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

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

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