A cartographic study of erosion in the north-western part Lake Kivu: North Kivu/DR Congo

The north-western region of Lake Kivu in general, and the Masisi territory in particular, has always been subject to natural phenomena (erosion, rockfalls, landslides, etc.). These phenomena are linked to natural causes such as steep topography, tropical rainfall combined with rock weathering in a tropical climate, and the presence of active faults and earthquakes associated with the rift system. Analysis of the erosion map has enabled us to distinguish between areas of high and low erosion. Using GIS (Geographic Information System) software, a study of the erosion prediction model was developed based on various parameters (the rainfall erosivity index R, soil erodibility K, the topographic factor SL, and the vegetation cover factor C), enabling us to map the erodible areas of the region. We found that all these parameters have a significant influence on the onset of erosion, whilst also recognising that human activity plays a major role in triggering it.