TITLE:
Quantitative Analysis of Geomorphometric Parameters of Wadi Kerak, Jordan, Using Remote Sensing and GIS
AUTHORS:
Yahya Farhan, Ali Anbar, Omar Enaba, Nisrin Al-Shaikh
KEYWORDS:
ASTER DEM, Drainage Morphometry, Dissection Index, Rejuvenation, Hypsometric Analysis, Clinographic Curve
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Water Resource and Protection,
Vol.7 No.6,
April
10,
2015
ABSTRACT: Geomorphometric analysis was carried out to illustrate the drainage
characteristics and morphology of Wadi Kerak watershed, southern Jordan. The
basic and derived morphometric parameters (linear, areal and relief aspects of
drainage network) for the basin were determined using ASTER DEM (30 m
resolution) and Geographic Information System (GIS). These parameters describe
the basin drainage network, geometry, texture, and relief characteristics. The
hypsometric curve, hypsometric integral and clinographic curve were also
prepared using topographic maps of 1:50,000 scale. Findings have revealed that
W. Kerak is in the youth-age stage of geomorphic evolution. Fluvial erosion
associated with successive phases of rejuvenation plays a significant role in
drainage basin development, whereas structure and tectonics, lithology and
relief dictate the drainage pattern and morphological setting of the catchment.
The drainage area of the watershed is 190.9 km2 and constitutes a 5th-order
drainage basin. The commonly observed drainage patterns are the trellis type,
with sub-dendritic pattern recognized in the upper catchment. The drainage
pattern, and the semi-linear alignment of main and branching drainage indicate
the prominent influence of the Kerak-Al-fiha fault system on the drainage
network. High dissection, relative relief, relief ratio, steep slopes and
breaks of slopes are characteristic of W. Kerak. Morphometric analysis reveals
that four rejuvenation phases caused severe erosion and down cutting activity
in the past, and it is still susceptible to surface erosion at present.