Morphological characteristics of gully networks and their relationship to host materials, Baringo District, Kenya

Abstract

The morphological characteristics of gully networks in Baringo District, Kenya are described in relation to host materials. All gullies studied were part of a well integrated network characterised by a high drainage density. Causes of network rejuvenation leading to gullying are postulated. The morphology of the individual gullies were found to be related to the most material. Gullies formed on weathered bedrock had a dendritic drainage network with convex slopes. The morphology of gullies developed in lacustrine sediments varied with sediment texture and chemistry. V-shaped dendritic gullies with a concave longitudinal profile were associated with a high clay content and high sodium content whereas entrenched gullies were associated with a high silt content and low sodium content. Process inferences are made in order to explain the variation in gully morphology.