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Analysis of the Relationship Between Gully Morphometry and Sediment Volume on the Ajalli Sandstone Formation of Ankpa Town, Kogi State

Aondoakaa, Ushahemba Solomon, and Kwaghsaa Kwaghkohol Stephen,

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between gully length and average gully sediment volume within the Ajalli Sandstones geological formation underlying Ankpa Town, Kogi State, North Central Nigeria. Ten gully sites were analyzed, where gully length (L), average depth (D), and average width (W) were measured. Using these parameters, the average volume (V), average cross-sectional area (A), and form factor (W/D) were computed. These six variables (L, D, W, V, A, and W/D) were subjected to correlation and bivariate regression analyses to assess the nature and strength of the relationship between gully length and sediment volume. The results revealed that gully length serves as a moderate predictor of sediment volume on the Ajalli Sandstones formation. This indicates that as gully length increases, the volume of eroded materials also rises, reflecting a positive linear relationship between the two variables. The derived bivariate regression model, L1 = 0.13 + 1.02V1, further supports this relationship, while the coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.3881) suggests that about 38.81% of variations in gully volume are explained by changes in gully length. Additionally, the average gully volume showed high variability, with a standard deviation of 415.24 m3, indicating significant spatial heterogeneity within the study area. To curb the progression of gully erosion and reduce sediment loss, the study recommends enhancing infiltration through vegetative cover establishment, particularly by planting grasses and cover crops between buildings and along slopes instead of using impervious pavements. These nature-based solutions will help lower runoff velocity, stabilize soil, and promote sustainable land management in Ankpa Town.

Keywords

Gully erosionSediment volumeGully lengthCorrelation analysisand Bivariate regression.

References

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