Analyses of Trends in Stream Flow Behaviour of Mubi Section of River Yedzeram, Northeastern Nigeria.

Abstract

The understanding of trends in the flow characteristics of a stream is of hydrologic and geomorphologic significance in terms of channel morphology changes and management of stream water resources for sustainable uses. In this study, attempts have been made to analyse the short-term trends in behaviour of selected Mubi section of River Yedzeram. The study was based on 14 years (2005 through 2019) direct field measurements and stream flow available data. The variables of interest in the study included Annual Total Rainfall, Mean Flow Velocity, Annual Mean Discharge, Flow Pattern, Stream Bed Shear Stress and Specific Stream Power. Result of the findings showed considerable increase in trends of all the variables over the period of study. This indicates the occurrence of significant hydrologic and channel morphologic changes in the stream section as well as the possibilities of further changes in the future. Continual hydro-morphologic monitoring, data collection and development of strong policies on in-stream and riparian land disturbances within the entire Mubi section of the stream are recommended.