Authors :
Dzarma Mohammed Sayd; Ezekiel Yonnana
Volume/Issue :
Volume 6 - 2021, Issue 7 - July
Google Scholar :
http://bitly.ws/9nMw
Scribd :
https://bit.ly/378N3gq
Abstract :
Stream channels and flow regimes in the
River Kilange catchment reflect a pattern of both
natural and anthropogenic disturbances in the riparian
corridors. This study examined the channel morphology
and stream flow characteristics in three landuse (Urban,
Agriculture and Abandoned Agriculture) settings in the
River Kilange catchment. Stream channel geometric
properties were measured and the derived values used to
evaluate the channel parameters were determined
through ancillary data and field observation. Channel
morphology adjustments and variations in stream flow
characteristics were related to the different landuses at
riparian level. Metrics for channel morphology and flow
characteristics were quantified in 18 sampling units.
Pearsons’ correlation analysis was applied to determine
association between landuse and channel morphology.
Students’ T-test was used to compare estimated bankfull
discharge in the abandoned agriculture landuse category
and that of the urban landuse setting. Results revealed
both channel widening, increase in wetted-perimeter and
bankfull discharge in urban channels. The means of
discharge for abandoned-agriculture and urban landuse
categories were not equal, signifying increased discharge
with increase in human activities. Bivariate linear
regression relationship between channel depth and
discharge was significant (r =.701, p = 0.035). The result
further explained that 42% of the variation of discharge
emanated from changes in channel depth. Regressing
Cross-sectional area with bankfull discharge also yielded
significant relationship (r = .835, p = 0.005), where the
regression model explained 65% of the variation. The
findings reveal that the identified landuse practices
influence stream channel and flow adjustments. Changes
in the channel morphology accelerate the river flow
process culminating into lateral erosion, flooding and
reduction in groundwater recharge. These
environmental challenges, if left unchecked could result
to land and water resources problems in the area.
Therefore, the establishment of forest buffer zone along
riparian corridors in the River Kilange catchment is
recommended
Keywords :
Channel Morphology, Stream Flow, Channel Lateral Erosion, Riparian landuse, River Kilange
Stream channels and flow regimes in the
River Kilange catchment reflect a pattern of both
natural and anthropogenic disturbances in the riparian
corridors. This study examined the channel morphology
and stream flow characteristics in three landuse (Urban,
Agriculture and Abandoned Agriculture) settings in the
River Kilange catchment. Stream channel geometric
properties were measured and the derived values used to
evaluate the channel parameters were determined
through ancillary data and field observation. Channel
morphology adjustments and variations in stream flow
characteristics were related to the different landuses at
riparian level. Metrics for channel morphology and flow
characteristics were quantified in 18 sampling units.
Pearsons’ correlation analysis was applied to determine
association between landuse and channel morphology.
Students’ T-test was used to compare estimated bankfull
discharge in the abandoned agriculture landuse category
and that of the urban landuse setting. Results revealed
both channel widening, increase in wetted-perimeter and
bankfull discharge in urban channels. The means of
discharge for abandoned-agriculture and urban landuse
categories were not equal, signifying increased discharge
with increase in human activities. Bivariate linear
regression relationship between channel depth and
discharge was significant (r =.701, p = 0.035). The result
further explained that 42% of the variation of discharge
emanated from changes in channel depth. Regressing
Cross-sectional area with bankfull discharge also yielded
significant relationship (r = .835, p = 0.005), where the
regression model explained 65% of the variation. The
findings reveal that the identified landuse practices
influence stream channel and flow adjustments. Changes
in the channel morphology accelerate the river flow
process culminating into lateral erosion, flooding and
reduction in groundwater recharge. These
environmental challenges, if left unchecked could result
to land and water resources problems in the area.
Therefore, the establishment of forest buffer zone along
riparian corridors in the River Kilange catchment is
recommended
Keywords :
Channel Morphology, Stream Flow, Channel Lateral Erosion, Riparian landuse, River Kilange
