Dry River Research Articles

The Morphometric and Hydrological Analysis of the Largest Valley Basin in the Western Plateau of Iraq

The study was carried out to see whether it would be possible to use remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) to create a morphometric geodatabase for the largest valley basin in the western Plateau (Houran Valley), Iraq. ArcGIS V.10.8 measured morphological or hydrological features using a digital elevation model (DEM). These properties are considered a crucial database for planning for dry or wet river basins and valleys, saving time, money, and resources compared to extensive regional research. A quantitative investigation of the morphological characteristics determined that the longitudinal drain density was 0.1698 km/Km2, indicative of both high soil permeability and an arid to semi-arid desert environment. The basin is in an early geomorphological stage, and the linear structures determined the design of its drainage network according to the circulation ratio of 0.08566. area's geological structure has considerable changes in hardness, as indicated by the elongation ratio of 0.112, which would facilitate the use of water in the process of the area's sustainable development.

Spatiotemporal variation of macroinvertebrate communities in relation with water quality in urban rivers of Adwa, Northern Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Macroinvertebrates are bio-indicators of environmental health. A study on spatiotemporal diversity and abundance of macroinvertebrates was conducted in two rivers of Adwa, Ethiopia. Samples were collected from each river following the multi-habitat sampling approach. Moreover, physicochemical measurements were also taken. A total of 892 specimens of macroinvertebrates belonging to three phyla, eight orders and 17 families were identified. Higher (98%) and lower (2%) taxonomic abundance was recorded during the dry and wet seasons, respectively. Family Physidae (48.65%) was the most dominant followed by Planorbidae (21.74%). During the dry and wet season Adi Haki river AD1 had the highest (H = 1.615) and lowest (H = 0.651) diversity index, respectively. Physicochemical measurements showed no significant difference between the two rivers (p > 0.05). The results of the study shows that the study rivers have moderate environmental health status. Therefore, watershed management is important to keep the area healthy.

Can dry rivers provide a good quality of life? Integrating beneficial and detrimental nature's contributions to people over time.

Although dry rivers only flow after heavy rainfall, recent studies have evidenced that they provide benefits to people. However, part of society undervalues these benefits, raising the question of whether they contribute to a good quality of life (GQL). We hypothesised that the benefits of dry rivers contribute to GQL of local communities as long as these benefits are not altered by human disturbance. Local communities closely associated with three dry rivers in Murcia (Spain) were interviewed. The relationships between benefits and GQL, and between detriments and GQL were described. Different benefits and detriments have different impacts on GQL dimensions. Social perceptions of the contribution of benefits and detriments to GQL vary between communities and individuals, and change over time. This implies the development of social studies to ensure inclusive management. Incorporating detriment co-production into research can raise people's awareness of the role that human activities play in maintaining GQL.

Unravelling large-scale patterns and drivers of biodiversity in dry rivers

More than half of the world’s rivers dry up periodically, but our understanding of the biological communities in dry riverbeds remains limited. Specifically, the roles of dispersal, environmental filtering and biotic interactions in driving biodiversity in dry rivers are poorly understood. Here, we conduct a large-scale coordinated survey of patterns and drivers of biodiversity in dry riverbeds. We focus on eight major taxa, including microorganisms, invertebrates and plants: Algae, Archaea, Bacteria, Fungi, Protozoa, Arthropods, Nematodes and Streptophyta. We use environmental DNA metabarcoding to assess biodiversity in dry sediments collected over a 1-year period from 84 non-perennial rivers across 19 countries on four continents. Both direct factors, such as nutrient and carbon availability, and indirect factors such as climate influence the local biodiversity of most taxa. Limited resource availability and prolonged dry phases favor oligotrophic microbial taxa. Co-variation among taxa, particularly Bacteria, Fungi, Algae and Protozoa, explain more spatial variation in community composition than dispersal or environmental gradients. This finding suggests that biotic interactions or unmeasured ecological and evolutionary factors may strongly influence communities during dry phases, altering biodiversity responses to global changes.

