Spatial Analysis Of Water Erosion Risk In Khenchela Province Using RUSLE And GIS Techniques

Abstract

Water erosion represents one of the major environmental processes leading to soil degradation, particularly in mountainous and semi-arid regions characterized by steep slopes and fragile landscapes. This study aims to evaluate the spatial distribution of water erosion risk in Khenchela Province (Algeria) by integrating the RUSLE model (Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation) with Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques.

The analysis relied on multi-source datasets, including a Digital Elevation Model (DEM), rainfall records, soil maps, vegetation indices (NDVI), and land use patterns. Each RUSLE factor (R, K, LS, C, and P) was computed and spatially analyzed to produce an erosion risk map. Results revealed that the northern and eastern parts of Khenchela, especially in the Shashar, Tamza, and Bouhmama districts, are the most vulnerable to erosion due to steep slopes and high rainfall intensity. Conversely, the southern plains exhibit low erosion potential. The study demonstrates the efficiency of combining RUSLE modeling and GIS-based spatial analysis in assessing soil loss, providing valuable insights for sustainable land management and erosion control planning.