Haramaya University

College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

School of Natural Resource and Environmental Sciences

Soil Science PhD Program

Educational Field Trip report
By
Ayele Akuma
ID.No. PhD/0156/11

Submitted to Dr. Dharmendra Kumar Dube

January 2019
Ethiopia

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Executive summary
The present field trip was organized to fulfill the requirements of the PhD scholars of soil science
for the course of Geomorphology.

The field trip Team:

S.No. Team components Numbers Name

PhD student 2 1. Ayele Akuma
2. Abdulaziz Mohammed
Instructor 1 3. Dr. Dharmendra Kumar Dube
Assistant 1 4. Yisakor
Driver 1 5. Asefa Nigus

Places visited
The entire journey was divided into four physiographic legs
1. The eastern highlands prominent places were visited – Hirna, Chiro
2. The eastern rift of Afar places were visited – Awash, Gewane, Logia and Asaita
3. The Northern highlands from chifra to Michew, Mekele, Wokoro, Adigrat and Adwa
4. The Northwestern highlands from Alamata through Woldia, Bahir Dar, Injibara to
Nile valley

Duration
January 8-18th, 2019

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 1. INTRODUCTION

Although the study of geomorphology has been around since ancient times, the first official
geomorphologic model was proposed between 1884 and 1899 by the American geographer, William
Morris Davis. His geomorphic cycle model was inspired by theories of uniformitarianism and
attempted to theorize the development of various landform features.

Davis's geomorphic cycle model says that a landscape undergoes a preliminary uplift that is paired
with erosion (the removal or wearing down) of materials in that uplifted landscape. Within the
same landscape, precipitation causes streams to flow more rapidly. As they grow their power then
cuts into the ground's surface both at the start of the stream and lower down the stream. This
creates the stream channels present in many landscapes.

This model also says that the slope angle of the land is gradually reduced and the ridges and divides
present in certain landscapes become rounded over time because of erosion. The cause of this
erosion is not however limited to water as in the stream. Finally, according to Davis's model, over
time such erosion occurs in cycles and a landscape eventually morphs into an old erosional surface.

Davis's theory was important in launching the field of geomorphology and was innovative at its
time as it was a new attempt to explain physical landform features. Today, however, it is not usually
used as a model because the processes he described are not so systematic in the real world and it
failed to take into account the processes being observed in later geomorphic studies.

Since Davis's model, several alternative attempts have been made to explain landform processes.
Walther Penck, an Austrian geographer, developed a model in the 1920s that looked at ratios of
uplift and erosion. It did not take hold though because it could not explain all landform features.

Geomorphologic Processes: Today, the study of geomorphology is broken down into the study of
various geomorphologic processes. Most of these processes are considered to be interconnected and
are easily observed and measured with modern technology. In addition, the individual processes
are considered to be either erosional, depositional, or both. An erosional process involves the
wearing down of the earth’s surface by wind, water, and/or ice. A depositional process is the laying
down of material that has been eroded by wind, water, and/or ice.

The geomorphologic processes are as follows:

Fluvial: Fluvial geomorphologic processes are those related to rivers and streams. The flowing
water found here is important in shaping the landscape in two ways. First, the power of the water
moving across a landscape cuts and erodes its channel. As it does this, the river shapes its landscape
by growing in size, meandering across the landscape, and sometimes merging with other rivers
forming a network of braided rivers. The paths rivers take depend on the topology of the area and
the underlying geology or rock structure found where it's moving.

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In addition, as the river carves its landscape it carries the sediment it erodes as it flows. This gives
it more power to erode as there is more friction in the moving water, but it also deposits this
material when it floods or flows out of mountains onto an open plain in the case of an alluvial fan.

Mass Movement: The mass movement process, also sometimes called mass wasting, occurs when soil
and rock move down a slope under the force of gravity. The movement of the material is called
creep, slides flows, topples, and falls. Each of these is dependent on the speed of movement and
composition of the material moving. This process is both erosional and depositional.

Glacial: Glaciers are one of the most significant agents of landscape change simply because of their
sheer size and power as they move across an area. They are erosional forces because their ice carves
the ground beneath them and on the sides in the case of a valley glacier which results in a U-shaped
valley. Glaciers are also depositional because their movement pushes rocks and other debris into
new areas. The sediment created by the grinding down of rocks by glaciers is called glacial rock
flour. As glaciers melt, they also drop their debris creating features like eskers and moraines.

Weathering: Weathering is an erosional process that involves the chemical break down of rock
(such as limestone) and the mechanical wearing down of rock by a plant’s roots growing and
pushing through it, ice expanding in its cracks, and abrasion from sediment pushed by wind and
water. Weathering can, for example, result in rock falls and eroded rock.

1.2. The objective of this field trip

Fieldwork is an integral part of any Geomorphology course. In this field trip, we have developed
new skills and applied to learn from the classroom to real-world problems. We went into the field
a lot, and our field trips were some of the most rewarding and enjoyable experiences for all of us.
Therefore, the following objectives were achieved:

 Identify basic landforms from tectonic, volcanic, fluvial, glacial, aeolian and coastal
environments.
 Determine the physical, chemical and biological processes controlling the modern evolution
of identified landforms.
 Communicate the importance of fundamental geomorphic principles and finding to the
wider academic community.
The benefit of the trip
1. Students are energized by the excitement and anticipation of leaving the classroom
environment.
2. The transportation to and from the site is often a pleasant open-social time.

