Abstract
The flow direction of streams remains an establishing mechanism in understanding drainage basin function and stream competence. The ability of streams to erode, transport and deposit loads in fluvial geomorphology exert a benchmark precursor for slope dynamics given the differential geological outcrop of the Bamenda-Menchum basin. Such competence in stream network generates slope instability as materials continuously move down slope from the volcanic escarpment face of Bamenda highlands to the sedimentary lowland area of Lower Bafut-Menchum basin. This paper investigate the influence of stream flow direction and stream competence on slope dynamics and how such dynamism affects the development prospects of the drainage basin. Slope range was obtained from AVL/EBI.JHO measurement. Stream length, density and flow direction were gotten from GIS Arc 21. Stream depth, channel width, flow rate and sedimentation levels were measured. Gully depth on slopes and landslide angles were measured using 30m tape and a graduated pole. Questionnaires were used to collect information on the vulnerability of households to slope dynamics orchestrated by stream competence. Findings revealed that stream competence varies from the two geological basements and that the escarpment face respond to high flow gravity and hydraulic action contributing to rapid erosion and transportation of loads. The results equally showed that the Bamenda escarpment face that is linked to the crystalline rocks produce differential erosion and landslide. 76.7% of slope instability is explained by geological structure and seasonality effect in the basin while 23.3% of slope dynamics is explained by other variables not specified in the study. The lower basin remains liable to deposition of materials on river channels and flood plain. The accumulation of sand, stones and alluvial deposits are extracted and exploited for the development prospects of the basin. The study recommends channel and slope management by integrating slope development control policy in drainage basin management and development.
Highlights
Hydrological response of drainage basins when considered at a global scale is the production of runoff from a basin specific rainfall, which is characterized by basin morphometric properties, soil characteristics and land use pattern (Yahya, et al 2016)
The complex basement of the Bamenda-Menchum basin has yielded differential geological structures which are exploited by streams
The volcanic escarpment of Bamenda presents no dominant flow direction of streams indicating that the steep face of the escarpment or the topography is the dominant control factor
Summary
Hydrological response of drainage basins when considered at a global scale is the production of runoff from a basin specific rainfall, which is characterized by basin morphometric properties, soil characteristics and land use pattern (Yahya, et al 2016). While soil characteristics and land use pattern directly determine the infiltration loss, the spatial distribution of the excess rainfall on the surface is governed by basin morphometric properties. Tributaries from the surrounding watershed channels contribute to erosion and the occurrence of downstream flooding in river basins (Tumpa and Srimanta, 2015). For this reason, information on topographic characteristics of a watershed helps in determining runoff and sedimentation to the outlet of the watershed.
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