemisphere
and southern hemisphere. It is 00. All other lines of latitude north or south take their readings from
equator and they are parallel to it. It is also referred to as Great Circle.
USES OF LINES OF LATITUDE
i. It is used in conjunction with longitude to locate places on the map.
ii. It is used to calculate distance between two places on the earth’s surface.
EVALUATION
1. Describe latitude.
2. State four major lines of latitude.
3. What is Equator?
4. State two uses of latitude.
SUB-TOPIC 3: Latitude and Distance
Lines of latitude are used to calculate the distance between two places on the earth surface.
To calculate distance the following procedure are to be followed
a. Locate the two places
b. Find the latitude difference between the two places involved. To do that, the formular
used is
i. North – North = subtract
ii. South – South = Subtract
iii. South – North = Add
iv. Equator (00) – North/South = Add or subtract
c. Multiply the latitude difference by 111km
Note that 10 of latitude is approximately 111km on land. This is derived by dividing the length of
equatorial circumference (40,089km) by 3600
 40 , 089
0
=111 km
i.e. 360
EXAMPLE 1: Calculate the distance between the equator (Lat 00) and Egypt (300N)
Solution:

a. Locate the two places involved

Latitude of equator = 00
Latitude of Egypt = 300
b. The difference in latitude is 0 + 30 = 300
c. Since 10 =111km
Therefore, 300 = 30 x 111km = 3,330km
The distance between the equator and Egypt = 3,330km
EXAMPLE 2: Calculate the distance between South Africa (30os) and Spain (400N)
Solution:

a. Locate the places involved

South Africa 300s
Spain 400N
b. Latitude difference 300 + 400 = 700
c. Since 10 = 111km
 700 = 111 x 70 = 7,770km
The distance between South Africa and Spain is 7,770km
EVALUATION:
1. Calculate the distance between Point R (lat. 500S) and Point Q (lat. 350N)
SUB-TOPIC 1: Meaning and Uses of Longitude
Meaning of Longitude
Longitude is an imaginary line drawn on the globe (earth) running from north to south at right angle
to the parallel. It is an angular distance measured in degrees east and west of the Greenwich
meridian. All other lines of longitude are called meridian and are numbered in degrees east and
west of longitude 00.
The longitude passing through London (Britain) and Accra (Ghana) is called Great, Prime or
Greenwich Meridian and it is put at longitude 00. The major lines of longitude are showing in the
diagram below.
 Important Lines of Longitude
Uses of Lines of Longitude
i. They are used in calculating local time.
ii. They are used in conjunction with latitude to locate places on the map.
GREAT CIRCLE
It is an imaginary circle on the earth’s surface with its plane passing through the centre of
the earth, thereby dividing the globe into two hemispheres or two equal parts. Out of all
the lines of latitude, only the equator is a great circle. Any two opposite longitudes
(meridians) form a great circle. Thus, Greenwich meridian together with meridian 180
form a great circle. Likewise meridian 10E and 170W, 20E and 160W, and 50E and
130W all formed a great circle. The number of great circles is limitless or endless. Great
circles can extend in any direction; east to west, north to south, north-east to south-west,
and so on. Great circles are of equal length. The shortest distance between any two points
on the earth’s surface is an arc of a GREAT CIRCLE.
A great circle route is therefore, the shortest route between two points on the globe.
Modern aircraft follow routes along sections of great circles to save time and fuel. But it
is not always possible to follow great circle routes because of:
I. political reasons if some countries forbid the use of their air space,
II. the fact that air routes tend to follow the land in case of accident and rarely fly for long
distances over the sea,
III. the fact that aircraft may have to call at several airports which are not on a straight
line.
Evaluation:
1. Define longitude.
2. Mention three major lines of longitude.
3. What is Greenwich meridian?
4. State two uses of lines of longitude.
SUB-TOPIC 4: Differences and Similarities between Lines of Latitude and Longitude

SIMILARITIES BETWEEN THE LINES OF LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE.

