Analyzing the Influence of Morphometric Characteristics on Hydrological Response: A Case Study from Morocco

Year 2026, Volume: 11 Issue: 2, 274 - 287

Soukaina Amrani , Abdelouahed El-amrani

https://doi.org/10.26833/ijeg.1709790

Abstract

This article focuses on analyzing the relationship between the hydrological response and the morphometric characteristics of the Tamri watershed, located in the Western High Atlas of Morocco. The research seeks to answer a key question: how do the Tamri watershed’s geometric and topographic features influence its hydrological behavior? Given the arid and semi-arid nature of the region, understanding these interactions is essential for effective water resource management and flood risk mitigation. The study utilizes a quantitative approach, integrating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing techniques to analyze morphometric parameters such as drainage density, basin shape, slope, and stream network. These analyses are based on a Digital Elevation Model (DEM), topographical maps, and relevant hydrological and climatic datasets. Additionally, a geographical approach is adopted to describe and interpret the relationships between the morphometric characteristics of the watershed and its hydrological response. The main results reveal that the hydrological response of the Tamri watershed is primarily influenced by the interaction between its geometric and topographic characteristics. High drainage density and steep slopes contribute to rapid runoff and increased flood risk. Furthermore, effective spatial management of arid and semi-arid watersheds depends on regulating surface water flow and optimizing the connection between upstream and downstream areas. These insights highlight the importance of integrating morphometric analysis into watershed management strategies to enhance resilience against extreme hydrological events in similar environments.

Keywords

Morphometric characteristics , GIS and DEM , Hydrological response , Tamri watershed , Morocco

Ethical Statement

This study was conducted in accordance with the ethical standards of academic research and adheres to all applicable national and international guidelines. No human participants or animals were involved in the research, and no sensitive personal data were collected. The data used in this study were obtained from publicly available sources and/or remote sensing platforms, and all analyses were carried out with due consideration for environmental and scientific integrity. All necessary permissions for the use of topographic, hydrological, and morphometric data were obtained from relevant authorities where required. The research did not involve any intervention or alteration of natural landscapes, and care was taken to ensure that local ecosystems and communities were respected throughout the course of the study.

Thanks

The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude to the editor for the time, effort, and constructive guidance provided throughout the review process. Your insightful comments and editorial support have significantly contributed to improving the quality and clarity of this manuscript. We greatly appreciate your dedication to maintaining the high standards of the journal.

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