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Uluslararası İleri Doğa
Bilimleri ve Mühendislik
Araştırmaları Dergisi
Sayı 7, S. 543-551, 11, 2023
© Telif hakkı IJANSER’e aittir
Araştırma Makalesi
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ISSN: 2980-0811
International Journal of Advanced
Natural Sciences and Engineering
Researches
Volume 7, pp. 543-551, 11, 2023
Copyright © 2023 IJANSER
Research Article
543
The Contribution of GIS to Analyzing Hydrological, Topographical, and
Geomorphological Features in the Tidili-Tiouine Basin, Draa, Morocco
Kaouthar Majdouli*, Ahmad Algouti1, Abdellah Algouti1, Khadija Lamrani1, Mohamed Lakhlili1, Yahia
Laadimi1, Naji Jdaba2 and Imane El Kihal1
1 Laboratory: Geosciences, Geotourism, Natural Hazards and Remote Sensing. /Faculty of sciences Semlalia/ University Cadi
Ayyad, Morocco
2 Laboratory: Geosciences, Environnement, And Geomatic / Faculty of sciences Ibno Zohr Agadir / Morocco
*k.majdouli;ced@uca.ac.ma
(Received: 20 December 2023, Accepted: 26 December 2023)
(3rd International Conference on Scientific and Academic Research ICSAR 2023, December 25-26, 2023)
ATIF/REFERENCE: Majdouli, K., Algouti, A., Algouti, A., Lamrani, K., Lakhlili, M., Laadimi, Y., Jdaba, N. & Kihal, E. I.
(2023). The Contribution of GIS to Analyzing Hydrological, Topographical, and Geomorphological Features in the Tidili-
Tiouine Basin, Draa, Morocco. International Journal of Advanced Natural Sciences and Engineering Researches, 7(11), 543-
551.
Abstract – It is not paradoxical that a country like Morocco, characterized by its semi-arid climate,
experiences periodic exposure to significant flood damage. This phenomenon, increasingly conspicuous
over the past two decades, arises, on one hand, from population growth, economic development, and the
expansion of urban, agricultural, industrial, and tourist activities, resulting in an augmented occupation of
vulnerable areas. On the other hand, it is a consequence of the intensification of extreme events, including
droughts and floods, stemming from climate change that induces intense storms, leading to swift and
devastating floods.
The Draa basin, particularly its mountainous section, is notably susceptible to flooding. Hence, this
thorough examination of the Tidili-Tiouine watershed becomes imperative. The objective is to ascertain
the physical characteristics of the basin, an indispensable prerequisite for comprehending the mechanisms
of flow and a fundamental component in the execution of projects aimed at safeguarding against the risk of
overflow.
Geographic Information System (GIS) provides an efficient method for monitoring and tracking changes
in the watershed over time, contributing to a more proactive approach in the management of natural
resources. In essence, the role of GIS in the topographic and geomorphological study of a watershed
introduces fresh perspectives for the sustainable management of hydrological ecosystems. The spatial
visualization of data, accomplished through thematic maps, facilitates the communication of results in an
accessible manner. These maps allow for the visual presentation of crucial watershed characteristics, which
is essential for informed decision-making by researchers, decision-makers, and stakeholders.
Keywords – Watershed, GIS, Mapping, Geomorphology, Hydrology
I. INTRODUCTION
The climate change has played a significant role in
intensifying extreme weather events, such as
droughts and floods. The resulting alteration in
precipitation patterns and the occurrence of more
frequent and severe storms contribute to rapid and
destructive floods. This impact is particularly
noticeable in regions like the Draa basin, where the
International Journal of Advanced Natural Sciences and Engineering Researches
544
mountainous terrain further amplifies the
susceptibility to flooding.
In this context, the Tidili-Tiouine watershed
assumes critical importance. Conducting a thorough
examination of this watershed is essential for
understanding the physical characteristics that
influence the flow mechanisms. This knowledge is
crucial for the successful implementation of projects
aimed at mitigating the risk of overflow and
ensuring the sustainable management of water
resources in the region.