1. Both are imaginary lines drawn on the earth’s surface.
2. Both are angular distances of a point on the earth’s surface.
3. Both are measured in degrees.
4. Both are used to locate places on the earth’s surface.
5. Both contain great circle.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE LINES OF LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE.
1. Lines of latitude are called parallels while lines of longitude are called meridians.
2. Parallels are drawn from west to east while meridians are drawn from north to south.
3. Distance between two meridians decreases towards the poles while for the parallels the distance is
constant.
4. Parallels have different circumference while meridians have equal circumference,
5. Parallels never meet while meridians meet at the poles.
6. Parallels are marked 0 to 90 north and south of the equator while meridians are marked 0 to
180 east and west of the Greenwich.
7. Of all the parallels only the equator is a great circle while all meridians form part of a great circle.
8. The Greenwich is a reference point of all the meridians while the equator is a point of reference
of all the parallels.
9. Parallels are used to calculate distance while meridians are used to calculate time.
10. The most significant parallels are 0 (equator), 231/2N (Tropic of Cancer), 231/2S (Tropic of
Capricorn), 661/2N (Arctic Circle), 661/2S (Antarctic Circle), 900N (North Pole) and 900S (South
Pole) while those of meridians are 0 (Greenwich Meridian) and 180 (International Date Line).
EVALUATION:
1. Differentiate between latitude and longitude
2. Mention four similarities between longitude and latitude.
SUB-TOPIC 5: Time and Time zone
Local Time
The situation in which time varies for every degree of longitude is what is referred to as local time.
This means that each meridian has its own local time. Therefore, as soon as longitude changes, time
changes as well. Thus, if time is 12noon at Lagos longitude 3E, it will be 12.04 p.m. at Ibadan
longitude 4E. If each town were to keep the time of its own meridian, there would be much
difference in local time between one town and the other and great confusion would have set in
because of the variation in local time from place to place.
To avoid this confusion, a system of standard time is observed by all countries.
Longitude is used in calculating local time. To do so, the following procedures are to be followed
1. Locate the places involved in question
2. Find the longitude difference
3. Convert the longitude difference to time
 4. Adjust the time according to the direction of the movement (West or East)
EXAMPLE 1: What will be the local time in Nigeria (Long 150E) when it is 5.00pm in Ethiopia
(Long 450E)?
SOLUTIONS

Longitude difference. To find the longitude difference the formula used is

(i) East – East = Subtract
(ii) West – West = Subtract
(iii) East – West = Add
(iv) Greenwich Meridian (00) - West or East = Add or Subtract
Longitude difference = 450 – 150 = 300
Convert the longitude difference to time
The formula used is
3600 = 24hrs
150 = 1hour
10 = 4minutes
Using 150 = 1hour
30
×1=2 hrs
30 = 15
0

OR
Using 1 = 4minutes
0

0
30 ×4 min 120
= =2 hrs
300 = 60 60
To adjust the time, subtract 2hours from 5.00pm for the direction of arrow
5.00pm – 2hrs = 3.00pm
Therefore, the local time in Nigeria is 3.00pm.
Note that if the direction is to the west, you subtract the calculated time from the given one. But if
direction of arrow is to the east, the calculated time will be added to the given time.
CALCULATION OF LONGITUDE
PROCEDURE
a. Locate the places involved
b. Find the time difference
c. Convert the time difference to longitude
d. Adjust the longitude to the direction of movement (west or east)
EXAMPLE: What is the longitude of a town X whose time is 12.00noon when Greenwich Mean
Time is 6.00pm?
SOLUTION:
Procedure A:
Note: Town X has to come first because you get 12noon before 6.pm
Procedure B: Find the time difference
12.00pm – 6.00pm = 6hrs
Procedure C: Convert 6hrs to longitude.
Since 150 = 1hour
6hrs = 6 x 150 = 900
Procedure D: Since the arrow is pointing to the question mark (i.e. west), therefore, the 900 is to the
west which is 900W. Therefore the longitude of town X = 900W.
Standard Time and World Time Zone
This is a time generally adopted by a country in order to eliminate differences in local time between
one town and the other within the same country. It is usually taken in reference to the Greenwich
meridian. For example, Nigeria regulates its time with longitude 150 E, which is an hour ahead
GMT.
The world is divided into 24 standard time zones, each of which differs from the next zone by 15 0 in
longitude or one hour in time. Some bigger countries like Canada, USA, etc adopted many time
zones due to the area extent of the country. For example, Russia and China are divided into eleven
time zones while both Canada and USA have five time zones.

Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)

This is also called world time and it is longitude 00.All countries of the world take or adjust their
time from longitude 00. Countries locate on longitude 00 such as Accra (Ghana), London (Britain),
Paris (France), Algiers (Algeria), etc. observe GMT. Nigeria for instance is on longitude 15 0 E
which is an hour ahead of Ghana.
EVALUATION:
1. What will be the local time at Fuji Island longitude 1780 E when it is 1.00pm at
Greenwich on Monday 4th of December 1959?
2. Write short notes on the following: (i) standard time (ii) Greenwich meridian (iii) local
time.
3. A football match is to be played on Saturday in New Zealand (1500E) between the host
country and Nigeria (150 E). If the match is to be televised live, at what time should
Nigerians tune in their television to watch the kick-off scheduled for 4.00pm in New
Zealand (WASSCE June, 2001).
Sub - Topic 6: International Dateline and Grid references
This is an imaginary line running from north to south through Pacific Ocean. The line is zig-zag in
some places to avoid some island group thereby removing the confusion of dividing one island into
different date.

Where this line is crossed, the date changes by exactly one day (24hours). When crossing IDL
(Longitude 1800) from west to east 24hours is gained. If it is crossed from east to west 24hours is
lost. For example, if a traveller crosses IDL on Friday 13th to the east, the day becomes Thursday
12th, while crossing it to the west on Friday 13th, the day becomes Saturday 14th.

International Date Line

EVALUATION:
1. Explain in detail the International Date Line.
GENERAL EVALUATION:
1. Distinguish between Standard time and Greenwich Mean Time ( SSCE NOV.,1992)
2. If the GMT is 10.00am, 5th July, when the local time in a place X is 4.48am, 4th July, find
the longitude of place X (SSCE NOV.,1992)
3. Write notes on each of the following: (i) Great circle (ii) World Time Zone (iii) Small circle.
4. Explain four ways in which lines of Latitude differ from lines of Longitude. (SSCE June
1993)
5. Distinguish between Meridian and Parallel ( WASSCE June, 2001)

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
Objective Tests: Choose the correct answer from letter A-D
1. The longitude that joins Longitude 180° at the opposite side of the globe to form a Great
Circle is (A) Longitude 0° (B) Longitude 30°E (C) Longitude 150°W (D) Longitude 170°W.
2. What is the distance along a great circle between Latitudes 270S and 23.50N of the equator?
(A) 5,705.5km (B) 5,610.5km (C) 5,500.5km (D) 5,405.5km.
3. The angular distance of a point on the Earth's surface measured in degrees from the centre of
the Earth east or west of the Greenwich Meridian is known as (A) axis (B) latitude (C) orbit
(D) longitude.
4. The degree of longitude through which the Earth spins within 3 hours is (A) 150. (B) 300.
(C) 450. (D) 600.
5. Which of the following countries is located on longitude 00? (a) Nigeria (b) Gambia
(c) Ethiopia (d) France
Essay Questions:
1. Distinguish between Local time and Standard time.
READING ASSIGNMENT:
Read Essential Geography for Senior Secondary Schools by O.A. Iwena Pages 47 – 50.
REFERENCE TEXTS:
1. Essential Geography for SSS by O.A. Iwena
2. Comprehensive Geography for SSS by P.O. Ajayi
3. Certificate Physical and Human Geography for SSS by O. Areola et al.

