Watershed Prioritization Research Articles

Flash flood potential prioritization of sub-basins in an ungauged basin in Turkey using traditional multi-criteria decision-making methods

Morphometric analysis of watersheds based on morphometric parameters is the most widely accepted method for watershed prioritization. However, traditional methods adopted for prioritization of sub-basins lack a standard classification of the morphometric parameters and ranges of their values. So, in this study several multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods and a number of traditional methods are used for watershed prioritization regarding the flash flood potential of the sub-basins. Akcay, a small ungauged basin in Turkey, was chosen as the study area, and 12 morphometric parameters were determined for the basin. The geomorphological instantaneous unit hydrograph concept coupled with Monte Carlo analysis was used to estimate the flood yield of the basin due to the lack of flow data. Kendall tau and Spearman correlation coefficient tests and receiver operating characteristics analysis were performed to validate the results of the traditional methods and the MCDM approaches for prioritization of the sub-basins. Results showed that the AHP method could well predict the sub-basins with higher flood potential, while the methodology adopted in the study to determine the criteria weights obtained from ANP method in MCDM improved the prediction capability of those approaches, especially VIKOR. The initial values of criteria weights were determined to be effective on the predictions and sensitivity analysis. When the results of traditional methods and MCDM approaches were compared, the MCDM approaches were found to give improved results. This study showed that MCDM approaches can be used to provide an efficient management of basins regarding conservation of water resources and soil.

Watersheds Characteristics and Prioritization Using Morphometric Parameters and Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchal Process (FAHP): A Part of Lower Subansiri Sub-Basin

Globally, the study of watersheds plays an important role for any kind of developmental activities and sustainable management. The present study lies in tectonically active regions of Northeast India, which needs to be given proper consideration prior to taking up any kind of developmental activity. The main objective of the research is to understand the behaviors of the watersheds in response to the neo-tectonic and to prioritize the watersheds using morphometric parameters and fuzzy-AHP. For the present studies, nine watersheds have been extracted from the Cartosat DEM using ArcGIS 10 software. Sixteen morphometric parameters indicating neo-tectonic domain have been considered for the study of prioritization of the watersheds. Firstly, the deviation of linear regression in Horton’s law of drainage order and drainage length has been discussed which indicates that all the watersheds are influenced by endogenic force, which induces the changes of the landform. Based on the FAHP weighted value, the prioritization of watershed is classified into five classes, namely very low (< 0.044), low (0.0466–0.0645), medium (0.0645–0.1112), high (0.1112–0.1818), and very high (0.1818–0.2691). The watersheds A and D are assigned to highest rank as they were within the 0.182 and 0.270 weighted values. And watershed E is lowest among the nine watersheds with weighted value of < 0.044, respectively. Finally, Kappa method has been used to validate the results and observed that 47% and 30% of the collected data fall within very high and high prioritization zones.

Prioritization of Mago Basin based on erodibility through morphometric analysis using GIS technique: A PCA-based approach

Remote sensing (RS) and Geographical Information System (GIS) techniques have become very important these days as they aid planners and decision makers to make effective and correct decision and designs. Geomorphological characteristics of a watershed are commonly used for developing the regional hydrological models for solving various hydrological problems of ungauged watersheds or inadequate data situations. A morphometric analysis of Mago basin of Arunachal Pradesh was carried out using RS and GIS techniques. The Watershed was delineated using ArcGIS10 software and divided into 15 subwatersheds and prioritized based on principal component analysis (PCA) using SPSS 14.0 software. The basic parameters (area, perimeter, stream order, stream length and stream number) of each sub-watershed were carried out separately using the ArcMap10. The linear morphometric parameters (stream order, total stream length and bifurcation ratio); aerial morphometric parameters (drainage density, stream frequency, form factor, circulatory ratio, elongation ratio, texture ratios, compactness constant and Ruggedness number); and relief morphometric parameters (relief ratio, relative relief, average slope and hypsometric integral) were computed with the help of standard formulae. The principal components were selected and then ranked based on their relationship with erodibility. The sub-watershed having the least compound parameter was assigned the highest priority and so on. The study area was found to have streams of highest order of 3, with order 1, having highest frequency. The obtained low drainage density of the basin indicates that the region is highly permeable. From the prioritization analysis, it was found that sub-watershed 2, 4, and 14 were the most erosion prone areas with rank 1. Therefore, these sub-watersheds need to be considered first and given prior importance for the implementation of any soil and water conservation measures for watershed management. Hence, RS and GIS techniques and PCA are important tools in the morphometric analysis and prioritization of watershed.