Hydrological connectivity and environment characteristics explain spatial variation in fish assemblages in a wet–dry tropical river

AbstractHydrological connectivity in river systems facilitates the movement of animals across riverine landscapes and influences fish habitat but is threatened by climate change and water resource developments. We studied fish assemblages across a large wet–dry tropical river system in northern Australia that is under consideration for new agricultural and water resource developments, which are expected to alter hydrological connectivity. We explored relationships between the environment and several biotic variables; fish taxonomic composition, species turnover, and species trait presence, quantifying how they were related to hydrological connectivity. Environmental dissimilarity of sites was influenced by hydrological connectivity variables, including flow, elevation, and river distance. Environment characteristics and hydrological connectivity together were important predictors of fish taxonomic composition. Fish species turnover was highest in headwater sites, and species presence absence was related to feeding and reproductive traits. Our results suggest that habitat specialists and species with reproductive traits that depend on hydrological connectivity, such as diadromous species, are most vulnerable to declines in relative abundance following a reduction in connectivity, which would lead to range contractions within catchments. Maintaining habitats that support taxonomically and functionally unique fish assemblages, such as wetlands and headwater streams, is important for maintaining biodiversity.

Modeling and Analysis of Lake Water Levels Using System Dynamics and Principal Component Analysis

Understanding the intricate dynamics of the Great Lakes water levels, shaped by environmental factors like rainfall and evaporation, is crucial for devising sustainable water management strategies. This study develops a model to manage the Great Lakes' water levels by analyzing the interconnectedness of the lake network. Utilizing principal component analysis, key variables like rainfall and evaporation were evaluated for their impact on water levels. System dynamics models integrated with flow conservation laws allowed for a detailed hydrodynamic assessment. The study introduces a "narrow seam method" for dry river scenarios, enhancing model accuracy. Annual water level trends from 2000 are depicted, offering insights into future water management practices in response to environmental changes.

A bacteria-based index of biotic integrity assesses aquatic ecosystems effectively in rewetted long-term dry river channel after water replenishment.

Climate-induced droughts exert a significant influence on the connectivity of river systems. It is estimated that about 25% of the world's rivers ran dry before reaching the ocean due to climate change and human activities. Ecological water replenishment is an effective measure for restoring aquatic ecosystems damaged by drought. It is urgently needed to quantitatively assess the aquatic ecosystems in rewetted dry river channels after water replenishment. This study investigated the variations in phytoplankton, zooplankton, benthic macroinvertebrates, and benthic bacterial communities in the rewetted dry river channel of Yongding River after water replenishment. In comparison with the water column communities, the benthic macroinvertebrates were identified as limiting factors for ecological restoration in rewetted dry river channels. In the absence of a certain recovery time for benthic macroinvertebrates, the benthic bacterial-based index of biological integrity, especially calculated based on their intrinsic properties, can properly assess aquatic ecosystems in rewetted dry river channels.

Husbandry Practices of Indigenous Goats Types in South West Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

This study was conducted in South west Shewa zone, to identify Husbandry practices in Tole and Becho districts. Data were collected through questionnaire and, focal group discussion. A total of 180 households were selected for interview. Data collected via questionnaire were summarized with descriptive statistics and analyzed using SPSS, V.21. Chi–square test was employed for categorical data. Indices were calculated to provide ranking. Castration was primarily practiced to improve the fattening potential and acquire better price by selling fattened goats. Most of castration carried out at the age of >6months. Majority of respondents use shelter constructed in the main house and the remaining respondents use separate house. The primary feed resource during dry season was natural pasture followed by Shrubs and during wet season the primary feed resource was Shrubs and bushes followed by natural pasture. Majority of the respondents herd their goats separated from kids adult mainly to protect kids from attack by predators and to protect the does from losing their weight. The primary source of water during dry season River followed by spring and the primary source of water during wet season was Rain water followed by river. The primary disease affects goats were Orf followed by Foot root. The primary cause of death for goats was disease followed by accident. Generally, goats play a significant role for farmers as source of income generation and home consumption throughout the year. The primary feed resource during dry season was natural pasture followed by Shrubs, to increase production productive the goats in the study its better if focused on improving feed source and concentrated feed.

Predicting drought stress under climate change in the Southern Central Highlands of Vietnam.

