Water erosion risk mapping using derived parameters from digital elevation model and remotely sensed data

Abstract

The aim of this study is to map the areas exposed to water erosion risks in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco around the Hassan-I dam. The methodology is based on the analysis of the water power index (WPI) as a hydrological parameter, the vegetation cover, and the litho-logical units. The WPI was derived from a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and the litho-logical units and vegetation cover were derived from Advanced Land Imager sensor on the Earth Observing-1 satellite platform. The image was corrected from radiometric and atmospheric effects, and geometrically rectified using a DEM and grounds control points. These variables were integrated in a Geographical Information Systems environment, and Multi-Criteria Analyses were used to derive the water erosion risks map pointing out the most exposed areas requiring the implementation of suitable conservation measures. The validation of the obtained results shows the simplicity and the potential of this approach for water erosion risks mapping. © 2012 Wuhan University.