ALGEBRAIC MODELLING OF THE INTERCONNECTION AMONG MORPHOMETRIC PARAMETERS IN ATA OBIO AKPA GULLY COMPLEXES, ORUK ANAM, AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA.

Nyetiobong Ikoedem William

Department of Geography and Natural Resources Management,

University of Uyo, Uyo.

Email: nyetiobongwilliam@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Gully as an endemic ecological issue have created uncalled-for geo-precarious topographic units that has over the years been a subject of modern geoscientists in different parts of the world. This work examined the morphometric parameters in Ata ObioAkpa gully complexes, OrukAnam, AkwaIbom State. The morphometric parameters such as Gully Width (W), Gully Depth (D), Cross sectional area (CS) and Slope angle (SA) were measured using measuring tape, ranging pole, Global Positioning System and Abney level. Interrelationship between gully morphometric parameters was analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Model (PPMCM) and the result revealed thatin gully site A, W & SA correlated strongly at P<0.05 and r = 0.857 and the relationship is significant; and SA & D, SA & CS, W & D, W & CS accounted for weak correlations at P>0.05 and r= -5.22, 0.196,-0.07 while W& CS and D & CS were moderate at p>0.05 and r=0.673 and 0.735. In gully site B, W, D & CS correlated strongly with SA at r= 0.917, 0.964 & 0.996; W and CS; D and CS also correlated strongly at r=0.880 & 0.983. In gully site B, the regression of slope angle and width is not significant at r²=73.4% and p>0.05; slope angle will increase by 0.7073 units for every one unit increase in width. In plot A, since r²=0.9294 and p>0.05, the relationship exists between SA and D but effect of D on SA is not significant; then slope angle will increase by 0.5537 units for every one unit increase in depth. In plot B, since r²=0.9864 and p>0.05, the existing relationship is insignificant; slope angle will increase by 0.3842 units for every one unit increase in depth. The shape of the gully in the stream catchment and gully size has been influenced by geomorphic processes and persistent hydrogeological events which has relative consequences on lithological, ecological, economic and geomorphic assets. Therefore, efforts should be geared towards approaching the phenomenon with adequate measures to controlling the magnitude of gully growth and expansion in the terrain for sustainable management of geo-hazards.