Abstract
The initial state of the Oued Beht watershed (430,728 ha) is characterized by a socio-ecological vulnerability associated to the water erosion risk. Especially, the consequences are chained and the soil loss alters its hydrological behavior and its ability to protect functional and structural challenges (good land, El Kansra dam, agricultural activities). In this perspective, this study suggests a methodology, reproducible and generalizable, to assess the natural water erosion risk (R). The approach used is based on spatial processing technology of information to develop a spatial database and geographic information system (GIS) concerning biophysical and topoclimatic parameters in the Oued Beht watershed. Thus, the risk analysis is obtained by combining thematic maps of Susceptibility (S) and potential Consequences (C). Although, the spatial analysis of maps obtained reveals the extent of susceptibility involving land degradation, with the potential risks, which generated a decrease in the storage capacity of El Kansra dam (?3.03 Mm3/year). The results show that erosion is active on more than three quarters (3/4) of the watershed, and a considerable loss of land with 8.36 Million tonnes per year. In this way, flood analysis and study of hydrometeorological events identified the vulnerability of flood sites (hot-spot) contributing at 77% of El Kansra siltation dam. Therefore, the consequence assessment is obtained by identifying risk elements and estimating potential damage coefficient, which represents the financial gap flow affecting the socio-economic context due to the erosion impacts.
Highlights
The seasonal contrast that characterizes the Mediterranean climate of the region increases soil vulnerability and the water erosion risks
This paper provides a reference framework for the prevention and management of erosion risks, and offers a roadmap using spatial analysis of biophysical and hydrological environments to handle the spiral of soil and water degradation in the Oued Beht watershed
This paper proposes the development of a methodology analysis for soil erosion hazard and risk administration, especially a very few studies are dedicated to the mapping of soil loss risks
Summary
The seasonal contrast that characterizes the Mediterranean climate of the region increases soil vulnerability and the water erosion risks. In Morocco, the superficial mobilization of water resources is 15 billion m3/year and the silting reduces the storage capacity of the dams −75 million m3/year [1]. In this perspective, this paper provides a reference framework for the prevention and management of erosion risks, and offers a roadmap using spatial analysis of biophysical and hydrological environments to handle the spiral of soil and water degradation in the Oued Beht watershed (hereinafter BVOB). The risk of erosive system starting depends primarily on the presence of spatial manifestations of the phenomenon (random component), and secondly on the vulnerability of exposed elements that represent potential consequences (damage to good land, economic activity, livelihoods and the environment). The specific objectives of this study are focused on: - Analysis of biophysical and hydrometeorological environment to identify erosion types and the extent of their damage. - Assessment of the susceptibility to the soil loss through water erosion. - Assessment of the potential consequences by identifying and analysis of potential damage. - Erosion risk evaluation using spatial combination of susceptibility and consequences maps in order to identify areas at risk and to prescribe scales of specific interventions
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