The book deals with the most striking landscapes and landforms of Nigeria. Attention is paid to the diversity of geomorphic features found in the country, from the coast to the extreme north, approached geographically at the national, regional and local scales, with a view to highlight the combined influence of geological, climatic, biotic and anthropogenic influences, as well as geoheritage potentials.
The topics and sites described range from the mainly depositional coastal lagoons and inlets, the most prominent of which is the oil rich Niger Delta, characterized by the mangrove and rain forest, both of which have been seriously modified by human impact; through the coastal lowlands and associated hill country, with derived, deciduous and dry forest vegetation; the very prominent Niger/Benue Trough and associated features; the savanna-semi desert covered high plains of the north and the Chad Basin, each of which features spectacular landscapes and landforms, including human-made forms such as cities and cityscapes.
The book provides the readers with the opportunity to explore the variety of Nigerian landscapes and landforms through informative texts illustrated with color maps and photos: it will be relevant to scientists/scholars as well as others interested in the geology, physical geography, geomorphology, landscape, tourism and other geoheritage-related information about the country.
Author(s): Adetoye Faniran, Lawrence Kosoko Jeje, Olutoyin A. Fashae, Adeyemi O. Olusola
Series: World Geomorphological Landscapes
Publisher: Springer
Year: 2023
Language: English
Pages: 290
City: Cham
Series Editor’s Preface
Introduction
References
Contents
Editors and Contributors
Physiography
1 Geology of Nigeria
Abstract
1.1 Introduction
1.2 The Geological and Geotectonic Framework of Nigeria
1.3 Geological Setting of Nigeria
1.3.1 The Precambrian Basement Complex
1.3.1.1 The Migmatite–Gneiss Complex (MGC)
1.3.1.2 The Schist Belts
1.3.1.3 Older Granites (Pan-African Granitoids)
1.3.1.4 Undeformed Acid and Basic Dykes
1.3.1.5 The Younger Granites
1.3.2 The Sedimentary Rocks
1.3.2.1 The Benue Trough
1.3.2.2 The Calabar Flank
1.3.2.3 Anambra Basin
1.3.2.4 Chad (Bornu) Basin
1.3.2.5 Sokoto Basin
1.3.2.6 Mid-Niger Basin
1.3.2.7 The Dahomey Basin
1.3.2.8 Niger Delta Basin
1.4 Geological Setting and Geomorphological Implications
1.5 Geology: Economic Considerations, Geoheritage and Way Forward
References
2 The Climate of Nigeria and Its Role in Landscape Modification
Abstract
2.1 Introduction
2.2 General Overview of the Climate of Nigeria
2.3 Spatio-Temporal Distribution of Rainfall in Nigeria
2.4 Temperature Profile
2.5 Conclusion
References
3 Vegetation and Human Impact
Abstract
3.1 Vegetation and Its Varieties in Nigeria
3.2 Mangroves and Mangrove Landscapes
3.2.1 Distribution of the Mangroves
3.2.2 Mangrove Landscapes
3.2.3 Human Impacts on the Mangroves
3.3 Rainforest and Rainforest Landscape
3.3.1 Distribution
3.3.2 Rainforest Landscape
3.3.3 Human Impact
3.4 Savanna and Savanna Landscapes
3.4.1 Factors Controlling the Occurrence of the Savanna
3.4.2 Savanna Landscape
3.4.3 The Human Impact on the Savanna
3.5 Conclusion
References
4 Lower Plains of Northern Nigeria
Abstract
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Lower Plains of the Sokoto Basin
4.3 Lower Plains in North-Central Northern Nigeria
4.4 Lower Plains of Sand Dune Belt of North-eastern Nigeria
