Modelling wind-erosion risk in the Laghouat region (Algeria) using geomatics approach

  • Djouher Saadoud
  • Mohamed Saïd Guettouche
  • Mohamed Hassani
  • Francisco José Martin Peinado
Original Paper
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Accepted:
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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 (Rwe) 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.

Keywords

Soil Wind erosion Laghouat GIS Remote sensing Risk 
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Notes

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Mr. David Nesbitt for the English revision and the Department of Soil, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Spain, for the laboratory analysis of this research. The authors also thank Editor-in-Chief Abdullah M. Al-Amri and Associate Editor Domenico Doronzo for their useful comments and suggestions that greatly contributed to improving the final version of the original manuscript.

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Copyright information

© Saudi Society for Geosciences 2017

Authors and Affiliations

  • Djouher Saadoud
    • 1
  • Mohamed Saïd Guettouche
    • 1
  • Mohamed Hassani
    • 2
  • Francisco José Martin Peinado
    • 3
  1. 1.Laboratory of Geomorphology and Geo-risks, Faculty of Earth Science, Geographical and Territorial PlanningUniversity of Sciences and Technology Houari Boumediene, (U.S.T.H.B)AlgiersAlgeria
  2. 2.Department of Geophysics, Faculty of Earth Science, Geographical and Territorial Planning, Laboratory of GeophysicsUniversity of Sciences and Technology Houari Boumediene (U.S.T.H.B)AlgiersAlgeria
  3. 3.Department of Soil Science, Faculty of SciencesUniversity of GranadaGranadaSpain

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