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 3. Students have the opportunity to see new things and learn about them in a more
unstructured way.
4. Students have the opportunity to determine what they learn and how they learn it. Student
learning can be interest-driven, not teacher and curriculum driven.
5. Students have experienced a more holistic, integrated picture of the information that, in the
classroom, may have only been presented in a textual and abstract way.
6. Field trips are multi-media experiences; therefore, learning is enriched and reinforced with
superimposing sensory and intellectual inputs.
During the course of the journey, we are excited and energized in anticipation of new experiences
and environments. Transportation from one place to another is often a pleasant and fun time. On
educational field trips, we also get a chance to witness new things and learn about everything from
a fresh and informal perspective.
Most importantly, field trips give us a chance to learn about new environments at our own pace,
without having to worry about any exams or test scores. An interest-driven learning experience
always offers better results than curriculum-driven experiences.

With field trips, we are able to acquire a more integrated, holistic picture of all the information
absorbed. New experiences aren’t presented in an abstract or a textual form. Reinforced and
enriched experiences stimulate intellectual and sensory inputs of our minds.

Almost all educational or field trips are specifically designed to engage students and stimulate
curiosity.

The massive mass wasting site in Tullo district, east of Hirna. This place is an area of almost
100mtrs in horizontal axis and almost 1Km on downward slope. Primarily it is the site of creeping
which is destabilizing and displacing a huge landmass downwards including the 100mtrs stretch
of the road. The patch of the road is permanently damaged besides the effort of the road
authorities.it is more serious during the rainy season when rainwater seeps down to the bedrocks,
reduces the friction and provides much lubrication for the downward movement of the destabilized
landmasses; and the entire mass starts creeping. the cause seems to be the toe cutting downslope by
human or natural action and making the steep slope destabilize. The site is very complex and so
complex activities of weathering (physical), mass wasting (creeping, landslide, rockfall and even
mudflow) and erosion by running water is visible (Fig 01).

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Fig 01. The complex denudation site in Tullo district

As we reach, near Chiro and start our journey to the Rift, the intensity of exogenic process and
reminiscences of the massive endogenic process took place with the formation of great rift are
clearly visible. The alternative cycle of erosion and deposition which might have occurred due to
the climate change or change in the base level of the stream due to tectonic activity of the area.
What so have the exact reason but the muddy cliff caved out due to the incision of the stream gives
a nice example of multi cyclic landform. At the same time point looking upward is visible a learner
extension of columnar structure might be a plug of creator or fisher eruption.

As we cross chiro , actually up to Awash we are moving towards southwest direction , parallel to
the ridge on which the Asebot monastery and the hills of Bordode are located is approximately,
one extension of the eastern wall protruded down parallel to it and separate a long flat valley from
the main extension of the rift till it climb down and disappear into the floor of the rift. After
awash the rift valley is almost flat dry and less settled. Prosopis julifora dominates the dry flat
terrain. (Fig. 02)

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Fig 02. The flat floor of the rift on the way to Awash

When we reached at Gawane the place where swampy created by awash river in a shallow
depression of the flat terrain and as the same time a massive volcanic creator towering on the
central floor of the rift.

From Gewane to Mille the landform is monotonous. The expansion of the flat floor of the rift is
enormous, both side the walls of the rift moved far away to horizon, giving enough wide space for
the rift. Actually, we are in the Afar triangle. Near to Mille the topographic monotonous get
disturbed with features of crustal deformation.

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Fig. 03. A flat plain of rift with massive creator of backdrop

Fig 04. local Water reservoir structure for the livestock near to Gawane

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Fig 05. Massive creator when crossing Gawane

Fig 06. Volcanic ramps near the Logia

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The Land form between Mille to Logia, the terrain is disturbed, the smooth flat terrain of the rift
floor encounters here with features of crustal deformation. Night stay at logia and at morning we
drive early to Asita crossing the administrative town Samara towards north direction on Djibouti
road till we met with a broken creator and from here a narrow road turn towards the right direction
(east) to Asaita .

Fig 07. Way to Logia

Fig 08. Houses of the Afar Pastoral way to Asaita

We drive deep up to near Asaita and at exact place started our observation with the help of
checklist. The place seems to be a “playa lake “, as the area was flat, sandy soil and signature of
stading water in the form of surface soil crusting was prominent. Small sand humps, sand dunes,

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sand ripples were common. After complete our observation, we immediately turned back to logia
and had our breakfast. Now for further journey we have driven back to Mille and transverse the
rift toward to Chifra. Between Logia and Mille we observed some unique landforms. This patch
witnessed a sever deformation during geological past. Which led to the formation of long ramps
and reverse ramps.