Estimation of Soil Loss from Watershed for Identifying High Risk Erosion Zones Using GIS

Soil loss from watersheds significantly influences the fertility soils and natural environment and hence it is a serious concern across the globe. Soil conservation is the top priority in watershed management though it is impractical to completely control soil erosion from all parts of watershed and hence achieve soil conservation. As controlling soil erosion in watersheds at micro level is difficult, broad measures which are economical and feasible are recommended for soil conservation. In order to plan suitable conservation techniques, it is essential to prioritize watersheds based on vulnerability to soil erosion. For identifying suitable soil conservation methods, it is necessary to consider critical erosion zones, threats to lives and property, socio-economic constraints and local challenges. Assessment of soil erosion is very important for arriving at the prioritization of watersheds for soil conservation. This paper reports the findings of the study carried out on Janagoan Mandal in Warangal District with hell of GIS techniques. Estimation of soil loss from the watershed is estimated using Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE). Using the data available with various agencies, average annual erosion is estimated by developing GIS maps for six major watershed parameters. The watershed has been divided into sub watersheds and prioritization study is carried out considering factors that influence soil erosion. Using GIS tool and Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE), the soil loss from the watershed is estimated and high risk zones are demarked. Soil loss from 80% of the watershed area is in the range of 0 - 200 tons/ha/year, while the high risk zones of erosion are about 12% of the area. Watershed management practices are recommended to reduce the soil loss from the high risk zones.

Application of SAW and TOPSIS in Prioritizing Watersheds

Prioritization of watersheds for conservation measures is essential for a variety of functions, such as flood control projects in which the determination of top priority areas is an important management decision. The purpose of this study is to examine watershed morphological characteristics and identify critical sub-watersheds, which are prone to be damaged, using Remote Sensing/Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and SAW/TOPSIS (Simple Additive Weighting/ Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution). Fourteen morphometric parameters were chosen to organize sub-watersheds using SAW/TOPSIS, which examines sub-watersheds (as susceptible zones) from the perspective of classification in four priority levels (namely, low, moderate, high and very high levels). The SAW/TOPSIS approach is a useful strategy to find out potential zones provided that the ultimate goal is to achieve successful management strategies, particularly in particular zones where information accessibility is limited and soil assorted variety is high. Without facing with high cost and exercises in futility, sub-watersheds could be organized through morphometric parameters in executing conservational measures to save soil and the earth at the same time. In short, our results showed that morphometric parameters are highly efficient in identifying erosion-prone areas.

Watershed conservation prioritization using geomorphometric and land use-land cover parameters

Geomorphometric features and land use/land cover are essential in the context of watershed prioritization for resources conservation and protection. Watersheds in tropical regions like the Philippines are under threat of degradation due to the combined effects of uncontrolled agricultural activities in the uplands and frequently increasing erosive precipitations brought about by climate change. Watershed managers are challenged with these pressing issues and concerns because most watersheds have no sufficient data as a basis for decision making. This paper presents the method of analyzing the different geomorphometric features and the existing land use or land cover to assess the propensity of the watershed against erosion so that areas needing immediate treatment can be prioritized. Arbitrarily, fourteen subwatersheds coded as SW1 to SW14 were delineated using a digital elevation model and geographic information system tool. Geomorphometric features categorized as areal aspect, relief features, and channel morphology parameters were generated and analyzed. Parameters having direct and inverse effect to erosion risk was used as the criteria in the ranking process. Land use/land cover was added to geomorphometric parameters to come up with compound values for final prioritization. Results showed that SW13, SW14, and SW4 were classified under very high priority implying focus for appropriate management actions while SW10, SW6, and SW7 were classified under very low priority suggesting favorable environmental condition in these areas. The study provides significant information helpful to watershed managers and planners especially in crafting a plan for integrated watershed management wherein programs and projects implementation have to be prioritized.

