Ecological Evaluation Terrain Units in Wadi Kufranjah Basin Uusing Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing Techniques

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the land units within the Wadi Kufranja Basin and classify them based on their hydrological and ecological characteristics. The goal was to identify the environmental hazards threatening the basin.

Methods: The study employed a descriptive-analytical, experimental, and quantitative approach. It used 21 variables based on the Dutch ITC survey system. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing techniques were applied to analyze soil indicators and vegetation cover. Statistical methods such as factor analysis and cluster analysis were used to interpret these variables.

Results: The findings classified the basin into four regions, eight systems, and seventeen land units according to their natural, geomorphological, and structural characteristics. Four main factors were identified, explaining 77% of the total variance related to the properties of the land units. Additionally, three distinct land groups were found, grouping units with similar environmental hazards. The first group faced a high risk of severe erosion caused by terracing and gullies. The second group experienced severe erosion due to gullies, moderate erosion from terracing, and rill erosion. The third group was exposed to a very high risk of landslides.

Conclusions: The study concluded that significant attention must be given to environmental hazards in the basin, particularly erosion and landslides. It recommended implementing engineering measures such as terraces and retaining walls on slopes to reduce these risks. Furthermore, the study advised caution regarding urban expansion and the regulation of road construction, especially in areas prone to landslides, to minimize further environmental degradation.