article · Ecological Engineering & Environmental Technology
The Oued Rheris Watershed in southeastern Morocco experiences severe vulnerability to water erosion and desertification under arid Saharan conditions. Morphometric analysis using digital elevation data and geographic information systems reveals that the basin spans 12,606.7 square kilometres with an elongated shape roughly seven times longer than it is wide. It contains a six-order stream network measuring 4,412.594 kilometres, dominated by first-order streams which make up just over half of the total stream length. The basin has a Gravelius compactness coefficient of 1.71, a form index of 0.46, and a sparse drainage density of 0.35 kilometres per square kilometre. Although the elongated geometry prolongs concentration times and reduces peak discharge, the sparse drainage network combined with arid conditions amplifies the danger of flash flooding and soil erosion, providing essential baseline data for water resource planning.
Understanding how watershed shape and river networks govern water movement is vital in arid regions facing climate pressures. By quantifying these physical features, environmental planners and local authorities can better anticipate flash floods and soil loss. This information provides an empirical foundation to protect fragile desert landscapes and guide sustainable land and water management initiatives.
This research represents early-stage baseline analysis that could inform decision-support tools and spatial planning software for watershed management and soil conservation. Potential end users include regional water basin agencies, environmental consultancies, and public bodies managing land degradation in arid zones. Real-world deployment would require integrating these morphometric indices into predictive hydrological and flood-risk models tailored to local infrastructure needs.
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The Oued Rheris Watershed in southeastern Morocco is highly vulnerable to water erosion and desertification, exacerbated by an arid Saharan climate with low rainfall and rising temperatures.This study aims to analyze the morphometric characteristics of the Oued Rheris Watershed to assess its hydrological response time, erosion susceptibility, and sensitivity to desertification, thereby supporting natural resource management and decision-making in at-risk areas.The analysis is based on a 30 m resolution ASTER GDEM (Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer Global Digital Elevation Model) and geographic information systems (GIS) using ArcGIS 10.8 software.Morphometric parameters including drainage density, stream length, compactness index (Kc), equivalent rectangle, form index were calculated.The basin covers an area of 12,606.7 km² with a perimeter of 687.018 km.The hydrographic network, classified according to Strahler (1957), comprises six orders with a total stream length of 4,412.594km.The first-order streams dominate (50.16% of total length).The Gravelius compactness coefficient (1.71) and form index (0.46) indicate an elongated shape, approximately seven times longer than wide (length = 300.96km; width = 41.88 km).The drainage density is 0.35 km/km², reflecting the influence of the basin's geology and arid climate.The elongated morphology of the Oued Rheris Watershed implies a prolonged concentration time and attenuated peak flows.However, the low drainage density and arid conditions increase vulnerability to flash floods and erosion.These findings are critical for watershed management, soil conservation, and sustainable water resource planning in southeastern Morocco.
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DOI: 10.12912/27197050/226284
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