Prioritization of Sub-Watershed Using Morphometry and Land Cover Based Multi-Criteria Analysis for Basaltic Terrain of Central India

The geo-morphological characteristics are more commonly used for characterization and prioritization of watershed/basin. Morphometric and land cover classes analysis using Remote sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) with multi criteria analytical (MCA) is more effective, time saving and accurate technique for prioritization of watershed and helps in identification of suitable sites for conservation measures. Morphometric analysis revealed that SW8 is more susceptible to erosion followed by SW2. The land cover analysis shows that SW6 is more prone to soil erosion. Combined influence of both the parameters revealed that SW8 is more susceptible and SW1 is least susceptible to soil erosion. This study helps in planning various soil and water conservation measure to arrest soil erosion and improve the productivity of the soils.

The Implementation of a Hybrid Model for Hilly Sub-Watershed Prioritization Using Morphometric Variables: Case Study in India

Among several components of watershed prioritization, morphometric parameters are considered to be essential elements for appropriate water resource planning and management. In the current study, nine hilly sub-watersheds are prioritized using novel hybrid model based on morphometric variables analysis at Bino Watershed (BW) located in the upper Ramganga basin, India. The proposed model is based on the hybridization of principal component analysis (PCA) with weighted-sum approach (WSA), presenting a single-frame methodology (PCWSA) for sub-watershed prioritization. The prioritization process was conducted based on several morphometric parameters including linear, areal, and shape. The PCA was performed to identify the significant correlated factor-loading matrix whereas WSA was established to provide the weights for the morphometric parameters and fix their priority ranking (PR) to be categorized based on compound factor value. The findings showed that 37.81% of total area is under highly susceptible zone sub-watersheds (SW-6 and SW-7). This is verifying the necessity for appropriate soil and water conservation measures for the area. The proposed hybrid methodology demonstrated a reliable approach for water resource planning and management, agriculture, and irrigation activities in the study region.

Illuminating hotspots of imperiled aquatic biodiversity in the southeastern US

The southeastern United States is a global hotspot for aquatic biodiversity but has relatively little land under protection. To guide conservation investment in this region, we developed a prioritization of watersheds to highlight areas of exceptional conservation potential. Using range maps for 1043 fish, mussel, and crayfish species derived from museum and research collections as well as state natural heritage databases, we derived a conservation priority score for each watershed that incorporates biodiversity, endemism, and imperilment. The highest-scoring watersheds are primarily in the Middle Tennessee River and eastern Mobile River systems. On average, only 1.5% of the area of the top-scoring watersheds is currently protected. Further, average federal spending under the Endangered Species Act is 2.1–46.6 times greater on aquatic species found outside the region than on southeastern endemics. These results provide the foundation for systematic freshwater conservation planning in the Southeast and argue for increased investment in innovative preservation strategies in this globally significant region.

Comparison of AHP and fuzzy AHP models for prioritization of watersheds

Prioritization of watersheds for conservation measures is essential for a variety of functions, such as flood control projects for which determining areas of top priority is a managerial decision that should be based on physical, social, and economic characteristic of the region of interest and the outcome of past operations. The objective of this study therefore was to investigate morphological characteristics and identify critical sub-watersheds which are liable to be damaged, using remote sensing/geographical information systems and multi-criteria decision-making methods AHP/FAHP. Fourteen morphometric parameters were selected to prioritize sub-watersheds using an analytical hierarchical process (AHP) and a fuzzy analytical hierarchical process (FAHP). Based on the FAHP approach, sub-watersheds, as vulnerable zones, were categorized in five priority levels (very high, high, medium, low, and very low levels). The conservation and management measures are essential in the high to very high levels categories. Thus, the FAHP approach is a practical and convenient method to show potential zones in order to implement effective management strategies, especially in areas where data availability is low and soil diversity is high. Finally, without having to encounter high cost and a waste of time, sub-watersheds can be categorized using morphometric parameters for implementing conservational measures to simultaneously conserve soil and the environment.

