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Investigation Into Pipeline Vandalism
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1.4 CLIMATE AND VEGETATION
The climate of the Abiteye
in Warri South West LGA is characterized by a long rainy season from
March-April through October. Precipitation increases from the north of
the delta (with an average of 2,500 mm) to the coastal area where mean
annual rainfall averages around 4,000 mm, making it one of the wettest
areas in Africa. The wet season peaks in July, and the only dry months
are January and February. However, even during this dry period an
average monthly mean of 150 mm rainfall is recorded in the delta.
Relative humidity rarely dips below 60% and fluctuates between 90% and
100% for most of the year. During most of the rainy season cloud cover
is nearly continuous resulting in 1,500 mean annual sunshine hours and
an average annual temperature of approximately 28° C. The area is
characterized by tropical equatorial climate with mean annual
temperature of 32.8 °C and annual rainfall amount of 2673.8 mm. There
are high temperatures of 36 °C and 37 °C. The natural vegetation is of
rainforest with swamp forest in some areas. The forest is rich in timber
trees, palm trees, as well as fruit trees.(Barbour et al. 1982).
1.5 RELIEF AND DRAINAGE
The
Warri South West is a region built up by the sedimentation of the Niger
Delta and consists of the delta in various stages of development. Four
major physiographic units are identifiable with in it. First, the
freshwater swamp which is the most active area. It is located close to
the River Niger, where annual flooding and deposition occurs up to 45 km
from the river's course.
Second, the man grove swamp area described
as an intermediate delta stage. It is much lower and a great proportion
of it is brackish, having been invaded by the sea since large amounts of
freshwater have ceased flowing into it. Third, the upland and swamp,
which is also called the coastal plain. It lies between the flood plain
and Benin lowlands. The swamps are more restricted to broad drainage
channels created when this area was an active delta. Fourth and finally,
the upland Niger valley, which is a narrow strip above the delta and
relatively floodfree. Over time, the decreasing slope gradient of the
Niger River bed and associated lower stream velocities has resulted in
an increase of tidal activity in the exits of the numerous Niger
distributaries, resulting in the formation of the Coastal Barrier
Islands (NEDECO 1961).
1.6 METHODOLOGY
The methods to be adopted in the cause of this project include:
Site visit to the study area.
Questionnaires.
Consultation of journals and past projects.
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