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February 2013 Vol.
2(1)
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Pubmed for articles by:
Guedjeo CS
Nono A
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Global Advanced Research Journal of
Geology and Mining Research
February 2013 Vol. 2(1), pp 015-026
Copyright © 2013 Global Advanced Research Journals
Full Length Research Paper
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Natural hazards along the Bamenda escarpment and its
environs: The case of landslide, rock fall and flood
risks (Cameroon volcanic line, North-West Region)
Guedjeo C.S.1, Kagou Dongmo A.1*,
Ngapgue F.2 Nkouathio D. G.1,
Zangmo Tefogoum G.1, Gountié Dedzo M.1
and Nono A.1
1Department
of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University
of Dschang, PO Box 67, Dschang, Cameroon.
2Département
de Génie Civil, IUT Fotso-Victor, Université de
Dschang BP 134 Bandjoun
*Corresponding authors
Email:
kagoudongmo@yahoo.fr
Accepted 07 January 2012
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Abstract |
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Bamenda town is
situated on the North Northwest slope of the Bamenda
Volcano (2621m) which is a stratovolcano situated
along the Cameroon Volcanic Line precisely between
Mount Bambouto (2740m) and Mount Oku (3011m). The
general morphology shows the presence of an
escarpment of about 150m high, which separates
Bamenda town into Up Station and Down Town areas.
Rapid population increase in the town of Bamenda
(500,000 inhabitants) has pushed the inhabitants to
settle along the slopes of the Bamenda Mountain and
close to river channels thereby exposing themselves
to landslide, rock fall and flood hazards, with
negative environmental and socioeconomic impacts.
These hazards usually occur during the rainy season
and are provoked by natural and anthropogenic
factors.
The area consists of volcanic (ignimbrites,
trachytes and dolerites) and plutonic (granites and
gneisses) rocks.
Geotechnical analysis of the soils shows that the
soils have low bulk density (1.32-1.59), low
specific density (2.20-2.58); high porosity
(47.92-64.28 %); water content exceeds 35.2%, and
predominance of fine grain particles. Atterberg
limits indicate that the soils are plastic in
nature. Cohesion is low (2.60-7.20 kPa) the angle of
internal friction values vary from 25.5ᵒ
to 28ᵒ. These parameters indicate that
the soils are predisposed to landslides.
The model employed in realizing the risk maps uses
parameters such as; slope, type of material, nature
of river, the presence of rocks and/or escarpment
and influence of geotechnical parameters. The
obtained risk maps indicate settlement areas at
risk. This approach can assist in town planning,
risk mitigation, environmental and civil protection.
Keywords:
hazards, floods, rock fall, landslide, escarpment,
risk maps and Bamenda volcano.
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