In the Southern Central Highlands of Vietnam, droughts occur more frequently, causing significant damage and impacting the region's socio-economic development. During the dry season, rivers, streams, and reservoirs often face limited water availability, exacerbated in recent years by increasing drought severity. Recognizing the escalating severity of droughts, the study offers a novel contribution by conducting a comprehensive analysis of surface water resource distribution in Lam Dong province, focusing on assessing water demand for agricultural production, a crucial factor in ensuring sustainable crop growth. Two scenarios, Current-2020 (SC1) and Climate Change-2025 (SC2), are simulated, with SC2 based on climate change and sea level rise scenarios provided by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE). These scenarios are integrated into the MIKE-NAM and MIKE-HYDRO basin models, allowing for a thorough assessment of the water balance of Lam Dong province. Furthermore, the study utilizes the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) to measure drought severity, revealing prevalent dry and moderately droughty conditions in highland districts with rainfall frequency ranging from 50 to 85%. Severe drought conditions occur with a rainfall frequency of 95%, indicating an increased frequency and geographic scope of severe droughts. Additionally, the study highlights that under abnormally dry conditions, water demand for the winter-spring crop is consistently met at 100%, decreasing to 85%, 80%, and less than 75% for moderate, severe, and extreme droughts, respectively. These findings offer insights into future drought conditions in the Lam Dong province and their potential impact on irrigation capacity, crucial for adaptation strategies.

An experimental study to assess resistance and resilience strategies of freshwater diatoms to cope with drying in Mediterranean temporary rivers

Temporary rivers are aquatic ecosystems that alternate periods of water flow with dry periods. Diatoms are a group of unicellular microalgae with a high colonizing ability, but little is known about their responses to drying. We carried out different resistance and resilience experiments to evaluate temporal and spatial dispersal capacity of diatoms during the dry period. The resistance was tested experimentally by rehydrating dried biofilms and sediments from temporary rivers, whereas resilience was tested by installing artificial mesocosms along a dry river section. Disconnected pools were also sampled to evaluate their propagule emission capacity. In turn, dogs from the area were sampled to test potential zoochory dispersal capacity. In the resistance experiment, we found living diatoms in all the rehydrated sediments but not in biofilms. Diatoms with mobility traits, high ecological plasticity, and resistance spores presented high, along with typical soil diatoms. In the resilience experiment, all mesocosms hosted living diatoms, which were low-profile, pioneering, and small species. Diatoms found in the mesocosms were also common in the disconnected pools, underscoring the potential role of the latter as a propagule emission zone. Dogs' paws also had living diatoms, which evidences that wild fauna could potentially act as passive diatom vectors.

Evaulting Positive and Negative Impact of Sand Dam Constrcted in Cadadley

In dry land areas like Somaliland shortage of water is very common. People have to travel for long distances to find water, and after it rains, most of the water is lost to evaporation or surface run off. The challenge in arid and semi-arid climates is how to harvest rainwater; most of villages in Somaliland need how to harvest rainwater and running water through their dry valleys. This study aimed to evaluate the positive and negative impact of existing water infrastructure (sand dams) in dry rivers in Cadadley district and to compare these with appraisal of sites yet to be developed that can be constructed sand dams in Cadadley region Somaliland. This study employs a method known as probing, which involves hammering a rod into the middle of the riverbed until it makes contact with the floor beneath the sand, producing a dull sound. The level of the sand is then marked on the rod, which is subsequently pulled straight up without any twisting. The crucial factor in determining the location for constructing a sand storage dam is the depth of the basement or impermeable layer relative to the riverbed surface. Ideally, the dam should be built where the impermeable layer is closest to the riverbed surface. The result shows that sand dam need reconstruction because of short of their spill ways and there is poor choice location.