WEEK 7: MID- TERM BREAK

WEEK 8 DATE..................
SUBJECT: GEOGRAPHY
CLASS: SS 1
TOPIC: THE EARTH’S STRUCTURE
CONTENT:
I. Outer Structure of the earth (a) Major Spheres of the Earth: (i) The Atmosphere
(ii) The Lithosphere (iii) The Hydrosphere (iv) The Biosphere. (b) Relationship between
the three major spheres
(atmosphere, lithosphere and hydrosphere) (c) Relevance to Human activities.
II. Inner Structure of the earth –
(i) The Crust – SIAL and SIMA, Mohorovisic-discontinuity (ii) The Mantle (iii) The Core.
SUB-TOPIC 1: THE STRUCTURE OF THE EARTH
The structure of the earth is grouped into the outer structure and the internal structure of the earth.
The outer structures of the earth consist of four zones or layers. Three are made up of physical
constituents, which consist of the three different states of matter; which are solid, liquid and gaseous
substances. While the fourth which is made up of the Biological constituents, consist of living
organisms.
These outer structures of the earth includes: - i. The Atmosphere, ii. The Lithosphere, iii. The
Hydrosphere and iv. The Biosphere.
 The External and Internal Structure of the Earth
THE ATMOSPHERE: The atmosphere is the portion of the earth that consists of gases. These
mixtures of various gases and other matter, forms and envelops round the earth. The atmosphere is
loosely called “Air”, around us but in the real fact the atmosphere contain more than just air. The
pure air in it, is made up of the following gases:
Nitrogen -------- -----------------------78%
Oxygen --------------------------------- 21%
Argon and Neon (rare gases------- 0.93%
Carbon dioxide ----------------------0.03%
The atmosphere also contains water vapour and dust particles. The atmosphere also is made up of
four layers which include:
i. the troposphere,
ii. ii. the stratosphere,
iii. iii. the mesosphere and
iv. iv. The thermosphere.
The troposphere is the lowest and nearest to the earth, while the thermosphere, otherwise known as
the ionosphere is the uppermost part of the earth.
EVALUATION
1. Mention the three physical constituents of the outer structure of the earth.
2. Describe the atmosphere.
3. Outline the different atmospheric gases and their percentage.
4. List the different layers of the atmosphere, indicating the nearest and the uppermost layers
THE LITHOSPHERE: The lithosphere or the crust is the outer solid part of the earth. The
lithosphere comprises of two distinct parts; the upper part consists of granite rocks and forms the
continents comprising of the landmasses, which is marked by irregular surface features known as
landforms, e.g. mountains, plateau, hills, plains, etc.; its main mineral compositions are Silica and
Alumina, collectively referred to as SIAL.
The lower part is a continuous zone of thicker rocks forming the ocean floor, comprising of silica,
iron and magnesium collectively called the SIMA.
THE HYDROSPHERE: The hydrosphere is the liquid components of the earth where there is
water. It consists of oceans, sea, river, lake, streams and other forms of water bodies. The water
bodies consist of 71% of the earth surface. The ocean and the sea make up 97% of them. To these
water bodies, the water locked up in frozen ice sheet and glaciers, underground water and water
vapour forms part of the total water bodies.
THE BIOSPHERE: The biosphere is the world of living organisms, which includes Man, plants,
animals and micro-organisms like bacteria and fungi. These organisms dwell on Lithosphere (land),
Hydrosphere (water) and Atmosphere (air) around us. They obtain their energy from the sun convert
it into use, interact and depend on one another for existence.
EVALUATION:
1. State the two distinct parts of the lithosphere and describe their mineral compositions.
2. Describe the term hydrosphere.
3. Why is the biosphere a unique sphere?
SUB-TOPIC 2: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE THREE MAJOR SPHERES AND
ITS RELEVANCE TO HUMAN ACTIVITIES
The lithosphere is made up of the rock materials; the atmosphere consists of the gases that
envelop the earth; the hydrosphere consists of the liquid substances-that is all the natural bodies of
water on the outer earth. The intersect of these three (Atmosphere, Lithosphere and Hydrosphere)
gives rise to the sphere of life (Biosphere). See Diagram bellow

