Hydrological and Geometric Analysis of a Proposed Reservoir on the Upper Zab River Using GIS and Remote Sensing Techniques

Abstract

Iraq and many countries are currently facing complex challenges concerning desertification and scarcity of water resources due to the increased demand for water and climate change. This study proposes establishing a water reservoir to address Iraq's water resource deficit, focusing on selecting the optimal location along the Upper Zab River. This river supplies approximately 26.6% of the Tigris River's water, yet it lacks any existing dams or reservoirs in its Iraqi stretch. The study has two main parts: First, it identifies the ideal dam reservoir location using GIS and other tools, determining a minimum capacity of 5.5 billion cubic meters. The study's second part involves gathering extensive meteorological and hydrological data from the upstream basins of the reservoir. This data supports the choice of the dam location as it is ideal for a water reservoir. The study also factors in the local population and nearby villages and essential data on multi-year water discharge and seasonal variations to determine dam filling time and create suitable management plans. At a water level of 372.5 meters, there is a significant change in positive lake areas and volumes. The positive volume increased substantially from 4.1 to 23.75 million cubic meters compared to 370 meters. Similarly, the positive surface area expanded notably from 1.22 to 2.28 million square meters. This trend is also seen in the positive surface area, which shifts from 1.23 to 2.54 million square meters at the same water levels. The current study considered the support of water management strategies in accordance with the principle of balance between the needs of society, the protection of the ecosystem, and the economic system. It also ensured insignificant population displacement and harm to agricultural lands in the dam basin area.