The study of arid Topography near to Asaita

Fig 09. The Arid terrain of Afaar near Asaita

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Fig 10. The bed of playa and sand hums, sand dunes

Before Mille one road leads to Chifra and Woldia. Up to Chifra we transverse the rift to wards to
west direction and we reach there. On the way the rift was full of volcanic land forms: Messa, Butte
were in abundance, the rift floor was dissected by numerous small seasonal streams, forming small
watersheds. After we crossing Chifra come out of the bed of the rift and start clamping the west
wall of the rift to wards to Woldia. Now, we were in Amhara National region. Before we reach the
Woldia town we turned to the right direction to Mekelle road. When we travelled to Mekelle, we
cross small towns like Robit, Qobo and a beautiful town Alamata and then we had a nice launch.
After an hour stay in Alamata we started a long distance (about 320km) journey drive through the
famous mountains “Garakasu” road. in our way, we observed different landforms with green
vegetation covers. After the long travel we reached at Mekelle at night (9:00PM).

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Fig 11. Partial view of Alamata Town when in the middle of Garakassu mountain.

Fig 12. A cultivated land on the way to Mekelle through Korem

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Fig 13. Way to Michew town

Fig 14. Ashangey Lake

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Fig 15. Rock band/layer

Fig. 16. A partial view of Mekelle city

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Mekelle city is a big and an attractive city which a capital city of Tigray national region (Fig 16).
the city was surrounded by hilly mountains. After a night stay, we started our travel to wards
Wuquro town which is 60km from Mekelle. Around Wuquro we have visited different old churches
which built from sandstone rocks. After the observation of the geology of rock hewn churches we
back to Wuquro town and stay a night stay there and, in the morning, we continued our travel to
the Adigrat town. In the surrounding of the area Adigrat sandstone is very common. (visited Areas
: Abune Yohanis, Abune Yemata and Debre Damo).

Fig 17. The topography of Wuquro

Fig 18. The life style of the farmers at Wuquro

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Fig 19. Typical sandstone cliffs in the Wuquro area

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Fig 20. Studying the geology of Abune Yehannis rock hewn churches

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Fig. 21. Abune Yemata church on the sandstone cliff

After completion of our observation in Adigrat, we cross Hawsen towards Adwa unfortunately after we
reached at Adwa town, the security of the road to Shire and then Humera – Gondar is not safe to travel. So
that we changed our mind and back to Mekelle via Temben which a very tiresome journey and finally we
reached at Mekelle nearly midnight (10:00PM). Again, without enough rest, we have started long distance
(about 600km) journey from Mekelle to Debre Tabor via Woldia, Delb mountain, Werta, Checheho finally
we reached at Debre Tabor at night. From Woldia to Debre Tabor and further we crossing through
undulating plateau terrain of central part of the western highland, the terrain changed when we have driven
down to Fogra plain. This is the vast fertile plain formed by the fluvial action of rivers and the lake
fluctuation.

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Fig. 22. Abune Yemata church on the sandstone cliff

Fig 23. The Messa of Debre Damo church

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Fig. 24. Climbing of The Messa of Debre Damo church

After a night stay in Debre Tabor, we drive to the city of Bahir Dar in the morning. It is a short drive
(120km) and we reached at Bahir Dar and we enjoyed for a day by visiting volcanic creator lake Tana. After
one day rest we started our travel to Addis through Dangila,Kosober Funete Selam and Debremarkos and
crossing the Nile gorge and passing the Salale flat land form to Addis Ababa.

During our journey in our way, after immediately crossing Kosober(Injibara) town we have visited a
volcanic creator deep lake called Zengana Lake. It is the last generation creator in this part of highlands.
This is a circular lake and surrounded with forest. After the completion of the observation we had our lunch
at Funete Selam and rushed towards the next target which is Nile Gorge.

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Fig 25. The Tunnel road to Debre Tabor

Fig. 26. Typical rockfall at the way to Debre Tabor through Woldia

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Fig 27. The circular volcanic creator lake Zengana

The next our target was River Nile valley. Nile gorge is attractive due to several reason. it depicts

various denudation activities; all three process are at their peaks. Riverine terraces, coupled terrace,

hanging valley, tabular topography, massive v shaped valley undergone with several cycle erosion

and deposition. On the top of layer basalt and features like beautiful columnar structure and

among the numerous features on the upper part of the canyon. While going down the sedimentary

rocks both sandstone and lime stone are present with their horizontal layers and in thick belts.

Finally, after observation of the Nile valley we have completed the entire field trip and then we

drive fast to Addis Ababa. We enjoyed a night in Addis and we back to Haramaya University. We

safely arrived at 3:00PM.

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Fig. 28. Partial view of Nile valley

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Challenges faced during the field trip

- The per diem inadequacy

- The schedule is very congested
- The driver manner

Finally, beside of the above listed few inconveniences we have achieved the objective of our field
trip successfully.

Acknowledgment

We, kindly acknowledge our instructor Dr. Dube for his courageous and motivation to teach us
practically which Is energy consumable job. Secondly, we acknowledge the cooperation by Mr.
Yisakor for his facilitation task. Thirdly, we thank Mr. Asefa Nigusu for his safely drive us for
about 7days. We also acknowledge our school, CAES and Post graduate directorate for the
cooperation, permission and facilitation.

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