Detail Assessment of Natural Drainage Flow Pattern in Federal University Otuoke and its Environs using Digitized Topographic Information

FULL TEXT in - | page 43-48

Abstract

Regional and local flooding have always been a menace in Bayelsa state, this could well be attributed to poor knowledge and design of drainage system and erection of illegal structure across the water way. The aim of this study therefore, is to ascertain the natural drainage pattern that exit at Federal University Otuoke and its environs by taking advantage of topographic information. To achieve this, digitize information of latitude, longitude and elevation were extracted from an imagery map and developed into 3D surfaces. The results have shown that Federal University Otuoke and its environs is located in an environment where the average elevation above mean sea level is about 18 m. The highest elevation within the survey area is 27 m, while the lowest elevation is 7 m. Using the Faculty building as a reference point the results have shown that all future drainages that will be designed and constructed within Federal University Otuoke and its environs should be directed from North East, South East, North West, South west towards the Otuoke river. The results have also revealed that the present land mass of Federal University Otuoke and where it will expand into in future is located within a region where the average elevation is about 22 m above mean sea level, which is an indication that it will not be subjected to regional flooding like that of 2012. However the possibility of local flooding cannot be ruled out, if the drainages pattern is not tailored in the right direction.

Keywords: Bayelsa, Drainage, Elevation, flooding, Topography

References