Morphometric Analysis of Wadi Amhairith Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Abstract

This study aims to identify the morphometric characteristics of the drainage network of one of the most important dry valleys in northern Oujeft Province, namely Wadi Amhairith, using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology. The study focuses on revealing the morphometric characteristics represented by the areal, shape, relief, and drainage network properties in order to establish a geographic database for the basin.  A drainage network map of the Wadi Amhairith Basin was produced and classified according to the Strahler stream-ordering method. The basin covers an area of 207.96 km², with a perimeter of 114.86 km and a length of 30.86 km. The analytical results indicate that the basin shape tends more toward a rectangular form than a circular one. The drainage network is characterized by variations in the number and lengths of streams from one order to another due to their formation processes and origins, as well as differences in the basin's topographic characteristics. The total number of streams within the Wadi Amhairith Basin reached 781 channels, with a combined length of 495.87 km.