Prioritization of micro-watersheds in the Ecuadorian Andes using morphometric parameters, WSA and GIS/Priorizacion de microcuencas en los Andes ecuatorianos usando parametros morfometricos, WSA y GIS

The purpose of this article is to develop a prioritization and sensitivity analysis of geomorphologic factors that contribute to erosion. We study four micro-watersheds (MW) in a rugged and mountainous region of the cordillera of the Ecuadorian Andes. The linear, areal and relief aspects in each of the MW hydrographic network areas were quantified. A model that estimates priority indices for each MW was found. The results show that Pulpito micro-watershed (PMW) and Jubal micro-watershed (JMW) are highly susceptible to erosion. The risk factors in PMW, JMW and Zula micro-watershed (ZMW) are more related to fluvial geomorphic processes. While in Ozogoche micro-watershed (OMW) the risk factors are more related to geomorphic processes associated with mass movements.