Field studies report

Gombe state university

Department of Geography

Field Studies Report[2023]

SESSION:2022/2023

THEME:Environmental Resources Utilization And Challenges

UG19/SCGS/1158

INTRODUCTION

Involving students in learning activities organised in the field develops their knowledge, skills and values, contributing to environmental,education for sustainable development,as well as to their forestry education when research is carried out in forests Inquiry learning, projects and research activity based on problems (PBL).

facilitates understanding the complexity of environmental issues and fosters the accumulation of an ecological experience.

This field research offers the opportunity to use a big variety of teaching and learning strategies centered on students’ activity: learning by discovery, cooperative learning and teamwork and the project method.The field trips are efficient in training and developing skills specific to Physical Geography, as well as to Human Geography Realising field trips requires the use of various tools and new information technologies.

For Geography students, research conducted directly in the field is necessary and useful to collect data valuable for the development of projects, Bachelor’s or dissertation final theses. The methods and tools used by the students in these field investigations have been described in studies on territorial dysfunctions.

[DAY ONE]

Cham Dam(Balanga)

Project Manager:Muktar murtala

Meaning of Dam

A dam is a structure built across a stream, a river, or an estuary to retain water. Dams are built to provide water for human consumption, for irrigating arid and semiarid lands, or for use in industrial processes. They are used to increase the amount of water available for generating hydroelectric power, to reduce peak discharge of floodwater created by large storms or heavy snowmelt, or to increase the depth of water in a river in order to improve navigation and allow barges and ships to travel more easily. Dams can also provide a lake for recreational activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing. Many dams are built for more than one purpose; for example, water in a single reservoir can be used for fishing, to generate hydroelectric power, and to support an irrigation system. Water-control structures of this type are often designated multipurpose dams.

Physiography And Geology[Cham Dam]

The area is generally rugged undulating and dissected by numerous streams and rivers.the area prodominantly hilly prominent among them are the cham hills and nyiwar hills(1900m above sea level).the lowland area's are composed of black cotton soils(product of weathered shale).the drainage pattern is generally dentritic network of streams and rivers.prominent among the streams are;The lafiya,yolde and cham streams all flowing in a southerly direction.

History of Cham Dam

“The Dam was originally constructed in 1982 but after some unprecedented rainfall and probably due to inadequate provision of spillways the dam was breached about 10 years ago and therefore, it has to be reconstructed.

Challenges of Cham Dam

a) Hydraulic failure - Overtopping and near overtopping

b) Seepage failure - Piping at downstream toe of the dam.

c) Structural failure - Cracking at various points on crest, settlement near the right abutment and complete breach of the embankment.

(d)Uncompleted Spill-way

(e)Funding issues

Uncompleted spill-way

Land slide (Slope failure) near the right abutment.

Future Plans for Cham Dam

Ensuring they provide a large irrigation system,in which water is supplied to the entire field uniformly and involving in dry season farming.it's critical that farmers protect their agricultural water sources,to minimize the potential for contamination.

Procedure To Construct A Dam

[1]Geotechnical survey

A geotechnical investigation is primarily concerned with testing the physical properties of the soil, to provide recommendations for foundation requirements, excavation stability, drainage and buried concrete design.

[2]Physical survey

A soil survey is a combination of field and laboratory activities intended to identify the basic physical and chemical properties of soils, establish the distribution of those soils at specific map scales, and interpret the information for a variety of uses.

[3]Surveyors

To survey is to measure the dimensions of land, including acreage and altitude. A surveyor is an engineer who measures such dimensions as a profession. The government needs surveyors to map the boundaries of zones and districts. When constructing new buildings, surveyors help determine how much land is being built on, what size the building should be, and how the altitude might influence the process. If you like math, planning, and building, you might enjoy being a surveyor.

Notes

-Cham dam is a small type of dam.

-Rock field and clay material.

-Machines used are;Tractors,graders,caterpillars.

-Main use of cham dam is for "irrigation"

-Vegetables grown are;Onions,tomatoes,pepper etc.

-Major source is water from river and streams

-Rainfall experienced is about (100ml)

-River landmass is about 89 hectares

-The depth is not uniform,minimum 10m,maximum 14m.

-5.6 cubic meters.

[Day 2]

DOGON DUTSE

[Bambam]

Location 1;

Contour Lines

Location 2;

Vegetation Observation

Number of Neem Trees:32

Number of Locust Tree:1

Number Tamarin tree:2

Benefits of Neem Tree

Treats Acne
Neem has an anti-inflammatory property which helps reduces acne. Azadirachta Indica also helps reduce skin blemishes.
Nourishes Skin
Neem is a rich source of Vitamin E which help repair damaged skin cells.
Treats Fungal Infections
Neem has scientifically proven antifungal property which helps treat fungal infections.
Useful in Detoxification
Neem can prove useful in detoxification both internally and externally. Consumption of neem leaves or powder stimulates kidneys and liver increasing the metabolism and eliminating the toxins out of the body. Externally, neem scrubs or paste can be used to remove germs, bacteria, dirt, etc from your skin preventing rashes and skin diseases.
Increases Immunity
Neem is known for its antimicrobial and antibacterial effects. These properties play a huge role in boosting immunity.

Benefits of Locust Tree

Locust bean, commonly referred to as iru by Yorubas, ‘ogiri’, ‘dawa dawa’ by Igbos, is a local seasoning or condiment used in soups and stews. A very popular soup ingredient, globally, it is referred to as African locust bean with the botanical name as Parkia biglobosa. It is not easy to look at, and the smell is unpleasant – at best. These aside, Locust Bean is the single, most significant ingredient guaranteed to take your soups, stews or mixed vegetables from just okay to great.

It can be found in a wide range of environments in Africa and is primarily grown for its pods that contain both a sweet pulp and valuable seeds. The most valuable parts of the locust bean are high in lipid (29%), protein (35%), carbohydrate (16%), and is a good source of fat and calcium for rural dwellers. Locust bean product should be converted into powdery form and packaged into various sizes in plastics for easy distribution.

Benefit of Tamarind Tree

1. A rich source of antioxidants

The pulp of tamarind is rich in numerous phytonutrients that act as potent dietary antioxidants, and can enhance the efficacy of the body’s natural immune defences. Antioxidants are needed to reduce the inflammatory impact of oxidative stress.

2. May have anticancer properties

In a 2014 animal study, tamarind seed extract reduced both the oxidative stress markers and delayed the progress of Renal Cell Carcinoma. This is down to its antioxidant effect, and that tamarind seed extract has antioxidant enzyme induction properties and cancer-related signal pathway blockage effect.

3. May improve heart health and cholesterol

Being rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, tamarind has been shown to decrease LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol, thereby lowering the risk of atherosclerosis. The dried pulp was also found to have anti-hypertensive effects, reducing diastolic blood pressure.

Neem Tree

A Locust Tree

Tamarind Tree