Morphometric analysis of Mersa matrouh Wadi basins, Egypt using ASTER (DEM)‎ data and spatial information techniques

الملخص EN

Projected Digital Elevation Model (ASTER-DEM-30m), Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and global Positioning System (GPS) were prepared and used to evaluate the morphometric aspects of seven drainage basins in Mersa Matrouh area namely from east to west are: Kharruba, el-Raml, Madwar, Magid, el-Washka, Senab and Umm-Ashtan watersheds.

Results of morphometric parameters such as linear (one dimension), areal (two dimensions) and relief (three dimensions) aspects of the wadi basins revealed that the drainage basins occupy an area of about 388 sq.km and they were found to be strongly elongated with mean elongation ratio of 0.42 and mean circularity ratio of 0.21.

The basin drainage density was considered to be low as well as stream frequency and bifurcation ratio indicating the surface runoff has low potential and it is not quickly discharged.

On the other hand, the studied drainage basins are characterized by low to moderate relief.

Accordingly, the basin’s area has a good groundwater prospect can be used to agricultural activity.

The present study may be useful in water resources management for sustainable development.