Mapping the soil loss in Marqya basin: Syria using RUSLE model in GIS and RS techniques

Abstract

Soil loss by water is the most important eco-environmental threat in Marqya basin without conservation measures. Mapping the soil loss is a useful and necessary in planning and maintenance works in Marqya river basin. At present study, the soil loss model, revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) integrated with GIS and RS techniques (DEM and Landsat 8 OLI image) remote sensing data) to map soil loss in the Marqya basin, located in the west part of Syria. The Marqya basin is a Mediterranean coastal humid area, and covers a drainage area of 384 km2. Soil loss affected by rainfall erosivity, soil erodibility, topography, vegetation, and conservation support practice factors. According to RUSLE model, soil loss was mapped through the production of raster maps of previous factors and then was multiplied by using GIS and RS techniques. The results show that 58% of the study basin has a low loss of soil, 27% moderate loss, 11% high loss, and 4% a very high loss, respectively. Marqya basin is in the extremely severe level of soil erosion rates with about 15% of land affected by high and very high soil loss risk. Consequently, the produced map represents the first step in the right direction to start taking the maintenance and support procedures with spatial implementations.