Evaluation and zoning of soil erosion potential using geomorphometric indexes and Fuzzy approach in Khiavchai watershed, Meshginshahr
Journal Title: Arid Regions Geographic Studies - Year 2024, Vol 15, Issue 56
Abstract
Aim: Erosion is a critical geomorphological process with significant environmental implications, including land degradation, fertility loss, and negative effects on aquatic ecosystems. It is recognized as an environmental hazard due to the substantial damages it can cause.Materials & Methods: This research uses geomorphometric indicators and a fuzzy approach to zoning the soil erosion potential in the Khiavchai area of Meshginshahr. Various variables were used, including slope, aspect, surface curvature, range length, Melton's roughness coefficient, stream power index, drainage density, topographic wetness index, distance from the river, vegetation, precipitation, and geological formations. The information layers were combined based on their impact on erosion using different fuzzifier functions. The fuzzy gamma operator in a GIS platform was utilized to combine and overlay the indicators. Finding: The results revealed that approximately 8.4% of the study area exhibited high erosion potential. In comparison, around 18.7% had a high erosion potential, primarily located in the middle parts of the watershed. The high erodibility in these areas can be attributed to erodible geological formations, steep slopes, and high drainage density. Other contributing factors include predominantly southern and western slope aspects, longer slopes, and poor vegetation. Conclusion: The indicators used in assessing erosion-prone areas provide insights into the geomorphological and hydrological conditions of the study watershed. The prepared erosion map can serve as a foundation for prioritizing soil conservation management measures and reducing the impact of erosion. Innovation: This research employs a combination of geomorphometric indicators and a fuzzy approach to assess soil erosion potential accurately. The practical application lies in utilizing the study's findings to prioritize areas for effectively implementing erosion mitigation and soil conservation measures in land management.
Authors and Affiliations
Faraiba Esfandyari Darabad,Mahya Yansori,Maryam Adhami,Raoof Mostafazadeh,
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP744442
- DOI -
- Views 29
- Downloads 0
Assessment of the effect hydro-physical characteristics of ephemeral streams on the estimation of flood discharges (Case study: Ghollezoo watershed in Kalat Nader city)
Aim: This research aims to evaluate the effects of some hydro-physical properties of the ephemeral streams on flood flow estimation. Flood is a phenomenon that damages resources and has always been important to hydrology...
Relationship of surface runoff coefficient with land use/land cover change in Samian watershed, Ardabil province
Aim: Water resource planning in different world countries is based on the potential surface resource availability. Land use changes, especially in watersheds that include cities and population centers, strongly affect th...
Investigation of effects component and types on Masjed-Soleyman Agha-Jari sandstone layers formation accompanied by hardness stone on potholes development
Potholes are one of the spectacular landforms of rocks, especially sandstones. In this paper, 48 samples of Agha-Jari Sandstones were prepared and thin sections were obtained from them to investigate the sandstone mine...
Pathology of tourism destination management in desert areas(Case Study: Baft)
Aim:Â This research was conducted to identify the challenges and problems of tourism management in the desert destination of Baft city. Material & Method:Â The research is developmental in terms of purpose and survey...
Ethnobotanical survey of Qashlaq and Yailaq areas of Qashqai tribe
Aim: Ethnobotany provides valuable information by studying how different ethnic groups use medicinal plants.The aim of this study was identifying plant species and collecting information about the properties and methods...