Morphometric analysis and prioritization of sub-watersheds of the Inaouene River upstream of the Idris I dam using the GIS techniques

Abstract

The prioritization of watersheds has increasingly become an optimal and relevant approach for the management and planning against natural hazards. This approach is based on the morphometric analysis of the watersheds according to some parameters and indicators. In this study, we adopted this approach using Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques to identify the priority sub-watersheds of the Inaouene River upstream of the Idris I dam. This watershed, which is part of the Sebou watershed with an area of approximately 3608.2 km², is made of up 38 sub-watersheds and an area of gulleys. The results showed that 57.89% of the Inaouene River’s sub-watersheds have high to very high priority. The most important ones are Lahdar, El Melah 1, Gherghab, Larbaâ, and Mezwarou watersheds. By unveiling the distinctive morphometric characteristics of the watershed, this study enhances our understanding of its hydrological behavior, while providing crucial data to support soil and water conservation measures. This ensures sustainable agriculture, preserves water quality, and prevents sedimentation in the Idris I dam.