The Relationship between the major spheres of the Earth

The lithosphere which is the solid part of the earth is where all living organisms including
man lives and survive; though not without the support of the other two spheres (Hydrosphere and
Atmosphere).
The atmosphere which consists of the different gases that envelops the earth is the very source of
energy to all living organisms. The sun is the ultimate source of energy from which plants and other
organisms derive their source of energy to produce their own food, on which other animals
including man depend on for survival. Oxygen, Nitrogen, carbon dioxide and the rare gases are
other atmospheric composite that enhances the survival of living organisms on the Biosphere.
The hydrosphere, which consist of all natural water bodies of the earth, from which plants,
animal, and other living organisms including man depend on for survival. Therefore these three
spheres (atmosphere, lithosphere and hydrosphere) are very essential for every living organism in
the biosphere.
EVALUATION:
1. What is the name given to the intersect of the three major spheres?
2. Explain the relationship that exist among these spheres.
SUB-TOPIC 3: RELEVANCE OF THESE SPHERES TO HUMAN ACTIVITIES
The Atmosphere, the Lithosphere and the Hydrosphere, which intersects to form the
Biosphere, are very relevant to Human activities in the following ways:
Atmosphere
1. It serves habitat for some living organism.
2. It provides oxygen for plants and animals for respiration.
3. It provides carbon dioxide for photosynthesis by plants.
4. It contains ozone layer which acts as protective cover for living organism against the
burning effects of ultra violet rays of the sun.
5. It acts as green house.
 6. It is a medium of communication e.g. air routes.
Hydrosphere
1. It provides water for domestic uses e.g. drinking, washing, bathing, etc.
2. It provides water for industrial uses.
3. It serves as a means of transportation.
4. It provides employment opportunities for the people dwelling in the riverine areas.
5. It is used for generating electricity.
6. It is also used for irrigation purpose.
7. It serves as tourist centre e.g. bar beach.
Lithosphere
1. Lithosphere forms the basis of all human settlement.
2. It serves as a source of all mineral resources.
3. It aids transportation through construction of roads, railways and airports.
4. All forms of farming activities are carried out on lithosphere.
5. It forms basis for most human activities such as mining, trading, etc.
EVALUATION:
1. Outline the importance of the spheres of the earth to human activities
SUB- TOPIC 4: Internal structure of the earth
LITHOSPHERE (CRUST)
This is the solid portion of the earth that contains mineral substances broadly called Sial and Sima.
The upper part of lithosphere is made of Silica and aluminium (sial) and the lower part silica and
magnesium (sima). The density of sial is 2.7 while that of sima is 3.0. Silica floats on sima. The
boundary of lithosphere and mantle is called Mohorovisic discontinuity.
MANTLE (MESOSPHERE OR SUBSTRATUM)
Mantle is also called mesosphere. It is found beneath the lithosphere. It has high density and
contains a kind of rock called olivine. The boundary between the mantle and the core is called
Gutenberg discontinuity.
CORE (BARYSPHERE)
The core or barysphere comes after the mantle and is made up of Iron and Nickel (Nife). It has a
very hot temperature of 1927°c and so is in a state of fluid. The rock is known to be crystalline in
nature.
EVALUATION:
1. State three internal structure of the earth.
2. Draw a well labelled diagram to show the internal structure of the earth.
3. Describe the main features of the two of the parts shown in 2 above. (WASSCE, 2002).
GENERAL EVALUATION
1. Briefly describe the interaction within each zone of the outer part of the earth.
2. Describe the main characteristics of each of the following: (i) atmosphere (ii)
lithosphere (iii) hydrosphere
3. Outline the importance of either the biosphere or hydrosphere to man.
4. Name the zones in the outer structure of the earth.
5. Outline three characteristics of the following: crust, mantle and core.
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
Objective Test:
1. The structure of the earth is divided into ------------------- a. 2 parts b. 4 layers c. 5 layers d. 3
parts
2. Which of this part of the lithosphere comprises of landmasses and irregular features a. sima
b. sial c. silica d. magnesium
3. The mineral contents of the upper part of the earth's crust are collectively called the sial
because it is composed mainly of (A) silica and olivine (B) alumina and olivine (C) silica
and alumina (D) alumina and phosphate.
 4. In which part of the atmosphere does rain clouds develop? (A) Troposphere (B) Stratosphere
(C) Thermosphere (D) Exosphere.
5. The hydrosphere covers the total of --------- percent of the earth surface a. 71% b. 93% c.
75% d. 97%
6. Which of the following is not a constituent material of the biosphere? a. man b. animals c.
rocks d. micro organisms.
ESSAY
1. Briefly discuss on the activities of man that can lead to the depletion of the ozone layer.
2. With the aid of a diagram illustrate the relationship between the atmosphere, hydrosphere and
the lithosphere.
READING ASSIGNMENT:
Essential Geography for Senior Secondary Schools by O.A Iwena Pages 51-55.
REFERENCES TEXTS:
1. Basic Geography Course for senior secondary schools book 1, by N.P.Iloeje, P.C. Onokala,
F.O. Oodemaho.
2. Senior Secondary Geography book 1, by M.A. Abegunde, K.A. Adegoke, G. Onwumere, A.
Dahiru
3. Essential Geography for Senior Secondary Schools by O.A Iwena

WEEK 9 & 10 DATE..................

