Estimation and mapping of water erosion and soil loss: Application of Gavrilovic erosion potential model (EPM) using GIS and remote sensing in the Assif el mal Watershed, Western high Atlas

Abstract

Water erosion is a serious problem that leads to soil degradation, loss, and the destruction of structures. Assessing the risk of erosion and determining the affected areas has become crucial in order to understand the main factors influencing its evolution and to minimize its impacts. This study focuses on evaluating the risk of erosion in the Assif el mal watershed, which is located in the High Atlas Mountains. The Erosion Potential Model (EPM) is used to estimate soil losses depending on various parameters such as lithology, hydrology, topography, and morphometry. Geographic information systems and remote sensing techniques are employed to map areas with high erosive potential and their relationship with the distribution of factors involved. Different digital elevation models are also used in this study to highlight the impact of data quality on the accuracy of the results. The findings reveal that approximately 59% of the total area in the Assif el mal basin has low to very low potential for soil losses, while 22% is moderately affected and 19.9% is at high to very high risk. It is therefore crucial to implement soil conservation measures to mitigate and prevent erosion risks.