GIS-BASED MORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF RIVER AMIRE UKIRIKI WATERSHED, BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

Morphometric analysis of a watershed greatly enhances the understanding of how drainage morphometry influences landforms, their characteristics and the relationships between the drainage network and the overall landscape. It enables researchers and land managers to make informed decisions regarding watershed management, land use planning, and environmental conservation. The study conducted a comprehensive morphometric analysis of the River Amire Ukiriki watershed in Kwande and Ushongo Local Government Areas of Benue State, Nigeria, utilizing Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. The watershed linear aspect exhibited a dendritic drainage pattern with a seventh- order stream hierarchy and elongated-shaped, characterized by a total stream number of 24,062 and a stream length of 4264.31 km. The mean bifurcation ratio was 5.53, indicating an elongated basin shape where geological structures significantly control the basin’s shape. Areal aspects showed high drainage density (3.83 km/km²), stream frequency (21.54 streams/km²), and infiltration number (82.5), suggesting low infiltration, intense hydrological activity, erosion risk, high runoff, and fine texture. Relief parameters included a basin relief of 545m and ruggedness number of 2.08, highlighting steep terrain vulnerable to erosion. Correlation analysis demonstrated strong interconnections between stream number, length, drainage density, and intensity, underscoring risks of flash flooding, soil erosion, and reduced groundwater recharge. The study concludes that the River Amire Ukiriki watershed’s environmental sensitivities and laid the groundwork for sustainable practices contributing to the understanding of watershed’s hydrological and geomorphological dynamics in the region by providing detailed morphometric data essential for informed watershed management, land use planning, and erosion control. The study recommended soil conservation, afforestation, terracing, check-dam construction, agroforestry promotion, groundwater recharge, and ongoing GIS monitoring paired with deeper research into climate and human impacts.