In southern Morocco, along the Lower Draa, the
In southern Morocco, along the Lower Draa, the
studied basin spans four rural communes – Tidili,
Khouzama, Amerzgane, and Siroua – situated in the
province of Ouarzazate, approximately forty
kilometers from Route Nationale No. 10.
From a climatic standpoint, the Tidili-Tiouine
region showcases a temperate Mediterranean
climate with hot, dry summers (Csa) according to
the Köppen-Geiger classification. The annual
average temperature in Tidili is 19.2°C,
complemented by an average rainfall of 353.8mm
and the average temperature in Tiouine is 19.5°C,
with an accompanying average rainfall of 161.9mm.
(meteobleu,2023)
International Journal of Advanced Natural Sciences and Engineering Researches
545
Figure 1 : Localisation of study area
Geologically, Iriri is a south-bank tributary of
the Assif Imini. Along the wadi, channelized
conglomerates are present within a red-tinged
sandstone-conglomerate series, enriched with
volcanic rock debris such as andesites and
rhyolites. This facies is characteristic of the "Base
Series" of the informal Adoudounian stage,
corresponding to the end of the Ediacaran period.
Moving westward, the Iriri valley expands into
the red volcano-sedimentary strata of the late
Ouarzazate Group, shaping an anticlinal dome
carved out by erosion known as the Tiouine dome.
International Journal of Advanced Natural Sciences and Engineering Researches
546
Figure 2 : Geological map of Tidili-Tiouine basin
II. MATERIALS AND METHOD
The utilization of a Geographic Information
System (GIS) holds significant importance in the
examination of the physical and morphometric
characteristics of a watershed. GIS provides an
integrated approach to analyze and visualize
complex geographical data, thereby aiding in the
comprehension of topographical, hydrological,
and environmental aspects of a given area.
Regarding physical features, GIS enables
detailed mapping of relief, land use, watercourses,
slopes, and other essential geographic elements.
This geospatial information establishes a robust
foundation for assessing the geomorphology of
the watershed, pinpointing flood-prone areas,
erosion-prone terrain, and other aspects of
landscape dynamics. In morphometric terms, GIS
facilitates the analysis of parameters such as
watershed area, stream length, drainage network
density, slopes, and other geometric
measurements. These data are pivotal for
quantifying the shape of the watershed, evaluating
its hydrological response to precipitation, and
understanding its specific morphological
characteristics.
Employing the SAGAGIS GIS software, we
successfully demarcated the boundaries of the
watershed under examination and pinpointed its
outlet. Subsequently, we conducted an analysis to
determine various physical parameters
characterizing the watershed. These parameters
encompassed key metrics such as surface area,
perimeter, elevation, KG shape index, orographic
index, and emissivity. Through the application of
the SAGAGIS GIS software, we not only defined
the geographical extent of the watershed but also
delved into its morphological and topographical
features, extracting essential data to comprehend
the overall characteristics of this specific
hydrological system.
By combining the functionalities of ArcGIS and
SAGA GIS, we identified and analyzed the
morphological and topographical parameters that
play a role in shaping the geomorphological style
of the watershed. This integrated approach
allowed for a detailed exploration of landform
characteristics, flow patterns, and other crucial
geographical aspects that contribute to defining
the distinctive morphology of the study area. The
synergy of these two GIS software packages
provided us with an in-depth perspective on the
geomorphological processes occurring in the
watershed, establishing the groundwork for a
comprehensive understanding of its physical
environment.
III. RESULTS
The findings of this study are manifested
through a series of maps that offer visual insights
into the essential parameters necessary for
comprehending the flow mechanisms within the
examined watershed. These maps, crafted
utilizing detailed data gathered with GIS tools,
present a lucid visual depiction of the
morphological, topographical, and hydrological
traits of the watershed.
1- Physical parameters:
International Journal of Advanced Natural Sciences and Engineering Researches
547
Table 1 : Physical parameters
These indicators are of major importance as they
collectively influence the mechanisms of surface
runoff, playing a crucial role in shaping its
hydrological response, especially in determining the
flow regime during flood periods.
