Geospatial Evaluation of Niger Delta Coastal Susceptibility to Climate Change (4039) |
| Chima Ogba and Pius Utang (Nigeria) |
Dr. Chima Ogba
Director
Chims Survys and Consltants
Chims Survys and Consltants, 11 Onwuchekwa Street
Romuomasi, Port Harcourt,Niferia
Port Harcourt
Nigeria
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| Corresponding author Dr. Chima Ogba (email: chimaogba[at]yahoo.com, tel.: + 234 8039675438) |
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| [ abstract ] [ paper ] [ handouts ] |
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Published on the web 2010-01-14
Received 2009-11-19 / Accepted 2010-01-14 |
| This paper is one of selection of papers published for the FIG Congress 2010 in Sydney, Australia and has undergone the FIG Peer Review Process. |
FIG Congress 2010
ISBN 978-87-90907-87-7 ISSN 2308-3441
http://www.fig.net/resources/proceedings/fig_proceedings/fig2010/index.htm
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Abstract |
| Coastal topography is a result of complex interactions between anthropogenic activities and natural processes. The Niger Delta is not an exception. The region is currently under human unprecedented pressure and this is accentuated by climate change induced processes. In addition to the regional problems of rainfall/runoff induced erosion and flooding, anthropogenic induced land subsidence and global warming induced sea level rise are additional imperatives. Quantifying spatial change in this dynamic environment is crucial for sustainable coastal management. This paper takes a look at the threats of inundation and erosion arising from sea level rise on the basis of existing tidal limits and indicative shore zone morphological susceptibility. Using geospatial analytical approach (ArcGis 8.3), the paper attempted an indicative delineation of habitats, conservation priority areas and shore zone morphology within at 50km from the shoreline through proximity and overlay analysis. Habits delineated and considered susceptible to future inundation and erosion/flooding include mangroves and mud flats, some cultivated and fallow land, and freshwater swamps. In addition, some areas designated as conservation priority zones by IUCN/WWF/NCF were identified as susceptible to inundation and increase salinity. Since the region has not been monitored for change detection, the paper recommended that detailed and locally-focused level of assessment should be carried out, accompanied by quantitative monitoring of actual geomorphic changes on the shore. This can be achieved by a combination of Real-Time Kinematic Global Positioning System (RTK-GPS), Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR), and open-source Geographic Information System (GIS), which are the jurisdiction of the surveyor and regional planner. |
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| Keywords: Geoinformation/GI; Coastal Zone Management; Spatial planning; geospatial; inundation; overlay; sea level change; susceptibility |