4.5 Lower Plain of the Chad Basin
4.6 Conclusion
Acknowledgements
References
5 Hills and Ridges in Southwestern Nigeria
Abstract
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Inselberg Description and Classification
5.3 Types of Hills
5.3.1 Inselbergs
5.3.2 Tors
5.4 Inselberg Occurrence
5.5 Some Aspects of Inselberg Morphometry
5.6 Ridges
5.6.1 Ridges Around Ibadan
5.6.2 Ridges East of Ilesa
5.6.3 The Low Ridges South of Ipetu-Ijesa
5.7 The Development of the Hills and Ridges
5.8 Tourism Potentials of the Hills and Ridges
5.9 Conclusion
References
6 South-East Hills and Ridges
Abstract
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Geology
6.3 The Eastern Borderland Highlands
6.4 The Nsukka Escarpment and Plains
6.5 Conclusion
References
7 The Niger Delta Region
Abstract
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Physiography
7.3 Geology and Geomorphological Units
7.4 Land-Use and Vegetation Changes in the Niger Delta
7.5 Oil and Gas Pollution in the Niger Delta
7.6 Conclusions
References
Internet Sources
Specific Landforms
8 Landforms of the Chad Basin
Abstract
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Location and Extent of Lake Chad Basin
8.3 Geology and Soils of the Mega-Chad Basin
8.4 The Bama Beach Ridge
8.5 Soils
8.6 Landforms in the Lake Chad Basin
8.6.1 The Bodele Depression
8.6.2 Paleo-Dunes
8.6.3 Sand Dunes
8.6.4 Inselbergs
8.7 Economic Implications of the Desiccating Chad Basin
8.8 Conclusions
References
9 Dune Fields on the Plains of Northern Nigeria
Abstract
9.1 The Formation of Sand Dunes
9.2 The Application of Remote Sensing Techniques in Dunes Studies
9.3 Dunes of Northern Nigeria
9.3.1 Origin
9.3.2 Studies of Dunes in Northern Nigeria
9.3.3 Age of the Dunes of Northern Nigeria
9.3.4 The Spatial Extent of the Dune Fields of Northern Nigeria
9.4 Morphology of Dune Landscapes
9.5 Paleoclimatology and Paleobotany Information in Dunes
9.6 The Impact of Dune Re-Mobilization on Settlement
9.7 Dune Fields as Tourist Attractions
9.8 Conclusions
References
10 Landscapes and Landforms of the Jos Plateau
Abstract
10.1 Introduction
10.2 Landforms Units of the Jos Plateau
10.3 Landscape Features of the Basement Complex
10.4 Ring Complexes in the Younger Granite Areas
10.5 Landscape Features Supported by Volcanic Rocks
10.6 Fluvial Morphology
10.6.1 Rivers
10.6.2 Waterfalls
10.6.3 Springs
10.7 Economic Activities
10.8 Conclusions
Acknowledgements
References
11 Kainji Dam and Lake
Abstract
11.1 Introduction
11.2 Kainji Dam and Lake
11.2.1 Kainji Dam
11.2.2 Lake Kainji
11.2.3 Lake Islands
11.3 Lake Kainji Area
11.3.1 Climate
11.3.2 Geology and Geomorphology
11.3.3 Resettlement of Displaced People
11.4 Lake Kainji National Park
11.5 Conclusion
References
12 Riparian Vegetation Along Nigeria Rivers: The River Ogun Example
Abstract
12.1 Introduction
12.2 Riparian Vegetation Along Major Nigerian Rivers
12.2.1 Rivers in Nigeria
12.2.2 Riparian Vegetation Along Nigeria’s Rivers
12.3 The River Ogun Case Study
12.3.1 Setting
12.3.2 Geomorphological Features Along the Alluvial Channel
12.3.3 Riparian Species Diversity Along River Ogun
12.3.4 Above-Ground and Below-Ground Diversity of the Riparian Vegetation of River Ogun
12.4 Human Activities Along the River Ogun
12.5 Conclusion
References
13 Quartzite Ridges in Southwestern Nigeria
Abstract
13.1 Introduction
13.2 The Distribution of Quartzite Ridges in Southwestern Nigeria
13.3 Physiography and Geology of Quartzite Ridges
