South African research in the hydrological sciences: 1999-2002

The principal activities of South African researchers in hydrology and water resources during the reporting period have been concerned with ground- and surface-water interactions, rainfall-runoff modelling, the establishment of improved regional water resource databases, the management of transboundary water resource systems, the ecological reserve, and quantifying the impacts of streamflow reduction activities. Most of these studies have focused on supporting the radically new provisions of the National Water Act of 1998

Morphometric Analysis of Ogunpa and Ogbere Drainage Basins, Ibadan, Nigeria

The paper analysed the morphometric parameters of Ogbere and Ogunpa drainage basins located on basement complex rock in Southwestern Nigeria. Data used were generated from topographical map of Ibadan North-easton scale 1:25,000 published by Federal Survey of Nigeria (1975). Result obtained indicated that studied basins exhibits high spatial variation in their morphometric properties. The study further revealed that morphometricproperties of Ogunpa drainage basin are likely to induce high magnitude flood compared to morphometric properties of Ogbere drainage basin. The study thus suggested a number of management practices that can be used in reducing rates of environmental degradation in the basins

THE ROLE OF VEGETATION COVER AND CATCHMENT CHARACTERISTICS ON BASEFLOW IN BALI ISLAND

Studies of the role of combined vegetation cover and catchment characteristics on base flowcondition are required to address the controversy of correlation between vegetation andhydrological properties. Objectives of the research were: 1) to assess the hydrological role ofvegetation on baseflow condition; and 2) to study the influence of vegetation cover in relationto catchment characteristics on the baseflow. Field survey, digital filter method, remotesensing technique, and statistical analysis were used to derive and assess the correlationamong variables. Results of the research were: 1) a negative significant correlation betweenvegetation cover and baseflow recession coefficient, despite the fact that it is not a singlefactor and related to various catchment characteristics; 2) vegetation cover is not a singlefactor in determining the baseflow characteristics, since it also involves drainage density andinfiltration rate

INTEGRATION OF REMOTE SENSING AND HYDROLOGICAL MODELS FOR THE ESTIMATION OF EVAPOTRANSPIRATION: A REVIEW

The aim of Geographical hydrology is the elucidation of the spatial patterns of water in the terrestrial phase. Different technological tools have been used in recent years to monitor and simulate terrestrial water dynamics and distribution, with emphasis on remote sensing and hydrological modelling techniques. This article presents a review on the use of these technological tools in the study of evapotranspiration, a key variable in geographical analysis. The results points to the benefits of using estimations of remotely sensed evapotranspiration to reduce uncertainty in hydrological modelling simulations, and the possibility of improving assimilation techniques.A hidrologia geográfica busca o entendimento do padrão espacial da água em sua fase terrestre. Para monitorar e simular a água terrestre, diferentes ferramentas tecnológicas têm sido utilizadas nos últimos anos, com especial destaque para o sensoriamento remoto e a modelagem hidrológica. O presente artigo traz uma revisão acerca da utilização dessas ferramentas no entendimento da evapotranspiração, uma variável-chave na análise geográfica. O levantamento realizado mostra o benefício de se utilizar estimativas remotas de evapotranspiração para diminuir a incerteza das simulações realizadas com modelos hidrológicos

Academic continuity: Staying true to teaching values and objectives in the face of course interruptions

Academic continuity planning is an emerging tool for dealing with class cancellation associated with natural disasters, acts of violence and the threat of pandemics. However, academic continuity can also be an issue with respect to less dramatic events, such as power outages, inclement weather, or the temporary unavailability of an instructor, especially if the problem is recurring. Many of the proposed alternative forms of delivery involve some form of web-based learning, but the extent to which these approaches work when students expect face-to-face delivery has not previously been examined. In one such interruption, web-based conferencing from home was undertaken. Based on average test scores, learning was unimpeded by web-based conferencing for one week, but there were some small gender effects that warrant further investigation. Many student comments reflected reduced engagement. The professor noted that students were more likely to respond to questions when the students could see the professor instead of the slides, but in general there were fewer student responses to questions than in face-to-face lectures. A number of comments made unsolicited comparisons with the traditional lecture format, suggesting that the context for teaching and learning, and students’ previous experience of different teaching approaches may merit more discussion in online learning studies

Evaluation of the Impacts of Flooding On Socio-Economic Activities in Oleh, Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State

The study aimed at evaluating the impacts of flooding on socio-economic activities in Oleh, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State. The study employed questionnaires, oral interviews, and personal observations. The data obtained from questionnaires and oral interviews were presented and interpreted using percentages, averages, bar graphs and pie charts. The hypothesis was formulated and tested. The statistical technique used in testing the hypothesis was Pearson Product Moment Correlation. Thus, the hypothesis reveals that flooding has significant relationship with socio-economic activities in Oleh. In addition, loss of portable water and agricultural products were revealed as some of the negative impacts of flooding in the study area. Furthermore, the researcher recommends provision of improved varieties of crops that are highly water resistant to farmers. Also, individual, corporate bodies and government should allocate adequate fund to disaster management bodies for proper planning of the area. In addition, community-based flood warning system should be developed. This will go a long way in creating awareness and preparedness of the inhabitants of Oleh against severe flooding. Keywords: Evaluation, impacts, flooding, socio-economic, activitie