1.3.

Research Questions

To structure the research objective, the problem is divided into two major parts:

First, the sediment yield (ton) of the catchment will be assessed. To determine the sediment
yield, it

is necessary to define the upstream areas draining into the Gidabo dam reservoir. Moreover, it is

necessary to look into the rainfall characteristics, soil properties and land cover of the catchment
area.

However, criteria like hill slopes and height characteristics will also have an impact on the
sediment

yield. The research question and sub-questions regarding the sediment yield are the following:

1. What is the sediment yield of the Gidabo dam watershed and what is the impact of different

hydrological characteristics on the sediment yield?

2. What are the catchment areas of the rivers flowing into the reservoir?

3. What are the soil properties, land uses and rain characteristics in the catchment areas?

Second, identification of erosion prone areas and determination of the temporal and spatial
changes

in land cover as well as assessing mitigation methods by making different scenarios. Here also
are

the sub-questions: -

1. What is spatial distribution of sediment yield in Gidabo dam watershed?

2. What is the temporal variability of sediment yield in the catchment?

3. What are the most erosion prone areas?

4. What are the most sensitive sediment and flow parameters to the catchment?

5. What are best mitigation methods to the erosion exposed areas?