Mosul dam issues: analysis of the problem based on several studies

Abstract

Mosul Dam is the Middle East’s second-largest dam in terms of reservoir capacity. Since its inception in 1986, this dam has been plagued by seepage difficulties in its base caused by the breakdown of gypsum. Underneath the foundation, there are strata of anhydrite. This occurrence has sparked worry the dam’s stability. This paper presents a survey of studies conducted by several researchers on concerns related to the stability and safety of the Mosul Dam in Iraq. Additionally, the implications of the dam breach scenarios are to be presented and discussed. In another word, the Mosul Dam issues are assessed with different references to geologic challenges of the abutments and foundation, dissolution of gypsum and formation of sinkholes, dissolution of gypsum and seepage, and the probable scenarios for concerns of dam failure. After the ISIS conflict, maintenance has been disrupted and signs at the dam have triggered renewed concerns. Consequently, the Iraqi government have contracted the Italian engineering company Trevi to start remedial work on the dam. This work was in 2016. Therefore, the present state of Mosul Dam was declared as safe and stable.