Page 174 - AJWEP-v22i2

Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution. Vol. 22, No. 2 (2025), pp. 168-183.
doi: 10.36922/ajwep.8499

ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE

Topographic and watershed analysis of Haditha Dam
Basin using geographic information system and remote

sensing for water management

Nabaa Isam Ali* and Salwan Sabbar Al-Hasnawi

Department of Remote Sensing, College of Remote Sensing and Geophysics, Al-Karkh University of Science, Baghdad, Iraq
*Corresponding author: Nabaa Isam Ali (nabaa.isam@kus.edu.iq)

Received: January 10, 2025; 1st revised: February 21, 2025; 2nd revised: March 13, 2025;
Accepted: March 27, 2025; Published online: April 23, 2025

Abstract: Water scarcity and inefficient water management are critical challenges, particularly in Iraq, because it
faces significant challenges in managing its water resources due to increasing demand for water and climate change,
which threatens water security. This study aims to promote sustainable water resource management practices
in arid and semi-arid regions, focusing on the Haditha Dam Basin in Iraq. The topographic and hydrological
characteristics of the basin were analyzed using geographic information systems and remote sensing techniques.
The study relied on Sentinel-1/2 satellite data to classify land use and land cover (LULC) and create high-resolution
digital elevation models (DEMs). Using ArcGIS Pro, several hydrological factors were analyzed, including slopes,
flow directions, water accumulation, and sub-basin identification. Results revealed a marked topographic contrast
between the northern and southern regions of the basin. The southern regions are characterized by flat areas that
facilitate groundwater recharge, while the steep northern slopes lead to increased erosion and rapid surface runoff.
Several sub-basins were identified, with the main basin accounting for approximately 40% of the total water input.
These results are consistent with previous studies in arid and semi-arid regions, such as the Duhok Dam Basin
in Iraq, where topographical features play a key role in hydrological response. Study limitations include DEM
accuracy, which may not capture the fine details of small-scale flow characteristics due to their resolution (10 m).
Furthermore, remote sensing cannot directly measure subsurface hydrology, requiring verification with field data or
additional models. LULC classification is also affected by seasonal variations and spectral mixing, which may affect
the accuracy of the results. Despite these challenges, the study provides valuable information for policymakers
to improve water resource management in arid regions. It also provides a scientific basis for developing more
effective flood control and reservoir management strategies, contributing to sustainable water resource planning.

Keywords: Watershed management; Hydrological analysis; Geographic information system; Digital elevation
model; Terrain modeling

1. Introduction process contributes to numerous water constituents,
the increasing population pressure has made the water
Water is a key issue in Asia. Various non-natural situation very critical in quantitative and qualitative
factors have impacted the amount and quality of terms due to natural effluents flowing into natural water
water in South Asia. Although the natural weathering bodies. Water is necessary for drinking, sanitation,
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Volume 22 Issue 2 (2025) 168 doi: 10.36922/ajwep.8499