Water Erosion Assessment and its Relation with Human Activities Case Study, Metlili Oasis, Southern Algeria

Oases are fragile ecosystems that face many challenges threatening their sustainability. One of these challenges is water erosion, a phenomenon that is rapidly increasing worldwide and threatens the sustainability of ecosystems in general, and oases in particular. Our study focuses on assessing the rate of water erosion in one of Algeria's most important oases, Metlili Oasis. This assessment is based on integrating remote sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with the Erosion Potential Method (EPM) model. After identifying the erosion pattern, we attempt to determine the primary cause behind this development using the results of a field survey distributed to the oasis residents. The results indicate that human activities had a significant impact on the rate of erosion. The findings of this study can serve as an important tool for authorities in managing and protecting the natural resources of the Metlili Oasis by implementing developmental programs that protect the oasis system and ensure its sustainability. The study's recommendations include encouraging residents to engage in reforestation and increase vegetation cover with suitable crops, which will help protect the soil from water erosion. The study also highlights the importance of remote sensing technologies and GIS in studying natural phenomena, especially in areas where fieldwork is challenging.