Geological and Geotechnical Assessment of Gully Erosion in Ungogo, Kano, Northwestern Nigeria.
Abstract:
Gully erosion poses a significant environmental hazard, causing extensive damage to the landscape in the Ungogo area. To address this issue, this study focused on investigating the geological and geotechnical factors contributing to gully erosion in the region.
Geological field mapping was conducted to identify the root causes and assess the extent of erosion. Additionally, soil samples were collected from four gully sites at different depths (0-5m, 0.5-1m, and 1-1.5m) for geotechnical analyses. Four index properties of the soil were determined, namely Specific Gravity, Sieve Analysis, Atterberg Test, and Compaction Test, following the British standard code: BS-1377-2, 1990.
The Specific Gravity values were used to evaluate the potential risk of erosion. The sieve analysis revealed the grading index, showing a coefficient of uniformity ranging from 17.2 to 1.13 and a coefficient of curvature ranging from 6.01 to 0.85. The coefficient of permeability fell between that of coarse sand and silt.
The plasticity index of the soil samples was found to be within the range of 2% to 20%, indicating cohesive properties, with the soil samples from the gully sites clustering within clay of low plasticity and silt of low plasticity. This suggests the potential for controlling gully erosion formation in the area.
However, the study also revealed that the soils in the region were predominantly loose sand, making them susceptible to erosion. To address the issue of gully erosion effectively, the study recommends implementing mitigation measures such as Landfilling, constructing check dams, utilizing geo-textiles, fencing, and stabilization techniques.
In conclusion, this research provides valuable insights into the geological and geotechnical aspects of gully erosion in the Ungogo area, offering potential solutions to combat this environmental hazard and preserve the landscape.
Geological and Geotechnical Assessment of Gully Erosion in Ungogo, Kano, Northwestern Nigeria.