Analysis of Gully Erosion in Tumfure, Gombe Urban, Gombe State, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper analyzed gully erosion in Tumfure, Gombe Urban, Gombe State Nigeria. The specific objectives are: to identify and map out the areas affected, analyze the nature of the terrain, factors that influences the gully, its morphology, and the effects of the gully erosion in the study area. Data used in this paper were generated through field observation and measurements and satellite imageries. The data were analyzed through the use of ArcGIS10.2 software. The findings from the interpretation of satellite imageries of (2005) and (2016) as well as the results from field measurements showed that gully variables such as (length, depth and widths) have significantly changed in the last 12 years. The satellite image of 2005 revealed that urban growth in terms of settlement, market and administrative/offices was 0.14km2 of the total land area. The 2016 image analyzed, revealed change in the urban expansion from 0.14km2 to 4.26km2 in 2016. This implied an increase of 4.13km2 over 12 years. These infrastructures which were developed over the years are linked by footpaths along which runoff took advantage to in development of gullies. The finding further revealed that all the concrete surfaces and iron roofs increase runoff and consequent gully development. Falling of trees, cracks and falling of buildings into gullies are common features in the gully prone areas and several people are at the risk of losing their houses and livelihood to gully erosion if no holistic control measures are taken. The study therefore, recommended among others, that proper enlightenment campaign and educating the populace on the real causes of gully erosion, effective methods of controlling as well as preventing gully erosion be put in place by the government. Similarly, reforestation of catchment areas and eroded lands can be effective at reclaiming and controlling gully corridors in the affected areas.