Analysis and Mapping of Water Erosion Vulnerability Using GIS for the Mghila Watershed, Northwest of Algeria

Abstract Intensification of extreme rainfall-runo events in arid and semi-arid regions because climate change induce the water erosion that contributes considerably to loss vegetal layers soils reduce storage capacity dams by silting transported sediments from watershed impoundment. This paper aims at proposing means for protecting Mghila dam against identification delimitation vulnerable areas erosion. dam, built North-West Algeria, ensures irrigated cultivation. Topographical, geological, land use characteristics were analyzed using geographic information system (GIS). Analysis results has allowed area percentage four-vulnerability classes with sensitivity erosion: low(18.89%), medium (13.08%), high (65.05%) very (8.38%). The spatial distribution lithological substratum friability, vegetation cover slope degrees have led development an e cient strategy management order ect on soil degradation dam.