Geological mapping and mineral exploration in Francistown region, north east Botswana from integration of ASTER TIR and aeromagnetic data

To map the region's geology and mineral exploration, this study looked at how remote sensing satellite imaging from the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) Thermal Infrared (TIR) sensor and aircraft geophysics may be used. The Francistown region forms part of the Zimbabwe craton, northeast of Botswana. It comprises felsic rock types, including granite and dry river sand, mafic-ultramafic rocks, and gneiss country rock. Based on their spectral emissivity responses, mafic-ultramafic units and quartz-rich units were discovered. These units are important targets for the discovery of mineral resources. The research region can be described as convoluted, fractured, intruded, metamorphosed, and ultimately worn from a geological and geophysical standpoint. Several remote sensing and aeromagnetic approaches were employed. The false color composite (FCC) and mineral indices using ASTER TIR data provided helpful information for delineating the area's geology and concentration of major-rock-forming minerals. The aeromagnetic data extracted lineaments well, and the Center for Exploration Target (CET) grid analysis system was very helpful. The CET Porphyry Analysis technique was applied in mapping near-circular porphyry features, which are good indicators of possible sites with high mineralization potential. The analysis of the lineament map shows that mineral deposits are mostly along the NE-SW direction. The results from the ASTER TIR and aeromagnetic enhancements indicate the occurrence of mafic-ultramafic rocks and felsic-rich units, which have been documented to host mineralization in the region. Porphyry structures are also mapped successfully along the general strike of the geological structure in the study area. The combination of these methods proved their success, and they can be used further in other regions of high mineral potential and lithological mapping for their cost efficiency and reliability.

An integrated intermodal freight transportation system to avoid container supply chain disruptions in Chattogram Port of Bangladesh

An integrated intermodal freight transportation system is a derived demand to transport shipping containers from/to the seaport to/from the hinterland, instead of undertaking cargo loading and unloading activities in port-protected areas. The concept of the intermodal system is to transfer containers to nearby hinterland nodes, such as dry ports, inland rail, road, and river terminals as a part of port development, as well as increasing port efficiency and productivity. Lloyd’s List ranked Chattogram Port as the 67th busiest container port in the world as per container port throughput in 2022. Chattogram Port has small-scale intermodal facilities for off-docks/ICDs in the port city only. In addition, a pure intermodal system has been developed by one rail ICD in the capital city, Dhaka, and two RICTs nearby Dhaka, but less than 5 % of port throughput. A large-scale intermodal for serving the major cities, SEZs, EPZs, and industrial areas is absent due to planning and policy problems, as well as the unavailability of intermodal infrastructure and network. Due to an improper hinterland intermodal chain, the port faced container supply chain disruptions at the port yard and exceeded port capacity, resulting in container vessel congestion at the outer anchorage of Chattogram Port. By developing rail and road infrastructure, and utilizing natural river connectivity, it is possible to develop road, rail, and river intermodal systems, and shape an integrated intermodal freight transportation system to avoid container supply chain disruptions in Chattogram Port. To develop an integrated intermodal system, this research chose a quantitative research methodology for port throughput data analysis and forecasting future throughputs that are advanced to the intermodal model for Chattogram Port. Overall, this paper aims to develop an integrated intermodal freight transportation system to support Chattogram Port to keep and increase the record of port productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness actively. Highlights Intermodal system is a derived demand for managing hinterland and port terminals of a seaport that needs to be implemented in Chattogram Port Container supply chain disruptions to be avoided to increase the port productivity and efficiency Inland intermodal connectivity will help to increase hinterland of a seaport It is necessary to develop an integrated intermodal freight transportation system to support Chattogram Port to keep and increase the record of port productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness globally

Study on the Morphology and Mechanical Properties of Cynodon dactylon in the Riparian Zone Slopes of a Large Reservoir