13.3.1 Drainage
13.3.2 Geomorphic Activities on Quartzite Ridges
13.4 Notable Quartzite Ridges—Examples from Ibadan
13.4.1 Geomorphology of Ibadan Quartzite Ridges
13.4.2 Gully Erosion on Ibadan Quartzite Ridges
13.4.3 Human Activities on Ibadan Quartzite Ridges
13.5 Conclusions
References
14 Geology and Landscapes of the Southwestern Nigeria
Abstract
14.1 Introduction
14.2 Overview of Geology of Southwestern Nigeria
14.2.1 Gneiss–Migmatite–Quartzite Complex
14.2.2 Schist Belt
14.2.2.1 Iseyin–Oyan River Schist Belt
14.2.2.2 Ilesa Schist Belt
14.2.2.3 Igarra Schist Belt
14.2.2.4 The Older Granites (Pan-African Granitoids)
14.2.2.5 Minor Felsic and Mafic Intrusives
14.2.3 Sedimentary Rocks
14.3 Landscapes and Landforms
14.3.1 Inselbergs—Origin and Examples
14.3.1.1 Evolution of Inselbergs
14.3.1.2 Aseke Hill on Banded Gneiss
14.3.1.3 Inselbergs in Some Parts of Southwestern Nigeria
14.3.2 Pediments
14.4 Corestones
14.5 Conclusions
References
15 Geology, Geomorphology and Evolution of the Landscapes of Cross River Region, South-Eastern Nigeria
Abstract
15.1 Introduction
15.2 Setting and Location
15.3 Geology
15.3.1 Basement Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks
15.3.2 Cretaceous Sedimentary Rocks
15.4 Major Relief Features
15.4.1 The Obudu Plateau
15.4.2 The Oban Massif
15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation15.4.3 Mfamosing Karst Formation
15.5 Human Impacts on the Cross River State Landscape
15.6 Conclusion
References
16 Gully Erosion Sites in Southeast Nigeria: Prospects for Geotourism
Abstract
16.1 Introduction
16.2 Gullies and Gully Erosion
16.3 Gully Formation Processes
16.3.1 Knick Point Formation and Slumping
16.3.2 Gullies as a Result of Swelling and Shrinkage of Soil
16.3.3 Lateral Bank Failure and Undercutting
16.3.4 Culvert Failure and Undercutting
16.3.5 Factors of Gully Development
16.4 Identifying Major Gully Hot Spots Across the South East
16.4.1 Anambra State
16.4.2 Imo State
16.4.3 Abia State
16.4.4 Enugu State
16.5 Summary and Conclusions
References
17 Erosion and Accretion Along the Coastal Zone of Nigeria
Abstract
17.1 Introduction
17.2 Coastal Zone of Nigeria
17.3 Coastal and River Bank Erosion
17.4 Erosion of the Transgressive Mud Coast, Ondo State
17.5 Depletion of Victoria Deach, Lagos
17.6 Beach Erosion at Forcados South Point, Youbebe, Delta State
17.7 Sand Bars and Recurved Sand Spits
17.8 Conclusion
References
Geoheritage, Conservation of Geomorphological Sites and Geotourism
18 The Islands of Lagos
Abstract
18.1 Introduction
18.2 Geographic Location
18.3 Geology, Landforms and Terrain
18.4 Beaches
18.5 Mangroves
18.6 Sand
18.7 Human Activities
18.8 Geoheritage and Shoreline Change
18.8.1 The Lagos Harbour/Commodore Channel and the East and West Moles
18.8.2 Victoria Island and Lekki Erosion
18.8.3 The Great Lagos Sea Wall, Shoreline Protection and Eko Atlantic City Reclamation Project
18.9 Conclusions
References
19 Urban Geoheritage Site: The Example of Olumo Rock in Abeokuta City, Ogun State, Nigeria
Abstract
19.1 Introduction
19.2 Location
19.3 The Geological Landscape of Olumo Rock
19.4 Geomythology of the Olumo Rock
19.5 Olumo Rock as Geomorphological Heritage
19.6 Biogeomorphology of the Olumo Rock
19.7 The Anthroscape of the Olumo Rock
19.7.1 Transformation of Natural Landscape
19.7.2 The Cultural and Aesthetic Values of Olumo Rock
19.8 Conclusion
References
Author Index
Subject Index
