Songu, G.A., Abu, R.D, Thlakma, S.R. Maikano, E.T.

Keywords: Dongol stream, Morphological features, Kashere Watershed, perimeter

Abstract 

This paper examined the morphological features of Dongol stream in Kashere watershed area to determine their influence on the nearby environment. Data emerged through direct field observation and measurements involving survey equipment such as measuring tape, Global Positioning System, ranging poles and camera. Morphological parameters measured include stream length, depth, width, boulders, pools, riffles, wetted and dry perimeters of the stream. The descriptive statistic (mean) showed variation in the data, why the Pearson’s Product Moment correlation statistic evaluated the relationship between the morphological parameters of the stream. Results of the study show that the mean depth of the Dongol stream is 4.77m and the mean width is 36.48m. The Dongol stream is considered to be moderately deep around Kashere area, with a wide top width. With the increasing width of the stream, this threatens nearby cultivated farmlands thereby leading to loss of reparian vegetation along the stream banks. The stream has a lower mean wetted perimeter (11.96m) than the mean dried perimeter (24.33m). The study concludes that the stream drier part is larger, thereby influencing small amount of water available for usage in the stream for agricultural and domestic purposes. Also, the pools, riffles, sand bars and boulders observed do influenced siltation in the stream, thus impacting negatively on the stream depth and flow pattern of the stream. The study recommends that vegetation should be planted along Dongol river banks to help reduce siltation, stream bank erosion and mass wasting for enhanced stream bank stabilisation and environmental sustainability.

Author Biography

Songu, G.A., 

Abu, R.D, 

Thlakma, S.R. 

Maikano, E.T. 

Department of Geography, 

Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State, Nigeria. 

Email of corresponding author: [email protected]

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