Evaluation of morphometric parameters using geographic information system coupled with digital elevation model: A case study from Gumara watershed, Ethiopia

Abstract Every year during the monsoons, water‐activated soil erosion poses serious spatial–environmental tribulations, causing heavy damage to agricultural lands and sedimentation in reservoirs, creating water quality problems in nearby surface water bodies. A digital elevation model (DEM) and geographic information system (GIS) are coupled to investigate the various morphometric parameters and their hydrological implications. The software used to perform the overall analysis is the ESRI ArcGIS v10.3.1 with the ESRI Spatial Analyst and ArcHydro extension. Morphometric examination plays a vital role in watershed planning. For example, stream power index (SPI) analysis helps in delineating the areas prone to erosion. The zones with high values of SPI demand conservation measures in the Gumara watershed, Ethiopia. The general outcomes demonstrate that the use of DEM combined with GIS provide potentially powerful tools to analyze morphometric parameters for watershed management.