GIS-Based Watershed Delineation and Hydrological Characterisation of the Yobe Basin, Nigeria
Keywords:
Basin Delineation; Flow Accumulation; Flow Direction; Geographic Information Systems (GIS); Watershed Management.Abstract
This study examined the watershed delineation and hydrological characteristics of the Yobe Basin, Nigeria, using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Digital Elevation Model (DEM)-based hydrological analysis. The study was motivated by increasing concerns over flood occurrences, environmental degradation, and inadequate hydrological information for sustainable water resources management within the basin. Specifically, the study delineated the watershed boundary, analysed flow direction characteristics, evaluated flow accumulation patterns, and characterized the stream network of the basin. A geospatial analytical research design was adopted, and hydrological tools within ArcGIS were employed to generate flow direction, flow accumulation, stream network, and watershed datasets. The results revealed that the delineated basin exhibited values ranging from 1 to 732, indicating extensive watershed coverage and substantial runoff collection capacity. Flow direction analysis identified eight drainage direction classes (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, and 128), demonstrating complex multidirectional runoff movement across the basin. Flow accumulation values ranged from 0 to 10,958, with the highest values indicating significant runoff convergence and potential flood-prone zones. Furthermore, the extracted stream network corresponded strongly with areas of high flow accumulation, confirming the influence of runoff concentration on channel development. The findings showed that GIS-based hydrological modelling effectively delineated the Yobe Basin and provided critical information for watershed management, flood mitigation, and water resources planning. The study concluded that the Yobe Basin possesses a well-developed drainage system characterized by extensive watershed coverage, high runoff concentration, and complex flow patterns. The study recommended targeted flood control measures, enhanced hydrological monitoring, catchment conservation practices, and integrated watershed management strategies to promote sustainable basin development.
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