Potential Solutions for Spatially Disconnected Ginfile Sub Watershed of Woliso Town, Ethiopia
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2023-05-01
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The Woliso town, originally centered around the natural spring 'Filwuha,' features abundant natural resources like the valuable hot spring 'Hora Ayetu,' scenic landscapes, and perennial streams sustaining fertile soil year-round. However, rapid population growth and urban expansion are disrupting the delicate ecological balance. Understanding the spatial organization of surface water in urbanized areas is crucial for sustainable water resource management and mitigating environmental impacts. In the study area, the majority of potential blue spots and wetlands are encroached upon by impermeable surfaces, leading to fragmented hydrological channels and limited connectivity with the broader stream network, exacerbating flood risks during extreme events. The research aims to assess the spatial and temporal connectivity of urban streams, considering the influence of land use changes and raising awareness of surface water management in the Omo Gibe sub-basin region. Employing GIS and remote sensing techniques, the study evaluates watershed characteristics and stream connectivity using morphometry, graph metrics, and spatial analysis. Results indicate that urban expansion has significantly altered surface water bodies and riparian zones, leading to their reduction, disappearance, and pollution. Addressing these challenges requires an integrated, proactive approach to land management and planning at both regional and local scales, emphasizing the importance of incorporating water bodies and riparian areas into sustainable urban design strategies to preserve their social and environmental value.
Key words: Graph Metrics, Morphometric, Stream connectivity, Watersheds, Wetlands/blue-spot, Woliso town