Mapping of Land Degradation Using Revised Erosion Potential Method Into a GIS and RS: Case Study in Rif Mountains, Northern Morocco

Abstract

The Rif Mountains extends 31.375 km2, is occupied in the north of Morocco, on the Mediterranean slopes, and the rainfall is relatively abundant in the western part and scarce in the eastern part, and irregular, with strong anthropic pressure. This has affected the use of forest and soil resources. This area has been subject to anthropogenic pressure which is steeped in history as an extensive agricultural- forestry-pastoral production system. This deterioration has resulted in intense erosive dynamics that can be seen in various forms, including, the areal etching, the gully and landslides. This dynamic erosion gradually and inevitably leads to soil degradation, causing serious problems in terms of loss soil and silting up of dams. To evaluate this dynamic, we have integrated of the Erosion Potential Method into a GIS & RS, for soil losses estimation allows to approach the severity of the erosive phenomenon, in order to identify as well as map the sensitive and high-risk areas of water erosion and the regions of intervention urgency in the Rif Mountains. Soil losses range from 17.254 to 0 t/ha/yr, the average rate of losses is 46 t/ha/ yr (Erosion in the plot). Potential total erosion in Rif Mountains in the order of 144.292.972 t/yr. Thus, the average amount delivered per unit area is 8.55 t/ha/yr (total of 26.825.625 t/yr).