Background and Objective: The purpose of this study is to analyze and describe the hydro-geomorphological and natural factors of the Firoozabad watershed, located in Ardabil Province, using modern GIS technologies and cloud-based processing via Google Earth Engine (GEE).
Methodology: To achieve the study objectives, geomorphic and environmental factors—such as vegetation cover and land use—were extracted from Sentinel-2 satellite imagery and the GLC-FCS30D database within the GEE environment, which enabled fast and accurate processing of large-scale datasets. Elevation data with a spatial resolution of 12.5 meters were obtained from the ALOS PALSAR Digital Elevation Model, and geological and soil type data were provided by the Geological Survey of Iran. Data analysis was carried out using GIS software and GEE, leading to the creation of various maps to identify spatial patterns and interrelations between factors.
Results and Findings: The NDVI values ranged from -0.26 to 0.67, indicating that the densest vegetation cover is found in the northeastern and eastern parts of the watershed, while the western, southwestern, and certain central areas show a noticeable reduction. The average slope of the basin is approximately 20%, with a standard deviation of 13.63%. Areas with slopes exceeding 40% are prone to severe erosion and rapid surface runoff. Annual precipitation varies between 531 and 837 mm, and its uneven distribution influences both vegetation patterns and hydrological processes. The geological structure, featuring erosion-prone formations like marls and shales alongside permeable alluvial layers, significantly affects the watershed's hydrological and morphological dynamics. The mean elevation is 1,895 meters, with an elevation range from 1,118 to 3,225 meters. Land use is predominantly composed of rangelands (54%) and agricultural lands (44%), where poor management could threaten natural resources. These findings can provide a scientific and practical foundation for watershed management planning focused on conserving soil and water resources and reducing the risks of erosion, floods, and landslides.