2- Topographical parameters : Slope,
hypsometry, slope length, TPI, VRM and
MRVBF index
The impact of relief on runoff is easily
comprehensible, as numerous hydrometeorological
parameters (such as precipitation, temperature,
humidity, etc.) and the morphology of the basin vary
with altitude. The slope of the basin also influences
flow velocity. Relief is further characterized by
various indices or characteristics, including
hypsometry, slope map, TPI (Topographic Position
Index), profile curvature, plan curvature, and
roughness slope index...
Based on the variation of these parameters in our
study area, we have generated the following maps.
3- Geomorphological parameters : Landform
The geomorphological history and lithological
nature of the terrain are the factors that shape the
organization of a watershed's hydrographic
network. Hence, it is essential to scrutinize the
geomorphological aspect of our watershed.
4- Hydrological parameters : the channel
network classified ans the drainning density
In a watershed, channels are organized and
hierarchized into a network that directs stormwater
from streets into streams, stream water into rivers,
and river water into larger rivers. These channels are
classified according to their capacity for storage and
drainage.
The obtained maps represent, respectively, the
hydrographic network map classified according to
the Strahler classification and the drainage density
map indicating the degree of susceptibility to water
erosion.
Outlet X
667593.481
Outlet Y
3423766.695
Perimeter (Km)
287.096 Outlet
Area (Km2)
1552.446
Centroid X
640796.111
Centroid Y
3422821.079
Mean Elevation
1989.362
Gravelius index
2.1
Basin type
rectangular
Orographic
25.492
Missivity
1.8493
Figure 4 : Hypsometry of Tidili-Tiouine basin
Figure 3 : Slope map of Tidili-Tiouine basin
International Journal of Advanced Natural Sciences and Engineering Researches
548
Figure 5 : Topographical parameters
International Journal of Advanced Natural Sciences and Engineering Researches
549
Figur 6 : Geomorphplogical map of the Tidili-Tiouine
Watershed
Figure 7 : Channel network of Tidili-Tiouine
Watershed
Figure 8 : Draining density of Tidili-Tiouine basin
IV. DISCUSSION
1- Physical parameters:
Surface area and perimeter play a crucial role
in the morphological characterization of the study
basin and significantly influence the nature of the
relationship between flow and time; a large basin
reacts more gradually to a downpour. According
to the results obtained, the Tidili Tiouine
watershed has a perimeter of 287.09 km and a
surface area of 1552.44 km².
There are several indices available to
characterize runoff and compare watersheds, one
of which is the Gravelius KG shape index. This
index is a compactness measure defined as the
relationship between the perimeter of a watershed
and the perimeter of a circle with the same area.
The Gravelius index for our watershed has a value
of 2.08, indicating an elongated basin shape.
2- Topographical parameters :
The Tidili-Tiouine basin reaches a maximum
altitude of 3888 m and a minimum altitude of
1276 m, resulting in an elevation difference of
approximately 2612 m and an average altitude of
International Journal of Advanced Natural Sciences and Engineering Researches
550
1989 m. The predominant portion of the basin's
terrain lies within altitudes ranging from 1500m
to 2000 m.
The slope of the watercourse determines the speed
at which water reaches the watershed outlet and,
consequently, the time of concentration. It also
impacts the condition of stream flow within the
watershed. On low slopes, slope can lead to water
infiltration, while on high slopes, it may result in
runoff, and on steep slopes, it can cause torrential
runoff.
The Topographic Position Index, or TPI, is an
algorithm used to assess the relative topographic
position of an object or point in relation to a relief
feature. TPI operates by comparing the value of
each DTM cell with the average value of its
surrounding neighborhood. Positive values
denote areas of relatively high elevation, such as
ridges, while negative values indicate areas of
relatively low elevation, such as valleys. Values
near zero suggest areas with a constant slope.
Variation indices in terrain reggudness and
slope length are crucial parameters in the study of
water erosion. They indicate the direct
relationship between slope or terrain roughness
and the risk of soil displacement, contributing to
the deformation of basin morphology. The greater
the slope value, the higher the frequency of the
associated risk.
3- Geomorphological parameters
MrVBF or Module Multiresolution Index of
Valley Bottom Flatness, is a topographical index
designed to identify areas of material deposition
in flat valley bottoms. It is based on the
observation of the flatness of valley bottoms in
relation to their surroundings, considering that
larger valley bottoms tend to be flatter than
smaller ones. Zero values indicate eroding terrain,
while values of 1 and above indicate increasingly
larger areas of deposition. It appears that MrVBF
values correlate with the depth of deposited
material.
