<p>Water erosion poses significant risks to both upstream and downstream areas, affecting soil stability, agricultural productivity, and infrastructure. This study aims to assess the spatio-temporal evolution of water erosion in the Oued Tessa watershed, northwestern Tunisia, where complex geology and irregular torrential rainfall exacerbate erosive processes. A multi-source approach was employed to evaluate erosion dynamics between 1985 and 2020. Hydro-morphometric indices—including the Stream Power Index (SPI), Sediment Transport Index (STI), Debris Flow Topographic Index (DFTI), Topographic Wetness Index (TWI), and the topographic factor (LS)—were derived from SRTM90 DEMs to map areas prone to erosion. These results were complemented by multi-date DEM analysis from Google Earth and precipitation data to capture temporal changes in soil loss and sediment accumulation. The analysis revealed that between 1985 and 2020, approximately 72,558&#xa0;ha experienced significant soil loss, with erosion hotspots concentrated on steep slopes with sparse vegetation, while lowland and mid-slope areas served as sediment deposition zones. Strong correlations between topographic and hydromorphometric indices confirmed the key influence of slope, lithology, and geomorphology on erosion dynamics. These findings provide a robust basis for targeted soil and water conservation strategies, including reforestation, terracing, and sediment retention measures, in support of Life and Land sustainability and effective Climate Action. The study highlights the importance of integrating spatial and temporal analyses to guide sustainable watershed management, protect agricultural lands, and reduce the vulnerability of rural and urban infrastructure in the context of ongoing climate pressures.</p>

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Geospatial analysis of hydro-morphometric indices and assessment of water erosion dynamics in the Tessa watershed (Northern Tunisia)

  • Nassira Zouaoui,
  • Radhia Mansour,
  • Abdessalem ElGhali

摘要

Water erosion poses significant risks to both upstream and downstream areas, affecting soil stability, agricultural productivity, and infrastructure. This study aims to assess the spatio-temporal evolution of water erosion in the Oued Tessa watershed, northwestern Tunisia, where complex geology and irregular torrential rainfall exacerbate erosive processes. A multi-source approach was employed to evaluate erosion dynamics between 1985 and 2020. Hydro-morphometric indices—including the Stream Power Index (SPI), Sediment Transport Index (STI), Debris Flow Topographic Index (DFTI), Topographic Wetness Index (TWI), and the topographic factor (LS)—were derived from SRTM90 DEMs to map areas prone to erosion. These results were complemented by multi-date DEM analysis from Google Earth and precipitation data to capture temporal changes in soil loss and sediment accumulation. The analysis revealed that between 1985 and 2020, approximately 72,558 ha experienced significant soil loss, with erosion hotspots concentrated on steep slopes with sparse vegetation, while lowland and mid-slope areas served as sediment deposition zones. Strong correlations between topographic and hydromorphometric indices confirmed the key influence of slope, lithology, and geomorphology on erosion dynamics. These findings provide a robust basis for targeted soil and water conservation strategies, including reforestation, terracing, and sediment retention measures, in support of Life and Land sustainability and effective Climate Action. The study highlights the importance of integrating spatial and temporal analyses to guide sustainable watershed management, protect agricultural lands, and reduce the vulnerability of rural and urban infrastructure in the context of ongoing climate pressures.