Cartographie de vulnérabilité à l'érosion hydrique du bassin versant d'Oued Zeddine (w. Ain defla)

Abstract

The study includes an analysis of key natural factors causing the phenomenon of water erosion in a watershed of western Algeria. The methodology is based on the standard technique of digital mapping from the acquisition and processing of satellite images and remote sensing data to the use of the GIS tool (Geographical Information System). The parameters to be estimated are related to environmental conditions: climate, soil, topography, land cover. However, the crossing of these factors by qualitative rules chosen allowed us to develop a map depicting four multifactorial vulnerability to water erosion classes: low (14.04 %), medium (48.52 %), high (34.59%) and very high (2.85 %). High- risk areas of erosion occur in fragile lands in steep and / or undergoing a very extensive agriculture where the soil covers little protection. This first mapping study is a tool to help decision makers to better manage water resources and soil and taking into account the expectations and needs of the rural population.