Modeling and mapping of water erosion in northeastern Algeria using a seasonal multicriteria approach

Aurès region remains one of the most exposed areas to water erosion phenomenon in Algeria, because of the strong climatic aggressiveness, the rugged relief, the predominance of sensitive land, and a vegetative cover that does not play its protective role. This article is a part of studies performed to protect agricultural and water infrastructure in this region. The main objective of this study is the cartographic modeling of an erosion hazard at the Oued Chemoura watershed, representative of the Aurès. The modeling approach uses a geographic information system and incorporates the following six factors controlling erosion: slope, friability of substrate, erodibility of soils, land cover, rainfall erosivity, and support practices. Result shows a synthetic map of the soil erosion hazard which locates the most threatened areas and priorities for possible planning interventions. A statistical study on the relationship solid–liquid flow was developed. Measurements conducted at the station of Chemoura, over the period 1969–1994, were exploited for this purpose. The results show a high specific degradation varying between 50 and 360 tons km^?2 season^?1.     

Simulation of water resources management scenarios in western Algeria watersheds using WEAP model

The question of water constitutes a permanent challenge for the countries of North Africa in general and Algeria in particular. For over 20 years, western Algeria region had significant rainfall deficits that resulted in severe droughts, which seriously affected the water resources in terms of quality and quantity. This research presents one of the Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) model applications in watersheds of western Algeria. The model is applied to evaluate and analyze the existing balance and expected future water resources management scenarios by taking into account the different operating policies and factors that may affect demand until 2030. The results showed that neither domestic demand nor agricultural demand is met for the basis year 2006. The results also showed that domestic demand can be satisfied for the considered scenarios. Demand management and development of standard of living are the necessary procedures for proper management of the available resources. However, agricultural demand cannot be satisfied for Development of Large Irrigation System scenarios. The results confirmed that WEAP software offers a solid basis to assist planners in developing recommendations for future water resource management by revealing hot spots of action.