Hydrological Quantitative Analysis of the Al-Zulaimi Valley Basin and Its Potential for Water Harvesting

Abstract

This research addresses the study and analysis of the hydrological variables of the Al-Zlaimi Valley Basin, located west of Karbala Governorate, with an area of (746 km²) and an elevation ranging between (25 – 139 m). The basin contains four sub-basins. The study relied on modern technologies (Arc Map 10.8 GIS), supported by statistical models and quantitative methods, to precisely examine the hydrological characteristics of the basin. In order to understand and analyze these hydrological characteristics, the research included an analysis of the natural environment of the basin, including the geology of the area and its topographic setting, to identify their influence on the hydrological aspect. Furthermore, eleven hydrological variables were studied to assess the basin’s ability to generate surface runoff and determine the degree of flood risk. The study concluded that the degree of risk varies from low in the (main and fourth) sub-basins, to medium in the (first) sub-basin, and high in the (second and third) sub-basins.