Optimizing the dataset size of a topo-bathymetric survey for Hammam Debagh Dam, Algeria

Abstract

The capacity of water reservoirs may be considerably reduced by sediment transport and accumulation. This phenomenon may occur quickly in regions prone to erosion, such as Hammam Debagh Dam region in Algeria. For better management of water resources, it is important to estimate the volume of a reservoir by regular and frequent topo-bathymetric surveys. Topo-bathymetric surveys with a high point measurement density are expensive and time-consuming. To reduce this expense and to increase the frequency of topo-bathymetric surveys, it is required to optimize their size and density. The complete survey of the reservoir created by the Hammam Debagh Dam in Algeria was examined in comparison with 19 reduction subsets using geostatistics. The study showed that the complete dataset of 32,164 points, corresponding to a density of 42 points ha-1 could be reduced to 10,000 points, i.e. 13 points ha-1, without affecting the estimation of the water volume in the reservoir. This reduction could considerably simplify the work load, reduce the expenses to do these surveys, and, therefore, allow for an increased frequency of topo-bathymetric surveys.