Compounding Morphometric Parameters for watersheds Prioritization in Data-Poor Regions: Case Study of a Semi-Arid Area, Northern Morocco

¹ Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University Sciences, Fes, Morocco,
² Chouaib Doukkali University, El Jadida, Morocco,
³ Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques of Fez (Annex Taza), Morocco,
⁴ Mohamed First University, Oujda, Morocco.

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

This study investigates the vulnerability of the Ouerrha watershed in northern Morocco using the compound parameter method. The watershed was segmented into 40 distinct sub-watersheds, labeled SW 1 to SW 40. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing technologies were used to generate foundational data and support a thorough analysis. A variety of mathematical equations were applied to compute the parameters of the watershed. Key morphometric parameters, including relief, linearity, and shape, were integrated to assess the characteristics of the sub-watersheds. The findings reveal that SW8, SW9, SW14, and SW16 are classified as high-priority areas for immediate intervention due to their significant vulnerability to erosion and degradation. Moderate priority is assigned to sub-watersheds 4SW, 5SW, 13SW, 15SW, 17SW, 32SW, 34SW, 36SW, and 38SW. The remaining sub-watersheds (SW1, SW3, 7SW, SW18, 24SW, SW26, 27SW, 28SW, 31SW, SW37, and SW40) are categorized as low and very low priority, indicating a greater degree of stability and resilience against environmental stress, with reduced risks from runoff or erosion. This study illustrates the importance of numerical methods in identifying natural challenges and enhancing the accuracy of sub-watershed prioritization for effective management strategies.