التحليل المورفومتري لحوض نهر قره طاطا في الساحل السوري باستخدام نظم المعلومات الجغرافية

Abstract

This research aims to address a knowledge gap in the hydrological studies of the Syrian coast by conducting the first comprehensive quantitative morphometric analysis of the Qara Tatta River Basin – the largest independent basin within the Al-Basit watershed – which had not been previously studied in detail. The study relied on a 30-meter resolution Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) techniques to extract and analyze 19 morphometric parameters, encompassing areal, shape, topographic, and drainage network characteristics.

The results revealed that the basin features rugged and active geomorphic terrain, with a total relief of 744 meters and a ruggedness index of 49. There was a clear dominance of short-length streams (orders 1–3), constituting 94.66% of the total drainage network. An integrated analysis of morphometric and hydrological characteristics showed that the basin combines features of steep, short coastal basins with a relatively moderate hydrological response. The drainage density was 1.45 km/km², and the weighted bifurcation ratio reached 4.527, reflecting a medium drainage efficiency.

The practical significance of the study lies in its precise identification of critical hotspots most susceptible to erosion and sediment transport (areas with stream orders 1–3) and steep slope areas with a high potential for generating rapid surface runoff. This study establishes a spatially referenced database that was previously unavailable, serving as a robust scientific foundation for developing effective water resource management plans, designing rainwater harvesting projects, and planning measures to mitigate erosion and surface runoff risks in the basin and similar basins along the Syrian coast.