Research Article
Fluvial Dynamics of the Sassandra River in the Departments of Facobly and Kouibly (Western-Côte d’Ivoire) During the Period 2016–2024
Issue:
Volume 15, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
143-164
Received:
31 July 2026
Accepted:
11 August 2026
Published:
27 August 2026
Abstract: This study aims to characterize the morphology of the Sassandra River using satellite imagery acquired between 2016 and 2024 in order to support population safety in the context of potential flood hazards. The specific objectives are to evaluate riverbed evolution, analyze morphological changes, and identify the factors driving these transformations. Satellite images were processed using cartographic and geospatial tools, particularly QGIS 3.36, to assess river dynamics and quantify areas affected by erosion and sediment deposition. A diachronic analysis was conducted using the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) to identify wetlands and monitor spatial changes in the river channel. Two four-year periods, 2016-2020 and 2020-2024, were examined to evaluate patterns of river regression and transgression. The results reveal that the Sassandra River exhibits a meandering channel pattern associated with an almost flat slope. Between 2016 and 2020, sediment deposition was the dominant process, accounting for approximately 82% of the observed changes, while erosion represented 18%. In contrast, the 2020-2024 period showed an increase in erosional activity, with erosion reaching 43% and sediment deposition decreasing to 57%. These findings demonstrate the continuous evolution of the river channel and highlight the significant influence of climate variability on fluvial processes. The observed morphological changes may increase the vulnerability of surrounding areas to natural hazards, particularly flooding. This study provides valuable information for river management, environmental monitoring, and flood risk mitigation in the Sassandra River basin.
Abstract: This study aims to characterize the morphology of the Sassandra River using satellite imagery acquired between 2016 and 2024 in order to support population safety in the context of potential flood hazards. The specific objectives are to evaluate riverbed evolution, analyze morphological changes, and identify the factors driving these transformation...
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Research Article
Hydrosedimentary Dynamics and Environmental Changes in the Comoé Estuary (Côte d'Ivoire) Following the Permanent Opening of Its Mouth
Issue:
Volume 15, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
165-176
Received:
4 August 2026
Accepted:
14 August 2026
Published:
9 September 2026
Abstract: The Comoé Estuary, located in Grand-Bassam, Côte d'Ivoire, is a coastal ecosystem of major ecological and socio-economic importance. Since the permanent opening of its mouth in September 2023, the estuary has experienced hydrological and environmental disturbances whose magnitude remains poorly documented. This study adopts an integrated approach combining morphobathymetric characterization and the analysis of the spatial distribution of water physicochemical parameters. A sonar survey conducted on January 3, 2026, yielded 44,097 bathymetric sounding points. Five physicochemical parameters were measured in situ at 95 stations on February 28, 2026. Results reveal a heterogeneous estuarine bed, with depths ranging from 0 to 17 m (mean: 4 m), and two types of morphological profiles. V-shaped profiles indicate dominant erosion, whereas intermediate profiles reflect an unstable balance between erosion and sedimentation. These findings point to a mixed and unstable depositional environment characterized by continental inputs and marginal marine conditions. From a physicochemical perspective, pH values (7.13-8.38) indicate a generally alkaline environment. Conductivity (17.43-55.20 µS/cm) and salinity (0.968-3.59‰) reflect a strong marine influence downstream, while dissolved oxygen concentrations (0.10-0.30 mg/L) reveal a state of severe hypoxia, representing the most critical ecological constraint of the system. Pearson correlation analysis confirms a very strong relationship between conductivity and salinity (r = 0.998), as well as strong negative correlations between temperature and mineralization-related parameters. These correlations indicate that water has become a vector of persistent pollution that weakens the ecosystem and threatens the food security and health of local populations. The environment is progressively losing its capacity for regeneration, and the impacts may be transmitted across generations.
Abstract: The Comoé Estuary, located in Grand-Bassam, Côte d'Ivoire, is a coastal ecosystem of major ecological and socio-economic importance. Since the permanent opening of its mouth in September 2023, the estuary has experienced hydrological and environmental disturbances whose magnitude remains poorly documented. This study adopts an integrated approach c...
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,
Jean Emmanuel Obrou
