Study the table below showing data derived from one of the weather stations on the shores of Lake Victoria and answer the questions that follow.




Month
JFM$A_1$MJ3ASoND

Temperature °C
202122222120202122222120

Rainfall (mm)
304012819519040549813021014535





ADraw a suitable statistical graph to portray the above data.


BIn your analysis, prove that you cannot support your friend to settle in such an area where this station is located.

Verified Answer :

  • The provided data reflects extreme rainfall variability ranging from \(30\text{ mm}\) to \(210\text{ mm}\) per month.
  • An annual total rainfall of \(1295\text{ mm}\) combined with peaks in April, May, and October indicates a high risk of seasonal flooding.
  • The lack of consistent precipitation makes the region unsuitable for stable agriculture or long-term infrastructure investment.
  • \(\boxed{\text{Settlement is not recommended due to extreme weather instability and flood risks.}}\)

Explanation

  1. Visualizing the data and analysis approach

To analyze the environmental suitability of the area, we first examine the provided meteorological data. The temperature is relatively stable, ranging from \(20^{\circ}\text{C}\) to \(22^{\circ}\text{C}\) throughout the year. However, the rainfall data shows significant fluctuation.

For part (a), to represent this data visually, a dual-axis combination chart is the most effective choice. We place the months (J, F, M, A, M, J, J, A, S, O, N, D) on the horizontal x-axis. On the left vertical axis, we plot the Rainfall (mm) using a bar chart, as rainfall is cumulative. On the right vertical axis, we plot the Temperature (\(^{\circ}\text{C}\)) using a line graph to show the temperature trend over time. This allows for a clear comparison between precipitation intensity and temperature variations month by month.

  1. Analyzing environmental suitability for settlement

For part (b), we evaluate the suitability of the area for settlement based on the rainfall patterns.

  1. Total Annual Rainfall: Summing the monthly rainfall gives an annual total of \(30 + 40 + 128 + 195 + 190 + 40 + 54 + 98 + 130 + 210 + 145 + 35 = 1295\text{ mm}\).
  2. High Variability: The area experiences extreme shifts. For instance, January sees only \(30\text{ mm}\) of rain, whereas October receives \(210\text{ mm}\). This drastic variation indicates a lack of consistent water availability, which is challenging for both agriculture and stable infrastructure.
  3. Flood Risks: Several months (April with \(195\text{ mm}\), May with \(190\text{ mm}\), and October with \(210\text{ mm}\)) feature very high rainfall levels. Such intense, concentrated precipitation is often associated with seasonal flooding, soil erosion, and damage to property or transport networks.
  4. Conclusion: Given the extreme oscillations between drought-like conditions and heavy flood-inducing rainfall, the area presents high risks for sustainable living, agricultural planning, and general infrastructure maintenance. Therefore, it is advisable not to recommend settling in this area.

Examples

Understanding weather data is crucial for urban planning and agriculture. For example, a farmer uses annual rainfall distribution to decide which crops to plant, while an engineer uses it to design drainage systems that can handle both dry spells and heavy downpours. By analyzing these trends, you can assess whether an environment is safe and resource-efficient for long-term habitation.