Geomorphological Analysis for Wadi Mousa Region / South of Jordan using the Digital Elevation Model

Abstract

This study aims at analyzing the geomorphology of Wadi Mousa region by identifying the land units that make up the region using the Digital Elevation Model (DEM). The study also includes the analysis of geomorphological processes impact on determining the morphology of the landforms for the region and connecting the morphological variation in Landforms with the topographical, geological and climatic characteristics of the region. The (DEM) is considered to be a suitable modern technology for the analysis of the geomorphology of Wadi Mousa region; as the region is characterized by extreme variation in heights and by severity of rugged territory, where heights ranged from (900-1600) meters above sea level.In its methodology to analyze the geomorphology of the region using the (DEM), the study relied on employing Arc GIS version 10.2 and its applications Arc catalog10.2, Arc Map 10.2, Arc Scene 10.2; as well as using the applications of Global mapper 15 program to build the (DEM) of the studied region and analyze its landforms geomorphological characteristics. The results showed a diversity of landforms as the geomorphological analysis showed six major land units, namely: the planation surfaces, the erosion slopes, the valley streams, the alluvial terraces, the rocky terraces, and erosion hills. These units vary in their geomorphological and morphometric characteristics as a result of multiple geomorphological processes that contributed to their formation. The most important of those processes are the tectonic movements that affected the region in the past geologic periods and the subsequent noticeable water erosive forces in rainy periods.

Keywords: Wadi Mousa, Digital Elevation Model (DEM), Geographical Information System (GIS), Geomorphological Analysis.