Morphometric Characteristics of Al-Khoser River Basin by Using GIS / Mosul - Iraq

Abstract

This research deals the morphometric characteristics of the Al-Khoser river basin, which is located north of Mosul, using the GIS software to create a database for the drainage basin and convert these data into digital maps that describe the impact of its natural characteristics. Digital elevation model (DEM) was used to construct the drainage basin bounds and valley streams network, as well as to determine morphometric parameters using a series of special mathematical equations after relating them to the drainage basin's natural characteristics. The basin is characterized by a high relief ratio of (17.23) m/km, this can be attributed to an increase in the distance between the highest point in the basin, which reached to (1238) meters and its lowest point (215) meters. And a reduction in roughness and drainage density of )2.55( and )2.5( km/km2, respectively. Different parts of the basin have different structural conditions and types of rocks. Increased erosion activity in the basin is evidence of this geomorphological activity. It has been observed that the duration, strength, and intensity of the rain that falls on the basin parts changes from the source to the estuary. The value of the basin's form factor is (0.31), indicating that its shape is elongated, which leads to the loss of huge quantities of water throughout the long runoff period through evaporation and leakage, hence reducing the likelihood of flooding. The study suggested building a few dams on the Al-Khoser river's tributaries to store rainwater and use it to irrigate agricultural land.