Environmental Monitoring of Changes in the Flooded Areas of the Marshes and Their Relationship to Water Quality Using GIS Techniques

Abstract

This study aims to examine the relationship between the flooded areas of the marshes in southern Iraq and their water quality, as well as their relationship with climatic factors such as temperatures and rainfall amounts and their impact on the water discharge into the marshes of southern Iraq in the provinces (Basra, Maysan, and Dhi Qar) through the interpretation of maps with remote sensing tools of the wet cover (water and vegetation), descriptive and quantitative analysis of the flooded areas comparing them with the values of salt concentrations and clarifying the monitoring sites of the water quality and water discharge into the marshes through GIS, as well as the relationship of the wet cover with temperatures, rainfall amounts, and evaporation. The data of this study were obtained from environmental field observation data at climate monitoring stations, incoming water discharge stations, and water quality measurement sites in the three southern governorates. As for the areas of vegetation, the data was obtained through the interpretation of the satellites’ visuals (Sentinel-2 satellite) with a resolution of 15 m using GIS programs through a temporal and spatial comparison of the marshland for April -June-October for ten years (2010-2015-2020) respectively, The results showed that there is a direct relationship between the water quality and the wet cover (vegetation and water) through classification as well as the effect of climatic elements in the marshes.