Abstract
This paper examines the geomorphology and hydrology of the Benin Region, Edo State, Nigeria. The major landform features and processes of the region are highlighted. This region is a strategic and significant landscape in Nigeria. Information was gathered on the various aspects of the landscape, including the Geology, Physiography (Relief) and Geomorphology, Geomorphic processes, Weathering, Drainage processes, Landforms, Surface Water Hydrology and Water Resources. The Benin Region is underlained by sedimentary formation of the South Sedimentary Basin. The geology is generally marked by top reddish earth, composed of ferruginized or literalized clay sand. Geologically, the Benin Region comprises of 1) the Benin formation; 2) alluvium; 3) drift/top soil and 4) Azagba-Ogwashi (Asuba-Ogwashi) formation. Several parts of the region are surrounded by the Benin historical moats. The region has been described as a tilled plain in the south western direction. The local relief of the region is 91 m. Boreholes records in the Benin Region show evidence of deep chemical weathering overtime. Soil profile reveals that the region is composed mainly of reddish brown sandy laterite. Intermittent layers of porous sands of sandy clays may reach a large depth as found in the borehole drilled in the region. These are products of deep chemical decay of the original parent rock materials. Three river systems drain the Benin Region. They are the Ikpoba River, the Ogba River and Owigie-Ogbovben River systems. The mean annual discharge of Ikpoba River for 1982-1983 and 1993-2002 was 1411 mm/yr, which was 1.019 × 109 m3 with a mean annual baseflow of 1256.23 mm (0. 907 × 109 m3). This constitutes 87.65% of the total flow. It has a mean annual surface runoff of 225.18 mm (0.112 × 109 m3) or 24.4 % of the total discharge. The water resources of the region include surface water and underground water.
Highlights
The physical characteristics of the Benin Region which are relevant for the purpose of this investigation are hereby discussed in terms of those factors which [1]-[3] identified as the environment of weathering
The geology is generally marked by top reddish earth, composed of ferruginized or literalized clay sand. [4] first used the term Benin sand to describe the reddish earth underlain by sands, sandy clays and ferruginized sandstone that mark the Paleo-Coastal Environment of Paleocene-Pleistocene Age
Information on the geomorphology of the Benin Region can be found in the works of authors such as [9] [10][16] amongst others
Summary
The physical characteristics of the Benin Region which are relevant for the purpose of this investigation are hereby discussed in terms of those factors which [1]-[3] identified as the environment of weathering. The geomorphology includes aspects of the geology and relief while the hydrology embraces aspects of the drainage and water resources These are discussed below under the following headings: Geology, Physiography (Relief) and Geomorphology, Geomorphic Processes, Weathering, Drainage Processes, Landforms, Surface Water Hydrology and Water Resources. These aspects have not been fully documented by research workers in this region. This paper examines these aspects as they affect the landscape of the region
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