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Which major highland regions are found along the Atlantic side of western Africa?
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Western Africa
The countries of western Africa.
Along the Atlantic side of western Africa, several major highland regions serve as prominent physical features. These include:
- Fouta Djallon: An enormous sandstone block and highland region that rises sharply from the coastal plain. It is characterized by level plateaus, deeply incised valleys, and exposed igneous rock structures.12
- Guinea Highlands: A mountainous plateau that extends across parts of Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Côte d’Ivoire. It features several mountain ranges, such as the Nimba Range, the Loma Mountains, and the Tingi Mountains.32
- Jos Plateau: Located in Nigeria, this upland region is a significant feature of the western African landscape.2
- Cameroon Highlands: These highlands are also identified as a major physiographic feature along the Atlantic side of the region.2
These highlands are vital to the region's hydrology, as they form the divide for many rivers, including the Niger River, which originates in the Guinea Highlands.32