Prioritization of Promising Wadi Wala Watershed (Southern Jordan) Using GIS-Based Morphometric Analysis and Multivariate Statistics

Abstract

GIS-based morphometric analysis was employed for prioritization of the Wadi Wala catchment, southern Jordan. Twenty three fourth-order sub-basins were prioritized based on morphometric analysis, then appropriate soil and water conservation measures were proposed. Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and Arc GIS were used to delineate watersheds and to extract the drainage networks, and other required thematic maps (elevation and slope). LANDSAT data was used to prepare land use/land cover map, and a soil map was digitized using Arc GIS software. Linear and shape parameters were computed to prioritize 23 sub-watersheds, and ranks were designated based on the calculated compound parameter (Cp). Sub-basins grouped under a high priority class are exposed to high erosion risk; thus, they are of high potential for applying soil and water conservation measures. The current study substantiates the capability of morphometric analysis method, and geospatial technology in watershed prioritization. The Discriminant Analysis (DA) employed validates the priority classes (high, moderate, and low priority) achieved based on morphometric analysis, where they found statistically distinct from each other. Thus, it can be concluded that prioritization based only on morphometric analysis method is consistent, reliable, and of high capacity using GIS platform. Priority map along with soil, land user/cover, and slope information will help decision makers to execute proper soil and water conservation programs in the rainfed highlands of Jordan.