Geospatial approach in modeling linear, areal, and relief morphometric interactions in Dabus river basin ecology for sustainable water resource management

Abstract

The Dabus River Basin (DRB) holds significant value within the Upper Blue Nile region yet has seen minimal exploration regarding its morphometric features. This investigation employed geospatial techniques to characterize the linear, areal, and relief morphometric properties of the DRB in the Upper Blue Nile, Ethiopia. Data sources such as the SRTM DEM, hydrological, and geological maps were utilized to comprehensively analyze the basin's morphometric aspects. In the ArcGIS environment, 26 morphometric parameters were assessed through standard statistical methodologies. The basin possesses 210,776 streams with a dendritic pattern, ranging from 1st to 9th order, reflecting lithological uniformity and structural oversight. The total stream length is 57,233 km, scattered across a basin area of 14,833.7 km2. With an average bifurcation ratio of 3, the basin displays a low degree of lithological influence and structural disturbances influencing the drainage patterns. The form factor (0.2), elongation ratio (0.5) and circulatory ratio (0.2) values suggests an elongated basin shape, resulting in poor runoff and increased erosion frequency. A high correlation can also be observed among stream frequency (14.2), drainage density (3.9), and texture ratio (54.5), which implies high basin impermeability and a heightened risk of erosion. Key relief attributes of the basin include a low to moderate relief (2641 m), an 8.8 relief ratio (erosion potential), a 10.2 ruggedness number (rugged and flood-prone terrain), and a 5.6 m/km channel gradient (steep slopes, increased runoff, erosion potential). This study aims to serve as a foundation for comprehending the DRB and facilitating the development of precise and successful land and water management strategies.