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Difficulty: HardRelief, Physical Regions, and Drainage Systems of Nigeria

The Jos Plateau functions as Nigeria's principal hydrographic center, exhibiting a centrifugal (radial) drainage network due to its elevated elevation and dome-like structure. Which of the following options correctly identifies three rivers originating from this highland together with their respective ultimate drainage basins?

  1. River Kaduna flowing southwest into the River Niger basin, River Gongola flowing southeast into the River Benue basin, and River Hadejia flowing northeast into the Lake Chad basinAnswer
  2. B
    River Sokoto flowing south into the Niger Delta, River Cross flowing north into the Benue Trough, and River Ogun flowing east into Lake Chad
  3. C
    River Osun flowing north into the Hawal Basin, River Rima flowing east into the Gongola Basin, and River Katsina-Ala flowing west into the Atlantic Ocean
  4. D
    River Niger flowing northeast onto the Jos Plateau, River Benue flowing northwest into the Sokoto Plains, and River Anambra flowing north into the Lake Chad Basin

Answer

River Kaduna flowing southwest into the River Niger basin, River Gongola flowing southeast into the River Benue basin, and River Hadejia flowing northeast into the Lake Chad basin
The Jos Plateau serves as Nigeria's central hydrological divide. Due to its elevated dome structure, rivers radiate outwards in a centrifugal pattern: the River Kaduna flows southwest toward the River Niger, the River Gongola flows southeast toward the River Benue, and rivers such as the Hadejia and Delimi flow northeast toward the Lake Chad inland drainage basin.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the physical highland region and its drainage characteristic
The Jos Plateau is a elevated crystalline horst forming Nigeria's primary hydrological node, creating a radial (centrifugal) drainage pattern where rivers radiate outward in all directions.
Topographic elevation determines the flow direction of rivers moving away from a central high point.
2
Trace the major river systems radiating from the Jos Plateau to their respective drainage destinations
The Kaduna River drains southwest into the River Niger; the Gongola River drains southeast into the River Benue; and the Hadejia/Jama'are system drains northeast into the Lake Chad interior basin.
Topographic slope directs rivers into three distinct drainage basins of Nigeria: the Niger Basin, Benue Basin, and Chad Basin.
3
Evaluate the choices to select the correctly matched rivers and basins
The option specifying Kaduna (Niger Basin), Gongola (Benue Basin), and Hadejia (Lake Chad Basin) correctly matches all three radial drainage directions.
It accurately reflects the geographical courses and receiving basins of rivers originating on the Jos Plateau.

Key Concept

Radial Drainage Pattern of the Jos Plateau
Estimated Time:2m 0s
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Topics

Relief, Physical Regions, and Drainage Systems of Nigeria

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