Estimation of Eroded Soil Using Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) and Geomatics in Tartous Governorate, Syria

Abstract

Significant advancements of remote sensing application and geographic information system (GIS) in assessing soil degradation problems have been taken place over the last decades. This study explains the methodology used to integrate remote sensing and GIS techniques to characterize the spatial distribution of soil erosion by water in Tartus governorate, Syria. The universal soil loss equation (USLE) was used to calculate the annual soil loss rates for Tartus soils. Mainly Landsat ETM 2009, thematic maps of soils, landuse, Digital Elevation Model (DEM), soil profile descriptions and climate data were used to determine USLE factors. The study showed that soil erosion by water mainly threats those soils expand over mountainous areas that partly covered with vegetation and exposed to heavy rain. Mostly those lands are distributed in the northern and central parts of Tartus governorate. These areas loss about 150t/ha/y and occupy an area about 2.46 km² (equal to 0.13%) of total lands of Tartus. On the other hand, the lowest rates of soil erosion were distributed in the coastal plain, extending from the south of Tartous to the Akkar plain. These quantities of annual soil loss are considered very high, and if this water erosion persists in these high rates the soil will be eroded and the parent material will be exposed in those regions. The study also mentioned a package of remedial measures to combat land degradation.