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

The Eastern Scarplands of Nigeria, stretching from Nsukka through Enugu to Okigwe, present a prominent cuesta landscape. Which of the following correctly describes the structural relief and drainage characteristics of this physical region?

  1. A steep eastward-facing scarp slope drained by headstreams of the Cross River and a gentle westward dip slope drained by tributaries of the Anambra RiverAnswer
  2. B
    A radial drainage network of braided streams radiating outward from a central volcanic caldera down basaltic lava plateaus
  3. C
    An endorheic drainage basin where short seasonal streams flow inward into localized salt lakes without reaching coastal outlets
  4. D
    A broad alluvial plain dominated by expansive river terraces and oxbow lakes discharging northward into the Benue River

Answer

A steep eastward-facing scarp slope drained by headstreams of the Cross River and a gentle westward dip slope drained by tributaries of the Anambra River
The Eastern Scarplands of Southeastern Nigeria represent a classic cuesta formed by tilted sedimentary strata. The asymmetric ridge features a steep scarp slope facing east (drained by short headstreams of the Cross River) and a long, gentle dip slope facing west (drained by tributaries of the Anambra River, which flows into the Lower Niger).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the geological structure of the Eastern Scarplands
The Nsukka-Enugu-Okigwe ridge is composed of inclined sedimentary sandstone and shale beds forming a classic cuesta landform.
Unequal erosion of tilted strata creates an asymmetric relief feature with two distinct slope faces.
2
Determine the orientation of the physical slopes
The steep escarpment faces east, while the gentle dip slope inclines westwards.
The westward dipping Cretaceous rock layers produce a sharp eastern drop-off and a gradually sloping western surface.
3
Relate the physical slopes to the regional river drainage pattern
Short, rapid streams flow down the eastern scarp into the Cross River basin, while longer streams flow down the western dip slope into the Anambra River.
Drainage systems align directly with the structural slopes of the cuesta landscape.

Key Concept

Cuesta relief structure and drainage alignment of the Eastern Scarplands
Estimated Time:1m 15s
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Topics

Relief, Physical Regions, and Drainage Systems of Nigeria

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