Comparative Analysis of Developed Rainfall Intensity–Duration–Frequency Curves for Erbil with Other Iraqi Urban Areas

Abstract

Rainfall Intensity–Duration–Frequency (IDF) relationships are widely used in water infrastructure design and construction. IDF curves represent the relationship between rainfall intensity, duration, and frequency, and are obtained by analyzing observed data. These relationships are critical for the safe design of flood protection structures, storm sewers, culverts, bridges, etc. In this study, the IDF curves and empirical IDF formulas for the city of Erbil were developed for the first time by employing the annual maximum rainfall data for a period of 39 years (1980–2018), which is the only available recorded data. Statistical techniques such as Gumbel and Log-Pearson Type III (LPT III) were utilized to determine the IDF curves and empirical equations from daily rainfall data for several standard durations and return periods. The correlation between the rainfall intensities obtained from IDF curves and the empirical formula presented a reliable match, with a coefficient of determination of (R2 = 1). The results were compared to previously developed IDF curves and empirical formulas in Iraqi cities to show their reliability. Moreover, the results can be an initial step for authorities to establish required guidelines in the studied area, and in the design process of the storm water infrastructure of urban basins in the future.

Utilizing Satellite Data to Establish Rainfall Intensity-Duration-Frequency Curves for Major Cities in Iraq

“…No study has been conducted earlier to calculate the IDF using satellite rainfall data in Iraq. Kareem et al [56] created the IDF curves for Erbil city using IDF curves and empirical IDF formulas using metrological stations. Mahdi et al [57] compared different probability distributions to update the IDF curve of Baghdad city.…”

Detection of Common Bacterial And Viral Pathogens Causing Community Acquired Pneumonia Using Rt-pcr And Its Correlation with Some Clinical And Demographic Parameters

“…The situation becomes worse due to the poor drainage system of the city which is inadequate for accommodating large volumes of rain pouring down in short durations. Due to that, floods are occurring frequently in the rainfall seasons causing countless property damages and posing life threatening situations to its residents (announced by Dohuk Directorate of Sewerage and reported in local media) Kareem et al, (2022) have published a paper on deriving IDF curves and empirical intensity formulas for the city of Erbil *** using Gumbel and Log-Pearson Type III (LPT III) statistical distributions. They have found a close match between results obtained from aforementioned distribution methods used for analysing maximum annual rainfall for 39 years .…”

“…To highlight the reliability of their study, the researchers compared the results of their study with previously developed IDF curves for other Iraqi cities. Moreover, they've suggested that their findings could be used as a first initiative for developing guidelines and designing storm water infrastructures (Kareem, D. A., M Amen, A. R., Mustafa, A., Yüce, M. I., & Szydłowski, M. (2022)). Similarly, the authors of this research have decided to adopt the same approach for Dohuk city and derive upto-date IDF curves and empirical intensity formulas using Gumbel and Log Pearson Type III distribution (LPT III).…”

Flood Hazards in Erbil City Kurdistan Region Iraq, 2021: A Case Study

“…Four of them had maximum daily rainfall (for a 39-year dataset) and were rated as having a probability of exceedance of (1% -10%). [5] studied the Rainfall Intensity-Duration-Frequency (IDF) relationships, which are critical for the safe design of flood protection structures, storm sewers, culverts, bridges, etc. The IDF curves and empirical IDF formulas for the city of Erbil were developed for the first time by employing the annual maximum rainfall data for a period of 39 years (1980-2018), which is the only available recorded data.…”