A GEOSPATIAL- STATISTICAL APPROACH TO ALIENATE PRIORITY AREA OF UPPER WATERSHED OF RIVER SUBARNAREKHA USING MORPHOMETRIC ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK

Micro-watershed planning and management play an important role in addressing the issues and challenges of water scarcity of a region. The assessment of hydrological framework using morphometric calculation and GIS technology is a recognized tool for carrying out planning activities for the watershed. The uncertainties associated with the earlier work of watershed prioritization can be easily addressed with new emerging geospatial-statistical correlation techniques. A sum weightages methodology is applied on the upper watershed of river Subarnarekha in the state of Jharkhand, India, for identification of critical subwatershed, a priority level ranking and zonation mapping of each individual subwatershed is developed using the morphometric calculation coupled with GIS tools. This approach helps in identification and bifurcation of subwatershed with three level of priority, i.e, Low, Medium, High. The result reveals that 5.8 % of subwatershed lies in high priority zone that signifies the area as critical and susceptible zones of soil erosion, which requires immediate attention from planners and policymakers. The high-level priority region should be considered for soil, water, and land conservation work. This approach of prioritization techniques can further be extended to another critical watershed of India for better decision support system and planning.

Sub watershed characterization and prioritization using geoinformatics for natural resources management

The development of new advanced techniques in Spatial Information such as remote sensing and GIS are effectively used for the extraction of information about spatial features. DEM (Digital Elevation Model) is one of the important sources in extraction of drainage network and is useful for determining the quantitative description of catchment geometry i.e. morphometric analysis. Morphometric analysis has been commonly applied to prioritization of watersheds. In this study, the morphometric analysis and prioritization of seventeen Sub-watersheds of Maniari watershed, situated in Lormi block of Mungeli District Chhattisgarh State, India, was carried out. For prioritization of sub-watersheds, morphometric analysis was performed using the Linear parameters such as stream order, stream length, stream length ratio, basin length, bifurcation ratio, mean bifurcation ratio, drainage density, stream frequency, texture ratio, length of overland flow and shape parameters such as form factor, shape factor, circulatory ratio, elongation ratio, and compactness constant. The different prioritization ranks are assigned after evaluation of the compound factor. Based on the various physical characteristics of the basin, multi-criteria evaluation technique has been used to determine the most suitable water harvesting structure sites. For this purpose hydrologic soil group, slope and stream order data derived. This study confirms about 93 locations classified under the category of highly suitable sites. This mapping helps in selecting potential site for water harvesting structure.

Multi-criteria Prioritization for Sub-watersheds in Medium River Basin using AHP and Influence Approaches

Watershed is unique bio-physical unit of the Earth surface and source of resources to the human, animal and plants. AHP based multi-criteria analysis is suitable for prioritization of sub-watersheds in medium river basin for planning, management and development. Twenty five criterion i.e. area, morphimery, geology, slope, soil, rainfall and population density were selected for prioritization of medium watersheds of Upper Mula basin in Maharashtra (India). Correlation analysis is suitable for ranking the criterion selected for prioritization. Texture Ratio (25.94%), drainage texture (12.97%), stream order (8.65%), total stream length (6.49%) and ruggedness number (5.19%) show higher influences on development of watershed structure in the study area. Further, criterion like geology, rainfall, soil and population were show considerable influence in prioritization of sub-watersheds in medium river basin. Influences were estimated based on weights calculated using AHP technique. Values of influences were normalized using distribution of particular criterion within sub-watersheds. Watersheds are classified into high, moderate and low priorities. The methodology formulated in this study can be effective tool for quick prioritization of medium and major watersheds for planning and management for development.

Multi-criteria Prioritization for Sub-watersheds in Medium River Basin using AHP and Influence Approaches

Watershed is unique bio-physical unit of the Earth surface and source of resources to the human, animal and plants. AHP based multi-criteria analysis is suitable for prioritization of sub-watersheds in medium river basin for planning, management and development. Twenty five criterion i.e. area, morphimery, geology, slope, soil, rainfall and population density were selected for prioritization of medium watersheds of Upper Mula basin in Maharashtra (India). Correlation analysis is suitable for ranking the criterion selected for prioritization. Texture Ratio (25.94%), drainage texture (12.97%), stream order (8.65%), total stream length (6.49%) and ruggedness number (5.19%) show higher influences on development of watershed structure in the study area. Further, criterion like geology, rainfall, soil and population were show considerable influence in prioritization of sub-watersheds in medium river basin. Influences were estimated based on weights calculated using AHP technique. Values of influences were normalized using distribution of particular criterion within sub-watersheds. Watersheds are classified into high, moderate and low priorities. The methodology formulated in this study can be effective tool for quick prioritization of medium and major watersheds for planning and management for development.

