Hydrological Characteristics of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers

摘要

The Middle East is considered as an arid to a semi-arid region where the annualrainfall does not exceed 166mm/y. Water shortage issue within this area is one ofthe prime issues of friction and tension between the countries of the Middle East.Iraq is located within the Middle East. It covers an area 437072 square kilometerwith a population of 38.27 million. Iraq used to be considered rich in its waterresources due to the presence of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. The catchmentsof these rivers are shared with Turkey, Syria, Iran and Saudi Arabia. Building ofdams in the upper parts of the catchment since the seventies as well as climatechange affecting the region caused water shortage problems in Iraq. The flow of thetwo main rivers decreased tremendously. To overcome this problem, prudent watermanagement plan is required. Such plan should include the use of non-conventionalwater resources, new irrigation techniques, public awareness, and new watermanagement strategies. This will help to reduce the impact of water shortageproblems.