Quantitative Analysis of Geomorphometric Parameters of Wadi Kerak, Jordan, Using Remote Sensing and GIS

Ali Anbar,Omar Enaba,Nisrin Al-Shaikh,Yahya Farhan

doi:10.4236/jwarp.2015.76037

Abstract

Geomorphometric analysis was carried out to illustrate the drainage characteristics and morphology of Wadi Kerak watershed, southern Jordan. The basic and derived morphometric parameters (linear, areal and relief aspects of drainage network) for the basin were determined using ASTER DEM (30 m resolution) and Geographic Information System (GIS). These parameters describe the basin drainage network, geometry, texture, and relief characteristics. The hypsometric curve, hypsometric integral and clinographic curve were also prepared using topographic maps of 1:50,000 scale. Findings have revealed that W. Kerak is in the youth-age stage of geomorphic evolution. Fluvial erosion associated with successive phases of rejuvenation plays a significant role in drainage basin development, whereas structure and tectonics, lithology and relief dictate the drainage pattern and morphological setting of the catchment. The drainage area of the watershed is 190.9 km2 and constitutes a 5th-order drainage basin. The commonly observed drainage patterns are the trellis type, with sub-dendritic pattern recognized in the upper catchment. The drainage pattern, and the semi-linear alignment of main and branching drainage indicate the prominent influence of the Kerak-Al-fiha fault system on the drainage network. High dissection, relative relief, relief ratio, steep slopes and breaks of slopes are characteristic of W. Kerak. Morphometric analysis reveals that four rejuvenation phases caused severe erosion and down cutting activity in the past, and it is still susceptible to surface erosion at present.

Highlights

A drainage basin which is recognizable as being of fluvial erosive origin is considered a basic fundamental geomorphic, topographic and hydrologic areal unit for watershed management [1]
Twenty-two morphometric parameters which represent basic, linear, areal, shape, and relief aspects of the watershed were considered for analysis in order to characterize the catchment, and to improve our understanding of: tectonic activity, geomorphic history, erosional stage of landforms, rejuvenation phases and geomorphic processes operating across the watershed [7] [11]
Kerak watershed and five sub-basins justifies the utilization of digital elevation models (DEMs) and Geographic Information System (GIS) tools for geomorphic evaluation of a drainage basin located in the rift region

Summary

Introduction

A drainage basin which is recognizable as being of fluvial erosive origin is considered a basic fundamental geomorphic, topographic and hydrologic areal unit for watershed management [1]. It is an ideal unit for management and sustainable development of natural resources. A drainage basin represents a natural manageable hydrological entity which enables surface runoff to a defined channel, ravine, stream or river at a particular point [5]. It provides the basis for geomorphometric analysis. A technique was introduced earlier by Horton [6] [7] and elaborated by Strahler [8]-[11], Smith [12], Miller [13] and Schumm [14], those who later established the quantitative fluvial geomorphic research [15]

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