Bulletin of the Geological Society of Malaysia, Volume 62, December 2016, pp. 7 – 11
Faculty of Earth Science, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK),
Jeli Campus, Locked Bag No. 100, 17600 Jeli, Kelantan. Malaysia
*Corresponding author: muqtadakhan@gmail.com
Abstract: The present study is carried–out to have an idea about varying infiltration rates with varying soil types and cover in Kota Bharu- the capital of Kelantan state. The study area, covering a land area of about 394 km² lies between latitudes of 06˚10’N and longitude of 102˚20’E. Geologically, the area is mainly comprised of Quarternary alluvium having fluvial and marine origin which is constituted of mainly sand, gravel, silt and clay underlain by granite and meta-sedimentary rocks. The soil properties like texture, structure, water content, temperature and other factors like vegetation types and cover, and rainfall intensity play a significant role in controlling infiltration rate. Generally, coarse grained soils having large pore spaces with stable structure allows water from rainfall to enter unimpeded throughout a rainfall event. Otherwise, soils that have reduced infiltration may cause flooding in the area. From the soil classification map produced by Department of Agriculture (DOA), selected soils would be tested using double ring method to identify the infiltration rate in the study area. The method employed consists of two metal cylinders of diameter 30 cm and 60 cm that are driven partially into the soil. The ring is filled with specific level of water and the time at which water moves into the soil is measured, thus the rate of infiltration could be calculated in the field. An infiltration map will be produced at the end of the study which will be very useful for decision makers while dealing with flood management. The present study will be also very handy in agricultural field regarding the judicious and timely irrigation.
Keywords: infiltration, double ring method, flood, Kota Bharu, soil
https://doi.org/10.7186/bgsm62201602
