Examining how the physical morphology of watersheds affects connectivity and hydrological pathways
Journal of African Earth Sciences, cilt.244, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 244
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2026.106265
- Dergi Adı: Journal of African Earth Sciences
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Geobase, INSPEC, Zoological Record
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Analytical hierarchical process (AHP), Erodibility, Morphometry parameters, TOPSIS and VIKOR models, Zohreh watershed
- Kocaeli Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Soil erosion caused by natural and human factors threatens ecosystems, agriculture, and water quality globally. This study evaluates the erodibility of the Zohreh watershed in Fars Province, Iran, using morphometric parameters and decision-making models like VIKOR and TOPSIS. The analysis involved 15 parameters, including shape and linear characteristics such as mean slope, precipitation, and drainage density. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) model helped determine the importance of each parameter. Results showed that mean annual precipitation, plan curvature, and mean slope had the highest weights, significantly affecting erodibility, while the shape factor had the least impact. Sub-watersheds 12 and 20 were identified as high priority for management, whereas sub-watersheds 20 and 3 showed low sensitivity to erosion. Overall, the majority of the area had low to moderate sensitivity to erodibility, confirming the accuracy of the decision-making models and highlighting the need for targeted management strategies.