Present-day sediment dynamics of the Sanaga catchment (Cameroon): from the total suspended sediment (TSS) to erosion balance |
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| Authors: | J.R. Ndam Ngoupayou J.G. Dzana A. Kpoumie R. Tanwi Ghogomu A. Fouepe Takounjou J.J. Braun |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Earth Sciences, University of Yaounde 1, Yaounde, Cameroonjrndam@gmail.com;3. Department of Geography, University of Yaounde 1, Yaounde, Cameroon;4. Department of Earth Sciences, University of Yaounde 1, Yaounde, Cameroon;5. Department of Earth Sciences, University of Maroua, Maroua, Cameroon;6. Institute for Geological and Mining Research–Hydrological Research Centre, Yaounde, Cameroon;7. Indo-French Cell for Water Sciences, IISc-IRD Joint International Laboratory, IISc, Bangalore, India |
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| Abstract: | ABSTRACTTotal suspended sediment (TSS) data for 1960–1970 and from recent investigations (1990–2000) are used to evaluate the variability in sediment yield of the Sanaga catchment (Cameroon) and the equivalent rates of erosion. At the annual and seasonal time scales, total suspended sediment concentrations for the Mbam sub-catchment are three to four times higher than for the Sanaga basin, reflecting the higher sensitivity of the former to erosion. Classical clockwise hysteresis loops are observed in both sub-catchments, despite a significant increase in human-induced catchment changes. At the multi-year time frame (over a 40-year period), it appears that the second half of the 1990s is marked by a downward trend in TSS. This shift is due to the control infrastructures (river impoundments and ponds) installed in certain parts of the whole catchment, combined with a drop in annual rainfall and river discharge. Editor Z.W. Kundzewicz; Associate editor not assigned |
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| Keywords: | Sanaga catchment total suspended sediment mechanical denudation hydroclimatic variability river impoundments dam siltation |
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