Landscapes and Landforms of the Jos Plateau

Abstract

AbstractThe Jos Plateau is situated in the north-central part of Nigeria, with the highest peak at 1829 m. It is surrounded by plains on all sides. The landforms and landscapes of the plateau can be grouped into three physiographic units, namely hills and mountains, dissected terrains and undulating terrain. The Jos Plateau is drained by a radial river network, with numerous waterfalls at topographic escarpments. Regional geology includes two major structural units: an Older Basement Complex and the Younger Granites. The Basement Complex comprises intrusive igneous rocks and structures long exposed by denudation. For the Younger Granites, ring complexes are characteristic, with escarpments and massive outcrops of Jurassic granites. There are over 22 dormant to extinct volcanoes in the Jos Plateau, which occur as four series of volcanic lines named as Ganawuri, Hoss, Panyam (Sura) and Gu (Jiblik). There are two major waterfalls and three minor ones and springs on the Plateau. One of the waterfalls has hydroelectric power stations for electricity generation. Terracing-based farming, animal husbandry, tin mining, lumbering and tourism are common human activities in the plateau area.KeywordsJos PlateauPrecambrianYounger granitesVolcanoesWaterfalls