Regional modeling of soil sensitivity to water erosion in JIJEL region (Algeria) using MCA and GIS

Water erosion is a serious problem that threatens more and more soils in northern Algeria and particularly in Jijel region. The potential of its natural and tourist resources makes this region an important ecological and socio-economic area that deserves to be preserved. The main objective of this work is to apply a weighted-sum model to water erosion sensitivity mapping in Jijel region by integrating geographical information system (GIS). Four layers of data modeling factors responsible for soil erosion vulnerability were combined: precipitation, topography, lithology, and vegetation cover. The resulting water-erosion sensitivity map enabled distinguishing areas most threatened by erosion; 77% of the total area was found to be highly susceptible to water erosion, mainly caused by steep slopes and vegetation cover degraded by summer fires. The sensitivity map was validated by the high statistically significant value of chi-square test and is, therefore, a solid tool on which local decision-makers can rely to define priority protection areas.