Modeling of erosion in the Wadi Guir watershed (South-West Algeria) by the application of Geographic Information System (GIS)

Abstract

International audienceThe erosion of watersheds in Algeria is the major concern of dam managers. It depends on the nature of the soil and rainfall aggressiveness. The areas threatened by degradation due to desertification and water erosion are estimated at 50 million hectares. This area represents more than 20% of the total areas of the country, which is around 238 million hectares (MEDDI, 2015). The main objective of this study is the mapping of erosion in Wadi Guir watershed which feeds the Djorf-Torba dam (South-West Algeria), by the combination of Geographic Information System (GIS) and the different empirical formulas used in arid regions. This contribution makes it possible, on the one hand, to determine the zones producing erosion, which feed the main Wadi, through maps of distribution of the degrees of sensitivity to erosion (SADIKI, 2004). On the other hand, the application of empirical formulas makes it possible to evaluate the forecast of solid inputs linked to citation (TOUAÏBIA et al.., 1999). This in order to control the sediment dynamics, and ensure better profitable management of the dam organs during floods and during normal operation