Analysis of the morphometric characteristics of the Wadi Zannad basin using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing techniques.

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the morphometric characteristics of the Wadi Al-Zanad basin using the Digital Elevation Model (DEM). A quantitative analytical approach was employed to construct a digital geographic database of the basin's morphometric features, including its spatial, morphological, topographic, and drainage network characteristics. This database was used to create physical maps, derive various measurements of the basin, and analyze them using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies. The morphometric analysis revealed that the Wadi Al-Zanad basin occupies a small area of ​​approximately 3.06 km² and has a length of 3.6 km. Its irregular perimeter, measuring 9.05 km in length, is nearly rectangular with an elongation of 0.54. Its topography is divided into three distinct zones with varying elevations ranging from 8 to 128 meters. The gradient ranges from 0 to 3.5 degrees, classifying it as gently sloping according to Young (1972). The study also found that the drainage network comprises two different water orders, each with varying numbers and lengths, totaling 13 watercourses with a combined length of 63 km and a drainage density of 20.58 km². Furthermore, the study concluded that the drainage basin has reached a young geomorphological stage, characterized by a high roughness value of 272.8 km². The basin is highly rugged and has a coarse topographic texture, with a density of 1.4 watercourses/km², according to Smith (1950).