Greener Journal of Physical Sciences

Greener Journal of  Physical Sciences  Vol. 3 (3), pp. 076-089, April 2013.  

ISSN: 2276-7851 © 2011 Greener Journals

Research Paper

Manuscript Number: 020313429

 

An Assessment of Land Cover Change and Erosion risk in Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria using the Co-ordination of information on the Environment (CORINE) methodology

 

Robert Etim Ekpenyong

 

Department Of Geography and Regional Planning, University of Uyo, Uyo, AKS, Nigeria.

 

Email: robert_etim @yahoo. com

Abstract:

The aim of this research was to assess the effect of land cover change on erosion risk in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria from 1987 when the area was constituted into a state. The methodology adopted involved the use of remote sensing and geographic information system [GIS] technologies. Land cover mapping was carried out using remote sensing techniques. Based on the Co-ordination of Information on the Environment (CORINE) model, the GIS technology was used to compile and integrate all the datasets for erosion risk assessment. Potential and actual erosion risk maps were produced. These maps revealed that the area under high erosion risk increased over the years as a result of changes in land cover. The study concluded that, with appropriate modifications, the CORINE model integrated with remote sensing and geographic information system technologies had great potentials for producing accurate and cost-effective erosion risk maps for many areas in Africa.
 
Keywords: Land cover change, erosion risk, CORINE model.

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