BIOCLIMATOLOGICAL CONDITIONS OVER DIFFERENT ECOLOGICAL ZONES IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Bioclimatology is the interdisciplinary field of science that studies the interactions between biosphere and earth’s atmosphere on seasons. Climate of a region is determined by the pattern of variations of several meteorological elements and their combinations. This study examined the bioclimatological condition over different ecological zones in Nigeria.Five year daily data of relative humidity, air temperature, dew point temperature and vapour pressure were subjected to climatological analysis and various bioclimatological indices such as the thermohygrometric index (THI), relative strain index (RSI), and heat index (HI). The bioclimatic condition in the Sahel and Sudan was prone to discomfort conditions, during the wet months and more comfortable condition during dry months and vice versa for Rainforest, Guinea and Swamp. The Sudan and Sahel regions exhibit favourable bioclimatic condition, while Rainforest and Swamp experience no danger Heat Index condition during the rainy season. The observed variability in the Relative strain index, Heat index, and Thermohygrometric index was as a result of variability in weather from one location to another.