The stability of riverbank slopes is crucial in watershed ecology. The morphology and tensile strength properties of plant roots play a significant role in slope stability, which is of great importance for the ecological stability of riverbanks. The Jinsha and Yalong River basins are the largest hydropower bases in China and are in the ecologically fragile areas of the dry and hot river valleys, yet fewer studies are available on these basins. Further studies on the growth morphology and root mechanical properties of plant roots in the riparian zone at different elevations have not been reported. Therefore, we selected the dominant species of Cynodon dactylon root as the research subject, analyzed the root morphology, and conducted indoor single-root tensile tests to study its root structure and mechanical properties at various elevations. The results showed that the root morphology of Cynodon dactylon was positively correlated with elevation. Compared to low elevations (L and M), the root length increased by 57.3% and 21.47%, the root diameter increased by 24.85% and 13.92%, the root surface area increased by 93.5% and 67.37%, and the total root volume increased by 119.91% and 107.36%. As the elevation gradient increased, the flooding time decreased, leading to more developed plant roots for Cynodon dactylon. The Young’s modulus ranged from 148.43 to 454.18 MPa for Ertan Cynodon dactylon roots and 131.31 to 355.53 MPa for Guanyingyan Cynodon dactylon roots. The maximum tensile strength, ultimate tensile strength, ultimate elongation, and Young’s modulus of the plant root of the Cynodon dactylon showed a power function relationship with the diameter. The maximum tensile strength increased as the diameter increased, while the remaining properties decreased following a power function relationship. The maximum tensile strength, ultimate tensile strength, and Young’s modulus of Cynodon dactylon were positively correlated with elevation, while the ultimate elongation was negatively correlated with elevation. The results elucidate the influence of elevation on the root morphology and mechanical properties of dominant riparian species. This provides a theoretical basis for managing and protecting riparian slopes in ecologically fragile areas.

ВОДНЫЕ РЕСУРСЫ И ИХ ЭКОЛОГИЧЕСКОЕ СОСТОЯНИЕ (на примере реки Ак-Бууры)

According to the State Inspectorate for environmental and technical Safety under the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, the republic has 145 facilities for the treatment of domestic and industrial wastewater, 22 municipal treatment facilities, mechanical and biological treatment of wastewater from enterprises and organizations to which the population is connected.The discharge of wastewater after passing through treatment facilities is carried out into the environ-ment. Of the 145 wastewater treatment plants: 14 are discharged into surface water bodies, 5 into dry streams and rivers, 2 onto terrain, 114 into irrigation and SDS [http: //data.movegreen. kg/indicator/49].Pollution of water bodies is no less dangerous than their depletion, and the deterioration of the sani-tary and environmental situation, together with the growth of wastewater, reduces the quality of water resources, as evidenced by the environmental insecurity of the population, which is closely related to the nature of the use of water resources.Wastewater bioremediation using algae and bacteria represent a significant potential for sustainable pollutant reduction, as well as contributing to resource recovery and valorisation of microalgae biomass and is known as a promising approach to water treatment and the Ak-Buura River. The use of consortia of microalgae and bacteria can provide several advantages over the use of microalgae monocultures alone for bioremediation treatment of various wastewaters, such as improved removal of nutrients or antibiot-ics and reduced risk of pollution.

Co-production of nature’s contributions to people in dry rivers: a case study in Murcia, Spain

ABSTRACT Dry rivers are non-perennial rivers with no surface water in their channels except after heavy rainfall or snowmelt. The lack of water flow is often associated with a low provision of Nature’s Contributions to People (NCP) and a poor quality of life. However, recent review studies have found evidence of human communities thriving in dry rivers through the co-production of multiple NCP, although no case studies have yet confirmed this evidence. We assessed the capacity of dry rivers and their associated social systems to provide NCP. We selected three dry rivers with high natural, cultural and landscape values in the most arid part of Murcia (Spain). We interviewed 37 representatives of the most influential social groups in the study area to explore the NCP of dry rivers, their synergies and trade-offs. Four material, three non-material and eight regulating NCP were identified, as well as one unique NCP: access to villages and fields through dry riverbeds. Fifty-two synergies were identified, especially between material and non-material NCP, and eight trade-offs. This wide range of NCP and synergies is a consequence of the co-production processes between dry rivers and the social system. NCP co-production seems to be underpinned by the indigenous and local knowledge acquired by the social system over generations about the management of floodwaters, biodiversity and geodiversity. Incorporating this knowledge into research and governance can help raise awareness of the NCP provided by dry rivers and help develop strategies for mitigating and adapting to global change.

