Evaluation of the proposed regulatory barrage on the course of the Shatt Al-Arab River

Abstract

The sharp rise in the salinity of the waters of the Shatt al-Arab River is caused by the intrusion of seawater towards the upper reaches of the river to reach the north of the city center of Basra. The reason for this is the decrease in the flow of fresh water from the upper side river and the recurrence of this phenomenon during the years 2009 and 2018. This inspired officials and water specialists to demand the construction of a barrage on the course of the river to prevent the intrusion of salty sea water and to preserve the freshwater flowing in the course of the river. Although most of those concerned agreed that the construction of the barrage is the solution, they differed in choosing the optimal site for the construction of this barrage. There are three proposed sites for the construction of the barrage, which are Ras Al Bishah, Abu Flus, and the Ktaiban site. For these three sites, there are features and obstacles due to the varying natural and human c

The sharp rise in the salinity of the waters of the Shatt al-Arab River is caused by the intrusion of seawater towards the upper reaches of the river to reach the north of the city center of Basra. The reason for this is the decrease in the flow of fresh water from the upper side river and the recurrence of this phenomenon during the years 2009 and 2018. This inspired officials and water specialists to demand the construction of a barrage on the course of the river to prevent the intrusion of salty sea water and to preserve the freshwater flowing in the course of the river. Although most of those concerned agreed that the construction of the barrage is the solution, they differed in choosing the optimal site for the construction of this barrage. There are three proposed sites for the construction of the barrage, which are Ras Al Bishah, Abu Flus, and the Ktaiban site. For these three sites, there are features and obstacles due to the varying natural and human characteristics. In case an agreement is reached between the Iraqi and Iranian sides for cooperation to manage the Shatt Al-Arab River, the Ras Al - Bishah site is considered the best site for the establishment of the barrage on the course of the river. In case of disagreement between the two countries on the management of the river's water, the Ktaiban site is considered the best site for the construction of that barrage.                                                         

haracteristics. In case an agreement is reached between the Iraqi and Iranian sides for cooperation to manage the Shatt Al-Arab River, the Ras Al - Bishah site is considered the best site for the establishment of the barrage on the course of the river. In case of disagreement between the two countries on the management of the river's water, the Ktaiban site is considered the best site for the construction of that barrage.