• Geomorphological map :
Following the analysis and interpretation of the
map, the basin can be categorized into three
primary morphological units:
High-Valley Sectors and Gorges : In these
areas, the river does not interact significantly with
alluvium, and the terrain features high valleys and
gorges. The river exhibits a steep gradient in these
sections.
Middle Sectors with Alluvial Interaction :
These sectors are characterized by the river
interacting with alluvial deposits and maintaining
a regular gradient.
Naturally Rising Areas : These areas
encompass locations where rivers have a very low
gradient, including depressions and flat terrain,
which are conducive to sediment deposition
Table 2 : Geomorphological classes
Classes
Area (Km2)
Streams
78,32
Midslope Drainages
110,12
Upland Drainages
7,80
Valleys
87,86
Plains
298,22
Open Slopes
681,21
Upper Slopes
93,73
Local Ridges
7,38
Midslope Ridges
121,40
High Ridges
66,41
4- Hydrological parameters
Strahler's (1957) classification is facilitated by
a numbering system for river sections, main
rivers, and tributaries. The order of the
watercourses, therefore, serves as a classification
reflecting the branching pattern of the river
network. This classification unambiguously
delineates the evolution of the drainage network
from upstream to downstream. It adheres to the
following rules:
• Any watercourse with no tributaries is
designated as order 1.
• The watercourse resulting from the
confluence of two watercourses of
different orders assumes the order of the
higher of the two.
• The watercourse formed by the
confluence of two watercourses of the
same order is increased by 1.
Drainage density is influenced by various
factors, including lithology, tectonics, exposure,
vegetation cover, slopes, and climate. Creating
and interpreting a drainage density map provides
substance to the concept of "chevelu" – whether it
International Journal of Advanced Natural Sciences and Engineering Researches
551
is dense or sparse. In general, regions
characterized by highly resistant or permeable
soil and subsoil, dense vegetation cover, and low
relief exhibit low drainage densities. Conversely,
under conditions of the opposite nature, very high
drainage densities are typically observed.
Drainage density, as introduced by Horton, refers
to the overall length of the drainage network per
unit area of the watershed. The drainage density in
the Tidili Tiouine basin is approximately 1
km/km². This suggests that the basin, as a whole,
features a permeable geological formation,
leading to limited and centralized drainage, while
infiltration is enhanced. The basin concludes at
one of the most significant water supply dams in
the Tiouine Ouarzazate region, serving as the
primary water collection point for our basin.
Boasting a storage capacity of 270 million cubic
meters, the dam is also designed to regulate a
volume of 30 million m³/year, with two-thirds of
this volume earmarked for providing drinking
water to the towns and centers of the provinces of
Ouarzazate and Zagora.
V. CONCLUSION
The This study delves into a hydrological
characterization of the parameters influencing
water flow in the Tidili-Tiouine basin. The
assessment reveals that the Tidili-Tiouine wadi
features a vast, elongated watershed, with
estimated perimeter and surface area of 287.09
and 1552.44 square kilometers, respectively.
Examination of hypsometric and slope maps
indicates that the flow along the Oued Tidili-
Tiouine valley is directed towards the north of the
basin. Regarding the basin's morphological
parameters, they were instrumental in forming an
understanding of flow and sedimentation patterns:
areas of depression or concavity reduce flow
velocity, thereby favoring deposition.
Conversely, open slopes act as catalysts for water
erosion. The outcomes of this characterization can
be employed in hydrological modeling, aiding
decision-makers in choosing interventions and
actions for the development of flood-prone and
erosion-prone areas. They provide a
comprehensive overview of the Tidili-Tiouine
wadi's behavior when peak flows, relative to
given return periods, are exceeded.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The authors are extremely grateful to the
Director Laboratory Geosciences, Geotourism,
Natural Hazards and remote sensing/Faculty of
sciences Semlalia in Marrakech, University Cadi
Ayyad, Morocco for their constant
encouragement and support for this study.
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