Topic Content:
- Title: Harmattan Season
- Text: New Oxford Secondary English Course SSS1 pages 172-173
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions on it
Harmattan Season:
The harmattan season occurs annually in Nigeria. It begins in late November, peaks in mid-January and waves by the end of February. The associated weather conditions impact the socio-economic life of the country.
Harmattan is a cold, dry and dusty wind that originates from the heart of the Sahara Desert, following a seasonal shift in atmospheric high pressure to the north. It coincides with the northern winter when the entire northern hemisphere is plunged into cold conditions. The northeast trade wind which replaces the southwestern winds of the rainy season that blows the dust from the Sahara is not peculiar to Nigeria but spreads across the entire West African sub-region.
The characteristics of the wind include chilly conditions, poor visibility and low temperatures. These associated physical characteristics affect public health as well as socio-economic activities. The weather makes people restless. The prevalence of dust particles increases the incidence of respiratory tract infections, eye irritations, pneumonia, catarrh, cough and other ailments. The skin is dry and the lips crack. Asthmatic patients are prone to suffer more during this period, hence, are advised to stay indoors and reduce outdoor exposure. The chill, coupled with the longer nights experienced in this part of the world due to the apparent shift of the solar position to the southern hemisphere induces longer hours of sleep.
One most noticeable features of harmattan is the prevalence of dust particles. A thin film of fine dust settles on furniture, cars, rooftops and practically every surface. This makes furniture untidy. Visibility, particularly during the early morning hours of the day, creates problems for transportation. But the aviation sector suffers the most. Visibility below 1000 meters affects aircraft operation. Flights are cancelled sometimes at the last minute, to the frustration of air travellers.
Everything about Harmattan is not negative as there are also positive sides. For example, agricultural activities flourish. Fruit trees like mangoes, avocado, and guava among others blossom during this period. It is remarkable that a severe harmattan heralds a fruitful harvest. Traditionally, farmers use the period to clear farms and get ready for planting.
(The Guardian – page 20. January 12, 2010)
Questions and Answers:
1. State the two major characteristics of the harmattan season.
A – The two major characteristics of the harmattan season are:
i. The prevalence of dust particles.
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