Water Resources Projects in Iraq: Reservoirs in The Natural Depressions

摘要

Iraq had suffered for centuries from devastating floods, causing heavy life andproperty losses and for occasions it demolished the civilizations. Since 1950s, Iraqstarted to develop several natural depressions to function as escape to mitigate floodwaves. The projects of this kind which had developed are: Habbaniyah project,Tharthar project, Schweicha depression and Southern Marshes. The exploitation ofthese projects comprises building barrages, regulators, and dykes. For Tharthar andHabbaniyah, the diverted water re-used during drought season. Although, thesedepressions which serve as reservoirs provide invaluable role in flood protection,the construction of the existing and future dams will reduce the feasibility of theseprojects.