Modelling wind-erosion risk in the Laghouat region (Algeria) using geomatics approach
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ORIGINAL PAPER
Modelling wind-erosion risk in the Laghouat region (Algeria) using geomatics approach Djouher Saadoud 1 & Mohamed Saïd Guettouche 1 & Mohamed Hassani 2 & Francisco José Martin Peinado 3
Received: 8 November 2016 / Accepted: 3 August 2017 / Published online: 17 August 2017 # Saudi Society for Geosciences 2017
Abstract Wind-erosion risk is a challenge that threatens land development in dry-land regions. Soil analysis, remote sensing, climatic, vegetal cover and topographic data were used in a geographic information system (GIS), using multi-criteria analysis (MCA) to map wind-erosion risk (R we ) in Laghouat, Algeria. The approach was based on modelling the risk and incorporating topographic and climatic effects. The maps were coded according to their sensitivity to wind erosion and to their socio-economic potential, from low to very high. By overlapping the effects of these layers, qualitative maps were drawn to reflect the potential sensitivity to wind erosion per unit area. The results indicated that severe wind erosion affects mainly all the southern parts and some parts in the north of Laghouat, where wind-erosion hazard (Hwe) is very high in 43% of the total area, and which was affected mainly by natural parameters such as soil, topography and wind. The results also identified features vulnerable to Rwe. The product of the hazard and the stake maps indicated the potential risk areas that need preventive measures; this was more than half of the study area, making it essential to undertake environmental management and land-use planning. * Djouher Saadoud [email protected]
1
Laboratory of Geomorphology and Geo-risks, Faculty of Earth Science, Geographical and Territorial Planning, University of Sciences and Technology Houari Boumediene, (U.S.T.H.B), El Alia, BP 32, Bab Ezzouar, 16111 Algiers, Algeria
2
Department of Geophysics, Faculty of Earth Science, Geographical and Territorial Planning, Laboratory of Geophysics, University of Sciences and Technology Houari Boumediene (U.S.T.H.B), BP 32, El Alia, Bab Ezzouar, 16111 Algiers, Algeria
3
Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Campus Fuentenueva s/n, 18001, Granada, Spain
Keywords Soil . Wind erosion . Laghouat . GIS . Remote sensing . Risk
Introduction Wind erosion is the most important environmental problem facing the arid and semi-arid regions (Du et al. 2015; Mirmousavi 2016; LI et al. 2015; Al-Bakri et al. 2016; O’Loingsigh et al. 2014). It occurs when a soil surface is sufficiently dry and unprotected by vegetation cover (Mirmousavi 2016), and it is influenced by topographic and climatic factors, as well as human activities (Khresat et al. 2008; Li et al. 2014; Hoffmann et al. 2008; Shao 2000; FAO 1960; Skidmore 2000). Wind erosion constitutes a major risk and one of the main physical factors of sandy desertification threatening farmland, urban and oases areas in arid and semi-arid regions (Li et al. 2015; Dong et al. 2000; Zhang et al. 2001; Al-Bakri et al. 2016). The negative effects of wind erosion
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