Modelling soil erosion and Sedimentation using Cesium-137 isotope and sustainable development challenges in Wadi Aws Basin in Aseer Region.

This study investigates water erosion in the Wadi Aws basin using a radiometric
approach based on cesium-137 as a radioisotope widely recognised for its ability to
estimate soil loss over medium-term periods. This method enabled the development
of a zonation map to classify erosion levels across different sectors of the basin.
Additionally, statistical analysis within a Geographic Information Systems framework
was employed to inspect factors influencing erosion. The research also investigates
sustainable management strategies for water and vegetation resources, including
agricultural and natural environments. The results revealed that the Wadi Aws basin
records an average soil loss of about 44.58 t/ha/year, with a parallel sedimentation
rate of around 56.22 t/ha/year. This results in a positive sediment balance of roughly
5.703 t/ha/year. However, this balance is just quantified without accounting for its
spatial distribution. To address this, geostatistical methods, such as Hotspot, Factor
analysis and PCA analyses, were applied to identify priority areas for intervention.
These analyses offer practical insights to mitigate future risks and offer efficient
strategies for preserving the basin's natural resources and ensuring their sustainability
for future generations.