Overview

The Niger delta with its gentle slope and low elevation is extremely sensitive to effects of climate change. Its adaptive capacity is the second lowest in terms of socio-economic development in Nigeria. Quantitative studies on developing measures for coastal planning and management in the lower Niger delta have been limited by data availability and inaccessibility of parts of the delta. The use of satellite data can help bridge the data gap by providing ancillary data (imagery, elevation, altimetry etc.) that can be used to quantify the effects of SLR in the Niger delta. This thesis uses satellite data as the main source for hydrodynamic modelling and GIS analysis. Until recently such data might not have the accuracy and precision of directly measured data. However recent innovative approaches have enabled better exploitation of satellite data to overcome these limitations and produce adequate results to assess the impact of SLR on the Niger delta in an integrated way that will lead to practical recommendations for adaptation. Using projected global eustatic SLR values in combination with land subsidence, this thesis estimated SLR levels for the Niger delta and its effect on inundation areas and flood extent. The results indicate that the Niger delta is very vulnerable to inundation and that even minimal SLR will affect flooding in the lower Niger delta since the area continues to subside. A new coastal vulnerability index was developed in this thesis by evaluating physical, social and human influence indicators of exposure, susceptibility and resilience. The results show that parts of the Niger delta are highly vulnerable to SLR and need adequate mitigation/adaptation measures to protect them. It is recommended that sustainable local resilience practices already being used in parts of the Niger delta should be included in adaptation planning.

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9781138607231

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Zahrah N. Musa, graduated with a B.ENG in Electronics/Elecrotronics Engineering. An extensive curriculum in electromagnetic waves during the bachelors enabled her to pursue her interest in Remote Sensing/GIS as a PgD. As part of her work as a scientific officer with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NARSDA), she undertakes digital image processing of satellite imagery and has been involved in projects ranging from urban growth analysis to hazards and disaster analysis for environmental management. The interest in space sciences led to an MSc in Space Studies increasing her knowledge base in earth observation and satellite technology. As a MSc graduate of Hydro-informatics, she combined her fascination for space technology applications in earth observation with modelling and information technology to undertake this PhD research to enable 'Living with Sea level Rise on the subsiding Nigeria delta. Her interests included: hydrological/hydraulic modelling, geo-statistical analysis, spatio-temporal change analysis, programming for data analysis, and hazard mapping.

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