GIS-Based Study of Prioritized Gully Erosion and Flood Locations in Ebonyi State

Abstract

Gully erosion and flood is a major environmental disaster in south eastern part of Nigeria. This study adopts Geographic Information System (GIS) as a tool in the identification of flood and gully erosion locations in Ebonyi State. 31 flood and erosion locations were identified using GPS receiver and field ground investigation. Gully erosion and flood severity map was produced using the SRTM (Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission), which was imported into the ArcGIS platform. The result shows that gully erosion sites were well dispersed around Ajali Sandstone geological Formation. The slope characteristic was ascertained to be greater than 15^o which encourages flood and gully erosion activities. The flood and erosion severity map produced showed risk and vulnerability of settlements and infrastructure while the observation on site showed loss of properties, economic trees, biodiversity and obstructed access; thus endangered human existence. This study therefore recommended public enlightenment on their role in flood and erosion control, enlistment of geologists, environmental managers and other experts in flood and erosion control planning for better understanding of the terrain before adopting any measure of control. Also the production of gully and flood severity map for other areas within the south-eastern Nigeria is necessary to enable better control of these environmental hazards.

Keywords: Gully Erosion, Flood Locations, GIS

DOI: 10.7176/JEES/10-2-11

Publication date: February 29th 2020