Available Potential for Managing Investment of Hawr Al-Shuwaija Water Using Geomatics Applications - GEE Engine Platform

Abstract

Climate and political changes compel us to seek the best available technical means to develop our water resources and move forward in achieving optimal management of this resource, which has become increasingly scarce. Hence, the process of harvesting water during the rainy season at the appropriate time and place, according to all historical data and geographical analyses using geomatics applications represented here by the GEE engine platform, has made the lowland of Hawr Al-Shuwaija - east of Wasit province - represent the ideal target for this study.

The study concluded using geomatics information applications that Hawr Al-Shuwaija depression represents an important and very suitable site for water harvesting operations, and thus the possibility of transforming it from a seasonal marsh appearance to a permanent water surface in the region through the construction of appropriate dams and barriers. This will result in a large storage capacity reaching more than one billion cubic meters. Consequently, this process will be a significant addition to Iraqi water resources to confront the dangers and disasters of drought and severe desertification in the region due to climate change and its severity on one hand, and what Iraq's arbitrary policies impose from neighboring countries on the other hand.

Therefore, implementing this project will enable real development of water resources and consequently agricultural, tourist, and environmental resources in this important region of Iraq. To achieve the greatest benefit, it is essential to take future measures to limit and control evaporation, especially during Iraq's scorching summer season, which appropriate solutions and methods have been proposed for in this study.