Predicting Channel Morphology of the Nyaba River from Hydraulic Variables

Abstract

The study investigated the predictability of the hydraulic variables on the morphology of the Nyaba River channel in southeastern Nigeria. The study's objective was to analyze the relationship between channel morphology and hydraulic variables such as Discharge, Velocity, Suspended sediment yield, and Bed load sediment of the Nyaba River. Primary and secondary data sources are used in this study.The ANOVA and Regression analysis statistics are used for data analysis. The findings revealed a significant correlation between channel morphology and channel form processes. The correlation between Channel morphology, Discharge, Velocity, Suspended sediment, and Bed load sediment showed that discharge alone provided 97.8% explanations for variations in channel morphology of the Nyaba River while velocity provided 1.8% explanations for the variations.In conclusion, the study showed that the predicted variability in the geometry of the Nyaba River channel is the hydraulic variable.Hence the major predictors of channel changes are discharge and velocity. The author recommends employing appropriate conservation mechanisms to protect the river channel against erosion. The channel should be cleared of wood debris regularly as this may enhance over-flooding during the rainy season.