Assessment of soil erosion using two spatial approaches: RUSLE and SWAT Model

Abstract

In this paper, we attempted to review the erosion in the Ouergha watershed by applying two spatial approaches. The Ouergha watershed has an area of around 7300 km² representing approximately 18.2% of the Sebou basin of which it is the main tributary. In order to develop the erosion map using the SWAT model, it was important to prepare a large spatial database describing basin proprieties, furthermore, the daily hydro-climatic data. This model integrates MUSLE equation for the estimation of specific degradation. In addition, the estimation of erosion through SWAT was consolidated by constructing an erosion mapping through RUSLE method. This method was applied following an approach based on the use of remote sensing data and GIS tools to produce the major factors involved in the erosive process and their integration into RUSLE. The results obtained, in cartographic form, make it possible to target areas that require priority action for a larger-scale analysis, with a view to finding appropriate solutions to fight against erosion and protect the natural environment. Soil degradation in the Ouergha watershed is around 27 ton/ha/year (SWAT_MUSLE) and 25 ton/ha/year (RUSLE). Average sediment yield was estimated for Al Wahda dam of 10.4 Million tons.

Assessment of the relative impacts of climate changes and anthropogenic forcing on Ouergha watershed hydrology (North-East of Morocco)

“…The Ouergha catchment is located in northern Morocco and it covers an area of around 7300 km² which represents about 18.2 % of the Sebou basin of which it is part [14]. It is controlled by Al Wahda dam.…”

“…The model was calibrated and validated over the basin in previous works [10,14]. The SWAT model of the basin was obtained after a calibration-validation and a detailed sensitivity analysis processes that allows converging to the best SWAT model in terms of efficiency.…”

The Application of SWAT Model and Remotely Sensed Products to Characterize the Dynamic of Streamflow and Snow in a Mountainous Watershed in the High Atlas

“…For instance, Ref. [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ] employed the SWAT model to simulate basin hydrology in a variety of tropical basins in Morocco and was able to demonstrate its flexibility, consistency, and applicability as a hydrological model for the planning and management of water resources. However, the majority of SWAT implementations in Morocco concentrated on low-altitude basins unaffected by snow.…”