Assessment of Recent Lateral Channel Migration characteristics of the Lower Section of River Digil, Mubi North, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The analyses of migration patterns and rates over time the mapping of Channel Migration Zones (CMZ) and are vital geomorphologic activities for policy making and management of riparian land uses in a river valley system. In this study, an assessment of recent (2006 -2021) Lateral Channel Migration of a segment of River Digil was conducted. The study focused on assessing the nature and magnitudes of lateral channel migration of the Digil River in the recent times, mapping out the CMZ and ascertaining the present and future implications of the channel migration process on the riparian land uses. The methodology employed the integrated approach of field studies, Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) Analyses. Results showed a of 3.52m channel migration per year from 2006 to 2012 and 2.32m per year from 2012 to 2019. Though the rates were seemingly low were found threatening to riparian agricultural land uses and landed property within the migration corridor. The delineated CMZ covered a total area of 7.2 km2 and occupied mostly by farmland and few residential areas. Buffering and policies restricting developmental projects within the CMZ were recommended as measures for conservation and management.