Integrated framework for soil and water conservation in Kosi River Basin

Soil loss through erosion and its subsequent deposition is considered as an important challenge for watersheds. In this paper, attempt has been made to integrate the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation, rainfall climatology from merged IMD gauge-TRMM (1998–2015) and soil hydraulic parameters to delineate the highly susceptible zones of the Kosi River Basin (KRB), Bihar, India for soil erosion assessment and watershed prioritization. The soil hydraulic parameters are calculated by using the ROSETTA model. Afterwards, the analytical hierarchy process based on multi-criteria evaluation method (AHP-MCE) was employed to assign the weighting to each factor (Soil erosion, Compound Factor, Field Capacity) depending on their erosion potential. Weighted overlay analysis is then performed to generate the watershed prioritization map for soil and water conservation. The overall findings suggest that the sub-watersheds 5, 8 and 7 required utmost attention and conservative measures because of their high erodibility characteristics.

Morphometric analysis and prioritization of watersheds for soil erosion management in Upper Gibe catchment

As morphometric investigation is connected to prioritization of watershed, morphometric analysis has got a significance role in light of soil and water conservation. In this study, an endeavour for the examination of point by point morphometric analyses of sub-basins was accomplished through the measurement of linear and shape parameters by using ArcGIS-9.3 software. Specifically, linear and shape morphometric parameters like stream length, stream order, drainage density, stream frequency, bifurcation ratio, Length of overland flow, basin perimeter, form factor, compactness coefficient, elongation ratio has been considered. The SRTM DEM (30 x 30 m) is processed for the delineation resulting in 61 sub-basins. The morphometric parameters which affect the soil erodibility are considered to organize the sub-basins and relegate positions on the premise of their association with erodibility to get compound parameter (Cp) esteem. Based on the value of Cp the sub-basin with the lowest Cp value was given the highest priority and then categorized the sub-basins into three classes as high, medium and low in terms of priority. Accordingly, high priority zone comprises 11 sub-basins, medium 19 and low 31 sub-basins. The sub-basins which are falling under high priority were a great deal more defenceless to soil disintegration and ought to be given high need for land preservation measures.

Soil Erosion Susceptibility Assessment of the Lower Himachal Himalayan Watershed

ABSTRACT Assessment of erosion status of a watershed is an essential prerequisite for integrated watershed management. It not only assists in chalking out suitable soil and water conservation measures to arrest erosion and conserve water but also helps in devising best management practices to enhance biomass production in watersheds. Keeping this in view, the present study has been undertaken by involving geospatial-statistical techniques to determine the critical and priority areas for soil and water conservation in Suketi watershed of the lower Himachal Himalayan region. A novel weighted sum analysis technique was used for ranking each of hydrological unit by obtaining the weightages from various morphometric parameters. This technique offers dynamic, effective and sustainable approach over traditional prioritization methods in which significance of each parameter were considered equally. Considering this approach, sub-watersheds were delineated into low, medium and high priority zones. The results illustrate that about 52 % of sub-watersheds of Suketi watershed are in moderate to high erosion and runoff susceptible zones. Therefore, these potential areas can be considered for preferential soil and water conservation planning. The results obtained from the study will be useful for various stakeholders such as agriculturists, water resource managers, conservation measures planners and decision policy makers for better management practices and decision making. The geospatial-statistical technique can be used for effective estimation of erosion status of watersheds leading to watershed prioritization for taking up soil and water conservation measures in watershed systems. Finally, this technique can be very useful in remote, rugged and inaccessible watersheds with absence of soil erosion and runoff monitoring.

Soil Erosion Risk Assessment Using GIS Based USLE Model for Soil and Water Conservation Planning in Somodo Watershed, South West Ethiopia

