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 × 10 9 m 3 with a mean annual baseflow of 1256.23 mm (0. 907 × 109 m 3). This constitutes 87.65% of the total flow. It has a mean annual surface runoff of 225.18 mm (0.112 × 10 9 m 3) or 24.4 % of the total discharge. The water resources of the region include surface water and underground water.
Water is known to be an inexhaustible resource because the total supply of it in the biosphere is not affected by human activities. Recycling time depends on various factors. It is not uniformly distributed all over the world and not readily available in the quantity and quality required in most parts on the earth surface. This piece has examined the sources, the crisis of scarcity, and development of water and alternatives in Igbo-Ora, Nigeria. The climate is tropical continental. The major occupation is farming. Major sources of water supply are the ponds, rivers, lakes, and rainfall. Opeki Dam is perpetually dry, that is, not to talk of the pipeline networks and taps that are spent. The consequences of the crisis of inadequacies have been so grievous. Whatever is available must be conserved and preserved to meet all needs. A revisit to Opeki Dam for purpose of rehabilitation is imperative. At the interim, rain water should be harvested, stored and put to use on a large scale on farms and for small scale industrial productions. Farmers should make maximum use of dews. Oyan Dam could be made to serve Igbo-Ora community. Damming Ofiki River is also suggested.
The impact of climate change on the incidence of soil erosion was examined in the Benin-Owena River Basin, Southwestern Nigeria. Climate change was indexed by rainfall and temperature. Information was obtained on these parameters from 1960-2010 for some selected stations in the basin. Similarly, data on erosion control measures were obtained in the basin from 1990-2010. The results obtained showed gradual increase in temperature, vis-à-vis a fluctuating trend in rainfall. Erosion control measures increased in the drainage basin due to the uncertainties observed in the climatic indices. Intensive sporadic rainfall and increasing temperatures occasioned intensified control measures adopted in the basin. It is concluded that climate change has impacted erosional activities in the basin. It is recommended that more structures should be developed to curb the menace of erosion in the basin.
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