Spatio-Temporal Assessment of Quarry Sites in Mpape, Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

The study mapped and analyzed spatiotemporal variability of quarry sites in Mpape District, Bwari Area Council of Abuja. The study used high-resolution IKONOS satellite image, ASTERDEM and Hi-Target Differential GNSS receivers. The result showed that nine quarry sites exist in Mpape with three abandoned and six are active while three are located in the center of Mpape with one active and two abandoned. The depth analysis revealed that the deepest site is 25 m at Julius Berger quarry site and the lowest depth was 6 m at Dantata quarry site. The study also reveals that the rocky surfaces has the highest elevation and are located in the upper and lower region of Mpape. The quarry sites and settlement are located on a high elevation ground. Importantly, the study revealed that the derelict ponds were formed because of rigorous quarry activities, since there are no tributaries connecting each of the derelict ponds. The buffer analysis carried out at 100 and 150 m distances revealed that settlements are already engulfing the three quarry sites located at the core center of Mpape. Also, Chinese quarry site has been encroached, while the other six do not have settlement contiguous to them at 100 and 150 m buffer distances.