SUBJECT: GEOGRAPHY
CLASS: SS 1
TOPIC: Rocks
CONTENT:
1. Meaning of rock and types of rocks.
2. Mode of formation of rock types.
3. Characteristics of rock types.
4. Importance of rocks to man.
Sub – Topic 1: Definition and types of rocks.
Definition of Rock
A rock is any solid substance that forms part of the earth crust. This solid substance may be hard,
like granite or even be soft like mud. In other word, rocks are aggregates of minerals, that is, a
combination of different minerals.
The most common rocks and their minerals include;
ROCKS MINERALS
Limestone quart, feldspar,
micas
Sandstone quart, calcite,
feldspar
Granite feldspar, augite
Types of Rock
There are three major types of rocks according to their origin, mode of formation and physical
appearance. They are
1. IGNEOUS ROCKS
Mode of formation:
These rocks are formed from the cooling and solidification of molten rock or magma from the earth
beneath. They are crystalline in nature examples are Basalt and Granite.
Igneous rock could be divided into two, namely: Intrusive or plutonic igneous rock and Extrusive or
Volcanic Igneous rock
Intrusive Igneous rocks are rocks which solidified deep in the crust and they are only seen on the
surface after a prolong erosive action. Examples are granite, diorite and gabbro.
Extrusive Igneous rocks are rocks that formed when the molten rock or magma are ejected and
poured on the earth’s surface as Lavas. These rocks do not contain fossils. Example is Basaltic rock
and they can be located in North Eastern part of Nigeria.
CHARACTERISTICS OF IGNEOUS ROCKS
1. These rocks are crystalline in nature
2. They are non- stratified rocks i.e. they do not occur in layers.
3. They are resistant to erosion and are usually hard and impervious.
4. They do not contain fossils.
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
Mode of formation:
These rocks are formed from the accumulation of sediments either by water, ice or wind. They are
derived from other pre- existing rocks such as igneous rocks. They are laid in layers or strata. These
rocks are said to be stratified rocks only when they become harder in nature by compressional
forces. All sedimentary rocks are non crystalline and contain fossils.
There are three major types of sedimentary rocks namely:
a. Mechanically formed sedimentary rocks.
These rocks are formed by breakdown or disintegration of pre- existing rocks during the process of
mechanical weathering. The materials are now transported by agents of erosion such as water, wind
and glacier .The rock debris are then deposited either in the sea or on land .The following rocks are
the result of the action of water which include clays, gravel and aluminium. Those that result from
the action of ice are moraine, boulder and gravel. The only rock produce by wind is loess.
b. Organically formed sedimentary rocks.
These rocks are formed from the accumulation of the remains of dead plants and animals. Some of
the notable rocks formed by the remains of animals are chalk and corals and they are known as
calcareous rocks. Those that result from plants include peat, coal and lignite and they are known as
carbonaceous rocks.
c. Chemically formed sedimentary rocks.
These rocks are chemically precipitated from other rock solution before they solidified. Examples
include potash, sodium chloride (common salt), nitrate, gypsum and dolomite.
CHARACTERISTICS OF SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
1. They occur in layers or strata.
2. The rocks may be coarse, fine soft or hard.
3. They do not exist in crystals i.e. they are non- crystalline in nature.
4. They contain fossil of plants and animals.
5. They are not resistant to erosion.
METAMORPHIC ROCKS
Mode of formation:
These are rocks whose structures and appearance have been affected by great heat and pressure. The
rocks are formed from pre- existing igneous or sedimentary rocks which have been changed over
time. Examples of metamorphic rocks include slate, marble, quartzite, gneiss, schist and graphite.
Metamorphic regions are often regions of great economic value e.g. the Canadian shield of North
America.
All rocks are subject to metamorphism. Even metamorphic rocks can still be metamorphosed.
Below is a documentation of the changes some rocks undergo as a result of metamorphism.
Limestone == changes to == marble
Clay == changes to == slate
Sandstone == changes to == quartzite
Granite == changes to == gneiss
Shale == changes to == schist
Coal == changes to == graphite
The following are the three types of metamorphism:
