Application of Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics Techniques in Erosion Mapping and Groundwater Management in the River Amba Watershed, Central Nigeria

Abstract

This research integrated easy-to-handle remote sensing data and geoinformatics techniques for erosion mapping and groundwater management in the River Amba watershed, central Nigeria. It is aimed at: (a) the determination of the erosion-prone areas and (b) the estimation of the groundwater potential contamination risk under current and future anthropogenic activities. Rainfall intensity was evaluated from monthly rainfall data (2001 - 2011) from the station located within the River Amba Watershed. Digital Elevation Model (DEM) for the terrain was created using the 3D Analyst tool (Surfer 14) and was used to determine the flow direction and lineament features in each raster cells. Remote sensing data (aerial photographs and LANDSAT imagery) were used to develop a land-use map, while geological mapping was used to determine the local geology of the watershed area. The contributions of the various factors to the erosion hazardous areas are: elevation 31.49 %, land use 21 %, slope 14 %, geology 12.52 %, rainfall intensity 10.5 % and flow accumulation 10.5 %. The combined influences of these factors to erosion susceptibility as either: very high, high, moderate, low, and very low with the south-western part characterized as high while other parts of the study area moderate to very low erosion vulnerability. The groundwater level is shallow (4.0 –28.5 m) and discharges through the Amba river and many springs. These springs along with boreholes and wells supply drinking water to Lafia and the environs.