Application of Basin Morphometry Laws in catchments of the south-western quadrangle of south-eastern Nigeria

doi:10.1007/s11707-013-0356-0

Front Earth Sci

2013, Vol. 7

Issue (3) : 361-374 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11707-013-0356-0

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Application of Basin Morphometry Laws in catchments of the south-western quadrangle of south-eastern Nigeria

A.O AISUEBEOGUN¹, I.C EZEKWE²(

)

1. Department of Geography and Environmental Management, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island 560001, Nigeria; 2. Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt 500001, Nigeria

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Abstract

The relationship between process and form has been at the core of research in fluvial geomorphology. Form-process relationships of a natural river basin are strongly influenced by its hydrologic and sedimentologic processes as basin morphometric properties of length, shape, and relief, change in response to various hydrologic stimuli from the environment, but usually in line with well established laws. In the four river basins (Orashi, Otamiri, Sombreiro, New Calabar) examined in this study, however, empirical evidence does not conform neatly with theoretical postulates. Remarkable variations are noted in the morphometric properties of the catchments, when compared with established morphometric laws. The most varied in conformity are the Orashi and New Calabar basins, although the Sombreiro and Otamiri catchments also show some level of variation. Prime explanation for the morphometric and topographic non-conformity is caused by the nature of surficial material and the profoundly shallow relief of much of the study area, especially the alluvial flood and deltaic plains to the south and south-west of the study area.

Keywords catchments watershed morphology morphometric analysis Nigeria Africa

Corresponding Author(s): EZEKWE I.C,Email:clidnelson@yahoo.com

Issue Date: 05 September 2013

Cite this article:

A.O AISUEBEOGUN,I.C EZEKWE. Application of Basin Morphometry Laws in catchments of the south-western quadrangle of south-eastern Nigeria[J]. Front Earth Sci, 2013, 7(3): 361-374.

URL:

https://academic.hep.com.cn/fesci/EN/10.1007/s11707-013-0356-0
https://academic.hep.com.cn/fesci/EN/Y2013/V7/I3/361

Fig.1 Geology of study area

Fig.2 Aspects of the geomorphology of the study area

Tab.1 Description of measured morphometric parameters

Tab.2 Topographical characteristics of catchments

Fig.3 The Orashi catchment area

Fig.4 The Otamiri catchment area

Fig.5 The Sombreiro catchment area

Fig.6 The New Calabar catchment area

Tab.3 Stream segments and bifurcation ratios in catchments

Tab.4 Observed and computed stream segments and stream length for Orashi catchment

Tab.5 Observed and computed stream segments and stream length for the Otamiri catchment

Tab.6 Observed and computed stream segments and stream length for Sombreiro catchment

Tab.7 Observed and computed stream segments and stream length for new Calabar catchment.

Fig.7 Number of streams (log) against stream order

Fig.8 Cumulative mean stream length (log) against stream order

Tab.8 Catchments shape and relief measures.

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