Prioritization of sub-basins by morphometric analysis of the drainage basin for adopting protective measures in Galikesh Watershed

Watershed is regarded as a very complex system of natural, social, economic and ecological dimensions and like any similar systems, exploitation of its resources requires a comprehensive and coordinated planning and management. Given the importance of watershed management projects for the development and management of natural resources, the enhancement of the efficiency of these activities is essential in order to avoid wasting capitals. Prioritization of sub-basins is one of the most comprehensive natural resource management and sustainable development practices. The purpose of this study was to prioritize the sub-basins of Galikesh watershed in Golestan province by morphometric analysis and GIS. Morphometric analysis as a low-cost and quick method has attracted much attention in recent years. In this study, analysis of morphometric parameters included overland flow length, bifurcation ratio, drainage density, drainage texture, basin form coefficient, and roundness factor, coefficient of elongation and compression ratio. These parameters are divided as either linear (correlated with erosion) or form (inversely with erosion) coefficients. The priority of each sub-basin was determined according to the total averages of morphometric parameters. The results of morphometric parameters showed that the highest number of sub-basins fall in the middle to high classes (44.44%) with 6A, 4A and 9A facing critical situation, and 3A and 1A with a more favorable situation than the other sub-basins. Field studies properly corroborate the results, as watersheds 6A and 4A have the highest erosion and poorest soils (hydrologic group C). Therefore, this type of research can be used as a low-cost and quick method of watersheds prioritization in order to carry out protective measures.