Journal of Arid Regions Geographic Studies

Journal of Arid Regions Geographic Studies

Evaluation and zoning of soil erosion potential using geomorphometric indexes and Fuzzy approach in Khiavchai watershed, Meshginshahr

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Faraiba Esfandyari Darabad 1
Mahya Yansori 1
Maryam Adhami 2
Raoof Mostafazadeh 3
1 Department of Physical Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.
2 Department of Watershed Management, Faculty of Natural Resources, Tarbiat Modares University, Noor, Iran
3 Department of Natural Resources and Member of Water Management Research Center, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.
10.22034/jargs.2023.385049.1013
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.
Keywords
Spatial changes of erosion
Fuzzy logic
Topographic wetness Index
Curvature
Morphometry index
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  • Receive Date 07 February 2023
  • Revise Date 09 March 2023
  • Accept Date 19 April 2023
  • Publish Date 01 August 2024