Quantitative assessment of the runoff index in an urbanized watershed

Urbanization modifies the natural water cycle. In this study, a weighted-rating multicriteria analysis was adopted to quantify the runoff index and to assess the impact of urbanization on the water cycle. The considered parameters are (1) slope, (2) permeability of soil, and (3) rainfall. Using the land use map, a runoff risk map was established. The approach was applied to Manouba catchment. The main results revealed that between 2004 and 2014, the area with a high runoff index increased from 32% to 39%. The runoff risk increased; in 2004, the high class covered 18% of the watershed area. This value became 30% in 2014. Results demonstrate that urbanization affects hydrological processes. This method is appropriate in other similar watersheds to estimate the runoff index.