Mapping the water erosion risk in the Lakhdar river basin (central High Atlas, Morocco)

ABSTRACT The objective of this study is to develop a methodology using the remote sensing and Geographic Information System to map soil degradation by water erosion and highlighting the various levels of soil degradation in the Lakhdar river basin (central High Atlas) during the period between 1987 and 2014. This allows producing a map of soil degradation risk, which can be used as reference document for the decision-makers. The methodology develops a geomatics approach based on the processing of satellite images, using the analysis and the interpretation of spectral indices, such as the Form Index, the Coloration Index, the Brightness Index, and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). The results show that the surface of soil strongly degraded decreased about 900 ha during the period of study whereas the surface of soil weakly and moderately degraded was subject of a progressive increase for an approximate total of 2800 ha over 27 years. Moreover, the method of spectral indices allowed us to assess and locate soil quantitative loss (organic matter, mineral salts, texture, fertility, etc.) due to the water erosion and climate change. These results are decisive when it comes to establish priority zonation for the interventions of erosion control