THE GEOLOGY AND THE CLIMATE CONDITIONS OF HEIPANG

AIRPORT, BARKIN LADI LGA OF PLATEAU STATE

INTRODUCTION
The study area is uniquely formed to give a type of feature that is
good for location of strategic institutions such as the airport.

THE CLIMATIC CONDITION

The climate of the airport is typical of Jos-Plateau. It is
characterized by two distinct seasons; the dry and rainy
seasons.

The dry and the rainy seasons are very critical in determining the
different types of features observed in the area. The dry season is
characterized by lack of rainfall, low relative humidity, dry and
dusty winds commonly called ‘harmattan’. This often results in
poor visibility hence putting life to risk. The dry season spans
between November and March. However, for the past few years,
this trend has drastically changed due to global warming.

The rainy season spans between April and October, and attains it
peak towards the end of August (Table 1, Figure 1). It is usually
marked by heavy rainfall and high relative humidity. The heavy
down-pour may also reduce visibility but it is not as bad as that
experienced during the dry season.

The mean annual temperature ranges between 220C to 270C with

the highest peak in April and the lowest in January. This
temperature is very typical of high altitudes observed on the
Plateau.

The vegetation is typical of the Guinea Savannah which is

characterized by sparsely distributed shrubs, trees and short
grasses. The area is heavily cultivated both on the highlands and
the lowlands.
 Table 1: Mean Monthly Rainfall for Station in Jos, Plateau
State from 2000-2008.

Month Years
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Averag
(mm (mm (mm) (mm) (mm (mm) (mm (mm (mm e/
) ) ) ) ) ) Mean
(mm)
January 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.00
February 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.6 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.13
March 0.2 0.0 16.7 0.0 22.9 0.0 0.4 2.1 2.6 4.99
April 9.6 137.1 19.1 42.3 87.9 67.0 44.1 78.8 64.5 61.16
May 48.6 178.5 80.9 43.1 181.6 76.8 208. 92.0 175
3 120.53
June 112.8 310.2 71.5 195.1 216.1 253.4 197. 252. 243.
6 8 5 205.89
July 196.4 273.0 132.5 306.9 235.8 192.0 247. 276. 296.
1 8 4 239.66
August 411.6 432.0 309.2 481.1 368.8 229.3 405. 269. 325.
7 2 0 359.10
Septemb 410.0 30.4 230.8 243.0 191.0 150.1 292. 133. 167.
er 3 3 0 205.32
October 214.1 0.0 65.6 13.4 4.4 56.2 37.7 0.2 0.9 43.611
Novembe 17.3 0.0 0.0 0.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
r 2.01
Decembe 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
r 0.00

Figure 1: Chart Showing the Mean Monthly Rainfall for

Station in Jos, Plateau State from 2000-2008.
Source: Observation Station, University of Jos.

THE GEOLOGY
Tectonic activities and the climate have played key roles in
shaping the area, making it very suitable for airplane operations.
Initially, the Younger Granites intruded the Basement Complex
but in due course, the Heipang area was grossly overshadowed by
the intrusion of volcanic rocks covering most parts of the area.
Subsequent weathering, transportation and deposition of the
weathered rocks created very extensive lowlands. The top soil is
red in color due to the conversion of Iron (II), Fe2+ to red Iron (III),
Fe3+ (formation of laterite). Thus, an aerial view of the area
reveals the prominent Kwi and Kassa volcanic hills.

CONCLUSION
It is worthy of note to say that tectonic activities and climate have
greatly influenced the landforms of the study making it very
suitable for aircraft operations.

REFERENCE
- Observation Station, University of Jos
- Yenne Yusuf Ezekiel (2004) - The Geology and Ground Water
Potentials of Vom-Kuru Area, Department of Geology and
Mining, University of Jos ((B.Sc Thesis).).