Soil erosion is natural phenomena and is modified by biophysical environment comprising soil, climate, terrain, ground cover and their interactions. Due to different factors, it is difficult to make watershed management successful in all areas at one time. Because of this, prioritization of sub watershed is very important for soil conservation planning and implementation. In Somodo watershed more than five years different soil and water conservation technologies were implemented and satisfactory result was not recorded. In this aspect, it is important to consider further watershed management planning., This study therefore investigated soil erosion risk assessment using GIS and USLE model for soil and water conservation in Somodo watershed southwestern Ethiopia with the aim of estimating soil erosion rate and identify soil erosion hot pot areas through prioritization of sub watershed in Somodo watershed by the help of GIS based USLE model. Both primary and secondary data sources were used for model input. These data were computed at a grid level with 30*30m resolution and then overlaid to generate mean annual soil loss by the help of raster calculator in Arc GIS tool. Results of the study showed that, the mean annual soil loss of the watershed was 18.69 ton ha-1 year-1 ranging from 0 to 131.21. More than 75% of the watershed have soil loss greater than 20 ton ha-1 year-1 and only 25% of the area have soil loss ton ha-1 year-1.On the bases of mean annual soil loss SW-4, SW-6 and SW-7 were under slight (0-10 ton ha-1 year-1) erosion severity level, while the remaining SW-2, SW-3 and SW-8 were under moderate (10-20 ton ha-1 year-1) level. And SW-1 was in high (20-30 ton ha-1 year-1) erosion severity level, where as SW-5 and SW-9 were found in very high ( ton ha-1 year-1) erosion severity level. Since large area of the watershed has soil loss more than tolerable level (11 ton ha-1 year-1) attention should be given to identify erosion hot spot areas to minimize the on-site and off-site problems. Therefore, the study suggested that for effective watershed management and soil conservation planning, these sub-watershed priorities should be used in the watershed.

Hydrological response-based watershed prioritization in semiarid, basaltic region of western India using frequency ratio, fuzzy logic and AHP method

Watersheds from semiarid regions are more sensitive to hydrological processes and sustainability of water resources than humid regions. Hence, it is indispensable to determine the response of watersheds to hydrological processes for water resource management. Thus, the hydrological response-based watershed prioritization study has been undertaken for eight sub-watersheds from semiarid, basaltic region of Western Ghats of India. Intent to this, a novel index has been parameterized using thematic layers such as drainage density, geology, soil, slope, landform classification, land use/land cover, rainfall and runoff (DGSLR). This study evaluates the performance of DGSLR index using three models, namely analytical hierarchy process (AHP), frequency ratio (FR) and fuzzy logic for sub-watershed-wise prioritization. The FR ratio showed the highest value for very high drainage density (8.73) indicating most probability for a high hydrological response. According to AHP weight, most influencing factors to hydrological processes are precipitation (25%), slope (19%) and land use/land cover (14%) followed by landform classification (11%). These three methods are prioritized study area into four classes, i.e., very high, high, moderate and low using area-weighted average method. These models showed that very high-priority area lies near the outlet of the watershed as well as the upper part of the watershed in high to very high priority in all three models. It covers 33.12% of the total area having a high average slope with high drainage density in sub-watersheds 1, 3, 7 and 8. The predictive capability of DGSLR index was computed by the area under the curve (AUC) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) method, revealed average accuracy for FR method (AUC = 89%) better than AHP method (AUC = 77%) and fuzzy logic (AUC = 76%). This novel index could be used by the water resources researchers and planners in any terrain to understand the hydrological response.

A TOPSIS approach-based morphometric analysis for sub-watersheds prioritization of high Oum Er-Rbia basin, Morocco

The study area covers 1871 km2 is located in the upstream of Oum Er-Rbia river basin, between latitudes 33° and 34° North, and longitudes 4°30′ and 5°20′ East. Watersheds prioritization based on morphometric parameters through the analysis of linear, areal and relief aspects is necessary in order to develop a sustainable watersheds management plan. The High Oum Er-Rbia basin has been subdivided into 17 sub-watersheds using remote sensing data (Aster-DEM) and Geographic Information System. For prioritization of sub-watersheds. The Multi-Criteria Analysis through the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), were applied to determine the relative weights of various parameters. Linear parameters; such as bifurcation ratio (Rb), drainage density (Dd), stream frequency (Fs), drainage texture (Dt), and shape parameters such as form factor (Rf), shape basin (Bs), elongation ratio (Re), compactness constant (Cc), and circularity ratio (Rc). The present study is an attempt to use TOPSIS approach based morphometric indices for prioritization of watersheds for water and soil resources conservation and management. The results show that sub-watersheds 2 and 6 have been ranked 1 and 2 assigned to highest closeness (C i + ) to ideal solution with 0.6838 and 0.6788 respectively. These sub-watersheds must be given the highest priority for soil and water conservation measures, to insure future sustainable agriculture, water quality and to prevent silting of Ahmed El-Hansali Dam.