Abstract
DIGITAL ELEVATION MODEL ANALYSIS FOR DAM SITE SELECTION USING GIS
Dr. Khalid A. Alkhuzai and Dr. Nagi Zomrawi Mohammed*
ABSTRACT
Water security that comprises both availability and quality of water is an important indicator of the health of human life in any area. In addition to drinking, water is important for agriculture, food security, and industry. Water demand increase with population growth and change to modern style life that places new stress on conservation of water resources and gives new challenges to compensate for the high population.[4] The future vision of the ministry of environment, water and agriculture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) aims to achieve sustainability of the environment and natural resources, in such a manner that would ensure water security, contribute to achieving food security, and improve quality of life in KSA.[10] Geographical Information System (GIS) nowadays becomes an important tool that supports decision-making in different fields. GIS packages have special tools for spatial analysis and hydrologic modeling. This research work oriented to use Geographical Information System (GIS) in mapping and selection of dam/reservoir site in Albaha Area (KSA) based on analyzing Digital Elevation Model (DEM). The Digital Elevation Model of the study area was used as a base of this study. First, the DEM was enhanced then used to study the flow direction and flow accumulation, delineating watersheds, and creating stream networks. The contour map was created to reflect a clear topographic image for the study area. After identifying the most suitable site for locating dam/reservoir, three cases were studied; Higher elevation, Intermediate and Lower elevation. Results showed that the topography of the study area can be utilized to locate a proposed dam at Almikhwah province. This dam can reserve water between about 426 to 9.8 million cubic meters with a dam height of 78 to 5 m respectively. On the other hand, the proposed dam length may vary from 625 to 247m. Moreover, GIS tools with DEM reflect powerful, easy, quick, and cheap tools for preliminary dam or reservoir site selection.
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