Modelling and mapping of soil erosion risk based on GIS and PAP/RAC guidelines in the watershed of Tassaoute (Central High-Atlas, Morocco)

Abstract

Morocco watersheds, which provided many ecosystem services necessary for the socio-economic life of rural communities, are experiencing significant change and environmental problems. Therefore, examining potential soil erosion considered a major problem in the Moroccan highlands is very important to prioritize high erosion severity areas. Keeping in view of the above aspects, the present study aimed to evaluate and map areas at risk of water erosion in the upstream Tassaoute watershed (central High Atlas, Morocco), using the Priority Action Program/Regional Activity Center (PAP/RAC) method associated with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing. The PAP/RAC approach consisted of integrating the natural factors that influence water erosion, namely slope, lithology, vegetation cover and land use. This method provided an accurate cartographic product that reflects the reality of the state of soil degradation and the qualitative assessment of erosion. The generated erosion risk map of the study area showed that the phenomenon of erosion threatens this basin, especially in the middle and downstream, such that 40% of the basin surface has significant erosion and the high and very high degree of erosion represented 27% of the total surface of the study area. These results therefore demonstrated the PAP/CAR model reliability in assessing and mapping of water erosion risks in the upstream Tassaoute basin.