Indigenous literacy of local knowledge about the signs of natural disaster A case of Way Ela Natural Dam - Maluku

Introduction. Various natural disasters occurred in Maluku, with one of the impacts is changing the land surface. One example is a forest has changed into a hill or a river has changed into a natural dam. In Maluku, Way Ela natural dam was formed as a resultof the disaster in 2012 and was destroyed again by the disaster in 2013. This natural event that occurred in a relatively short period of time is still remembered by the community. This study aims to explore the types of local knowledge about dam disasters based on their memories. 
 Data Collection Method. Data collection in this study was conducted by the interviews.
 Data Analysis. Data were analyzed by grouping the themes on natural signs of the formation and of the broken of the dam. 
 Results and Discussion. The formation of dams begins with earthquakes, landslides, dry rivers, and strange animal behavior. Natural signs before a broken-down dam are earthquakes, heavy rain, cracked ground, strange behavior of animals, and changes in cooler air temperature.
 Conclusion. This study concludes that the community is aware of three types of disaster signs including the formation of a dam, before the dam breaks, and when the dam breaks.

Trajectory analysis of central Sonoran Desert dust storms

Dust storms are a major cause of central Sonoran Desert weather fatalities. Through back-trajectory analysis of North American Monsoon dust storms in central Sonoran Desert of the United States. This study is specific to central Arizona (USA) from 2009 to 2022 using the HYSPLIT model. Our findings have shown that dust storms originate from southerly or near-southerly regions. The dust storms displaying the highest concentrations of particulates show a preference to originate from the southwest. This coincides with the development of a 500 hPa ridge to the east of the study area. The highest concentration storms’ back-trajectories display the lowest heights above the ground. Given their southwestern origin, these storms travel upslope along the seasonally dry river beds of the Gila River and its tributaries. Weaker dust storms originate over a wider area with a shift to a southerly direction. Such origination indicates that weaker dust storms are traveling downslope through the washes and channels of the dry Santa Cruz River. As dust concentrations drop, storm direction drifts east and dust height is suspended higher. This paper highlights the spatial variations in central Arizona dust storms, showing the likeliest paths of the strongest events and assists in identifying aeolian dust origins.

A preliminary report of the excavation at Spitzkloof D rockshelter, Namaqualand, South Africa

This paper describes the first excavations of Spitzkloof D rockshelter located in the semi-arid desert of northern Namaqualand, South Africa. The site is in a dry river valley 30 km south of the Orange River, which currently acts as a lifeline for pastoralists with mixed sheep and goat herds. A surface survey of the site revealed pottery, lithics, domesticate remains, ostrich eggshell (OES) fragments and jewellery, glass beads and iron fragments. The stratigraphy is complex reflecting multiple occupations with six layers consisting of large hearths, ash deposits, and multiple pits, some with potential votive (faunal) offerings in their base. Faunal analysis reveals a broad subsistence strategy consisting of low-intensity sheep-keeping combined with the hunting of wild species found on the landscape today. The presence of Equus zebra, a locally extinct water obligate species, suggests occupation during a climatic period that was more humid than today. Radiocarbon dates from the upper layers confirm a Little Ice Age occupation between AD 1667-1936, when the region was cooler and wetter, and a peak in radiocarbon dates indicates a population pulse in the region. Glass trade beads, iron implements, OES beads, as well as fish remains and a limpet shell, potentially indicate that the people occupying Spitzkloof D were part of an extensive trade/interaction network. Future analysis will include increasing sample sizes through continued excavation, detailed lithic analysis, and further radiocarbon dating.

River interlinking alters land-atmosphere feedback and changes the Indian summer monsoon

Massive river interlinking projects are proposed to offset observed increasing droughts and floods in India, the most populated country in the world. These projects involve water transfer from surplus to deficit river basins through reservoirs and canals without an in-depth understanding of the hydro-meteorological consequences. Here, we use causal delineation techniques, a coupled regional climate model, and multiple reanalysis datasets, and show that land-atmosphere feedbacks generate causal pathways between river basins in India. We further find that increased irrigation from the transferred water reduces mean rainfall in September by up to 12% in already water-stressed regions of India. We observe more drying in La Niña years compared to El Niño years. Reduced September precipitation can dry rivers post-monsoon, augmenting water stress across the country and rendering interlinking dysfunctional. Our findings highlight the need for model-guided impact assessment studies of large-scale hydrological projects across the globe.