FLOOD RISK MAPPING IN ARID REGIONS BASED ON MORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS AND GIS – CASE STUDY OF CHELLIF WATERSHED
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Date
2025
Authors
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Publisher
Bilel ZEROUALI
Abstract
This study presents a comprehensive morphometric and flood hazard assessment of 36 sub-basins within the
Cheliff watershed, located in north-central Algeria. Utilizing Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques
and Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data, key morphometric parameters—such as area, slope, drainage density,
shape factor, sinuosity index, circularity ratio, and Curve Number—were extracted and analyzed to evaluate their
influence on hydrological behavior and flood susceptibility. The aim of the analysis was to evaluate the flood
hazard degree across the watershed and identify basins with the highest vulnerability. The results reveal
significant spatial variability, with several sub-basins—particularly O. Touil Aval, Daia el Firania, O. Ouassel
Moyen, and O. Djidiouia—exhibiting morphometric characteristics associated with high flood susceptibility,
such as steep slopes, compact forms, high drainage density, and limited infiltration capacity. Hazard
classification maps were developed for each parameter and integrated into a final flood hazard map. The analysis
indicates that more than 50% of the sub-basins fall into high or very high flood risk categories. These findings
underscore the necessity of targeted watershed management strategies, including erosion control, land use
planning, and flood mitigation measures, to reduce vulnerability and enhance resilience in the face of increasing
hydrological extremes in the region.
Description
END OF STUDY DISSERTATION
To obtain the diploma of
MASTER
Field : Hydraulics
Speciality : Urban Hydraulics
Keywords
Flood hazard, Morphometric analysis, GIS, Watershed management