Analysis of the Morphology and Lithology of theKisangani–Yangambi Section of the Congo Riverin the Democratic Republic of Congo

Mawa Mukulia, Prométhée and Katembo Kasekete, Désiré and Makabu Kayembe, Gabriel and Muhindo Sahani, Walere and Kahindo Muhongya, Muhongya and Jean-Marie, (2024) Analysis of the Morphology and Lithology of theKisangani–Yangambi Section of the Congo Riverin the Democratic Republic of Congo. MODERN GEOGRÁFIA, 19 (1). pp. 59-80. ISSN 2062-1655

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Abstract

The Congo River, which is between 900 and 300 metres wide between the city of Kisangani and thetown of Yangambi, is characterised by important socio-economic and conservation activities but alsoby a lack of knowledge on morphological and lithological matters. To fill the gaps, the lithology andthe morphological dynamics of the riverbed were studied through a description of islands (between1984 and 2017) and banks thanks to remote sensing and field work, respectively. With regard tothe number of islands, the study revealed a loss of 5.13% and a recovery of 28.21% between 1984and 2017. The direct factors of this dynamism are the erosion and landslides observed both on thebanks and on the islands. The geological survey method allowed the collection of 4 samples of soundindurated rocks and 50 samples of loose rocks on the soil profiles of the islands and banks. Themacroscopic description and sieving of the samples with 63 mm and 2 mm mesh size allowed thelithology map to be drawn up. The fine soil particles were analysed in the soil laboratory using theRobinson–Köhn pipette method to determine their texture. The USDA textural classification wasused. The results of the analysis showed that sand is the predominant rock element in the area. Sucha lithology would increase the sensitivity of the banks to mass movements observed here and therealong the Kisangani–Yangambi river section.

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