Characteristics of the watershed and their implications for the hydrological response to water in the Nafit basin, East Iraq, Using Spatial Information Technology

Abstract

It has been proven that spatial information technology, ie GIS, and remote sensing are an effective tool in the identification and planning of drainage pattern and management and planning of water resources. GIS and image processing were adopted to determine morphological characteristics and analyze them in the Nafit river basin in Diyala Governorate, east Iraq and western Iran. The basin morphometric parameters such as linear, aerial and relief aspects of the river basin were determined and computed using ArcGIS v. 10.3software. Stream orders in the basin affected to the conditions of rock structures and physiographies conditions. The study area is covered by (Fatha Formation, Injana Formation, Mukdadiya Formation and Quaternary deposits) with the area (3723km2). It is 6th order drainage basin and drainage pattern mainly in sub dendritic to dendritic type. The hydrological characteristics of the basin are influenced by the type and composition of the rocks and the amounts of rainfall.