Geo-environmental analysis of erosion factors in the Soummam watershed, North-East Algeria

Abstract

Soil erosion remains insufficiently understood in terms of its spatial variability and the combined influence of environmental drivers, leaving a critical methodological gap for effective conservation planning. This study addresses this gap by integrating Geographic Information Systems, Remote Sensing, Canonical Correlation Analysis, and the Soil Water Assessment Tool to predict erosion patterns and assess key controlling factors within a large river basin. Multiple data sources, including rainfall, climate, hydrometric, land use, soil, digital elevation, and satellite records, were analyzed. The modeling process revealed considerable annual soil loss across the basin and highlighted limited zones with particularly severe erosion. Canonical Correlation Analysis showed that vegetation cover and topography were the most influential factors, with terrain effects associated with increased soil loss and vegetation cover associated with reduced soil loss. Additional modeling in a sub-basin indicated erosion consistent with documented reductions in reservoir capacity. The findings demonstrate that erosion is both significant and spatially heterogeneous, providing a basis for developing targeted soil conservation strategies. The implications of this study include improved predictive understanding of erosion risk and enhanced decision support for land and water managers seeking to mitigate environmental degradation.

Keywords: Canonical Correlation Analysis; erosion modeling; remote sensing; soil conservation; watershed management.