I. Dynamic, which is the result of pressure force from the surrounding and overlying rocks.
II. Thermal, which is caused by heat force deep beneath the earth’s surface.
III. Thermo-dynamic, which is caused by the combination of heat and pressure.
CHARACTERISTICS OF METAMORPHIC ROCKS
1. Some may occur in layers or strata.
2. The rock may be hard or soft.
3. They are not crystalline in nature.
4. They exist in different colour and texture.
5. They may contain fossil.
EVALUATION:
1. Outline four major differences between sedimentary and metamorphic rocks
2. Describe the characteristics and mode of formation of igneous rocks.
Sub-Topic 2: ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF ROCKS TO MAN
1. Sources of Minerals: some rocks are sources of minerals such as gold, diamond,
limestone, petroleum etc. Which can be exported to provide foreign exchange to a
country.
Petroleum coal, limestone are derived from sedimentary rocks while gold, diamond
and tin are derived from igneous and metamorphic rocks.
2. Sources of Fuel: sedimentary rocks like petroleum and coal are sources of fuel for
domestic and industrial uses.
3. Construction Purposes: some rocks like granite and sand stone are quarried and used
for roads, bridges and building construction.
4. Tourist Centres: Huge rock masses on mountain serve as tourist centres e.g. Olumo
rock in Abeokuta and Zuma rock in Suleja.
5. As Ornamental: Some beautiful rocks such as marble can be polished as ornaments for
decorating floors, walls of building, churches, tombstones etc.
6. Sources of food Nutrients: Rock salts as sodium chloride (table salt) from sedimentary
rocks provide minerals used in cooking.
7. Formation of Soil: soil are formed from the disintegration of rocks.
8. Sources of Metal: Rocks are sources of metals which are derived from mines e.g.
gold, silver, iron, aluminium, copper etc.
9. Domestic uses: some rocks like granite are used for domestic purposes e.g. grinding
stones.
10. Raw Materials for Industries: some sedimentary rocks are used as raw materials in
industries e.g. limestone is used for making cement, dolomite and marble are used for
manufacturing of glasses and house paints.
EVALUATION
Highlight five importance of metamorphic rock to man
GENERAL EVALUATION:
1. (a) Define the term sedimentary rock and describe any two process of its formation
(b) Discuss any three ways in which sedimentary rocks are important to man (SSCE
November 1992).
2. (a) Name the three classes of sedimentary rocks to man (b) Explain with examples: the
process of formation of the three classes of sedimentary rocks. (c) State four uses of rocks
to man (WASSCE November 1999).
3. (a) Give two examples each of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks (b) Outline four
major differences between sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. (WASSCE June 2000).
4. (a) What are sedimentary rocks? (b) Name the three classes of sedimentary rocks
according to their mode of formation. (c) Describe one of the classes of sedimentary
rocks in (b) above. (d) Outline four ways in which sedimentary rocks are important to
man.
 5. Mention five characteristics/features that differentiate one rock from the other.
6. Discuss rocks under the following headings: (i) Structure (ii) Colour (iii) Texture
(iv) Permeability.
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
Objective Test:
1. Which of the following rocks is sedimentary? (A) Coal (B) Gneiss (C) Granite (D) Marble
2. Granitic rocks contain (A) silica and aluminium. (B) silica and iron. (C) magnesium and
copper. (D) copper and bauxite.
3. Which of the following is a characteristic of igneous rock? (A) Loose in composition
(B) Arranged in layers (C) Crystalline in nature (D) Porous in granular
structure.
4. Which rock type involves stratification? (A) Metamorphic (B) Sedimentary (C) Volcanic
(D) Igneous.
5. Which of the following statements is not correct? (a) Igneous rocks do not contain fossils
(b) rocks that are changed by great heat and pressure are called sedimentary rocks (c) Basalt
and granite are examples of igneous rock (d) marble and gneiss are examples of metamorphic
rock (e) Rocks that are formed through the extrusion of molten magma are called volcanic
rocks.
Essay Questions:
Discuss the mode of formation and characteristics of any type of rock.
READING ASSIGNMENT
Read for your examination.
REFERENCE TEXTS:
1. Basic Geography Course for Senior Secondary School 1 by N.P. Ileoje et al.
2. Senior Secondary Geography 1 by M.A. Abegunde et al.
3. Essential Geography for senior secondary school by O.A. Iwena
11. Revision
12. Examination