Euphrates And Tigris Research Articles

Phylogenetic relationships of the algae scraping cyprinid genus Capoeta (Teleostei: Cyprinidae)

We reconstructed the matrilineal phylogeny of Asian algae-eating fishes of the genus Capoeta based on complete mitochondrial gene for cytochrome b sequences obtained from 20 species sampled from the majority of the range and 44 species of closely related barbs of the genera Barbus s. str. and Luciobarbus. The results of this study show that Capoeta forms a strongly supported monophyletic subclade nested within the Luciobarbus clade, suggesting that specialized scraping morphology appeared once in the evolutionary history of the genus. We detected three main groups of Capoeta: the Mesopotamian group, which includes three species from the Tigris–Euphrates system and adjacent water bodies, the Anatolian–Iranian group, which has the most diversified structure and encompasses many species distributed throughout Anatolian and Iranian inland waters, and the Aralo-Caspian group, which consists of species distributed in basins of the Caspian and Aral Seas, including many dead-end rivers in Central Asia and Northern Iran. The most probable origination pathway of the genus Capoeta is hypothesized to occur as a result of allopolyploidization. The origin of Capoeta was found around the Langhian–Serravallian boundary according to our molecular clock. The diversification within the genus occurred along Middle Miocene–Late Pliocene periods.

Climate change impacts on snow water availability in the Euphrates-Tigris basin

Abstract. This study investigates the effects of projected climate change on snow water availability in the Euphrates-Tigris basin using the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) macro scale hydrologic model and a set of regional climate-change outputs from 13 global circulation models (GCMs) forced with two greenhouse gas emission scenarios for two time periods in the 21st century (2050 and 2090). The hydrologic model produces a reasonable simulation of seasonal and spatial variation in snow cover and associated snow water equivalent (SWE) in the mountainous areas of the basin, although its performance is poorer at marginal snow cover sites. While there is great variation across GCM outputs influencing snow water availability, the majority of models and scenarios suggest a significant decline (between 10 and 60 percent) in available snow water, particularly under the high-impact A2 climate change scenario and later in the 21st century. The changes in SWE are more stable when multi-model ensemble GCM outputs are used to minimize inter-model variability, suggesting a consistent and significant decrease in snow-covered areas and associated water availability in the headwaters of the Euphrates-Tigris basin. Detailed analysis of future climatic conditions point to the combined effects of reduced precipitation and increased temperatures as primary drivers of reduced snowpack. Results also indicate a more rapid decline in snow cover in the lower elevation zones than the higher areas in a changing climate but these findings also contain a larger uncertainty. The simulated changes in snow water availability have important implications for the future of water resources and associated hydropower generation and land-use management and planning in a region already ripe for interstate water conflict. While the changes in the frequency and intensity of snow-bearing circulation systems or the interannual variability related to climate were not considered, the simulated changes in snow water availability presented here are likely to be indicative of climate change impacts on the water resources of the Euphrates-Tigris basin.

Sustainable transboundary groundwater management under shifting political scenarios: the Ceylanpinar Aquifer and Turkey–Syria relations

Recent scholarship evaluates how peace and conflict affect resource sustainability. The authors of this article address how enhanced Turkey–Syria cooperation could impact management of the Ceylanpinar Aquifer, which flows beneath both countries and accounts for over10% of Turkey's transboundary groundwater discharge. Although the Euphrates–Tigris river system apportionment has been critical for bilateral relations, allocation of the Ceylanpinar Aquifer has been neglected. The authors develop a simplified conceptual model to simulate water flow in the aquifer. Taking this model as a reference point, this article explores how political changes may impact aquifer sustainability, and proposes data-integrated modelling for sustainable management.

Western boundary of the subfamily Danioninae in Asia (Teleostei, Cyprinidae): derived from the systematic position of Barilius mesopotamicus based on molecular and morphological data

Analysis of mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences from 198 species confirms the position of Barilius mesopotamicus as a species of the Asian genus Barilius within the subtribe Chedrina in the subfamily Danioninae. This relationship is supported by a parsimony analysis based on 43 morphological characters, and the morphological examination confirms that B. mesopotamicus possesses the synapomorphies of the Danioninae and Chedrina, viz. absence of the Y-shaped ligament and the greatly reduced postcleithrum, respectively. Barilius mesopotamicus greatly expands the western boundary of the Asian Danioninae into the Tigris-Euphrates basin.

Impact of Water Resources Utilization on the Hydrology of Mesopotamian Marshlands

The Mesopotamian Marshlands used to be the largest wetland ecosystem in the Middle East and western Eurasia. These marshlands once covered more than 15,000–20,000 sq km with permanent lakes and marshes, seasonal marshes, and temporary marshes. Although the recent restoration efforts returned the marshes back to approximately 39% of their original spatial extent, the artificial drainage works have significantly reduced the marshes during the late 1980s and 1990s. The water resources development/utilization in the upstream regions of the Tigris-Euphrates (TE) River Basin has been considered as one of the causes for the damage of the marshland ecosystem. To assess the hydrologic conditions in the Mesopotamian Marshes under various water utilization scenarios, a marshland hydrologic model for the Hawr Al Hammar Marshes near the downstream end of the TE River Network has been developed in conjunction with the regional hydro-climate model of Tigris-Euphrates (RegHCMTE) Watershed and the water resources system m...

First karyological analysis of smallmouth lotak, Cyprinion kais Heckel, 1843, an endemic Cyprinid fish from the Tigris–Euphrates Basin

Karyotype of the smallmouth lotak, Cyprinion kais Heckel, 1843 (Cyprinidae) was investigated by examining metaphase chromosomes. This study is the first karyological survey on this vulnerable fish species in the Tigris–Euphrates basin. The results can be used for population studies, management and conservation programs. The fish were caught by electrofishing from Godarkhosh River in Ilam province, western Iran, in April 2008 and transported live to the Ichthyology Laboratory of Isfahan University of Technology. Five fish were injected intraperitoneally with two doses of phytohemagglutinin (PHA), 4 μg g−1 bw with a 20-h interval to induce cell divisions. After 8 h in 20°C water, the fish were injected intraperitoneally with colchicine (25–50 μg g−1 bw) to depress cell divisions in the metaphase stage and left for 7 h before sacrificing. Kidney and gill epithelia were used for karyotype analyses. It was determined that C. kais has 2n = 50 chromosomes, consisting of 8 metacentric, 7 submetacentric, 3 subtelocentric and 7 telocentric chromosome pairs. Centromeric index, arm ratio and Fundamental Number (FN) were determined as 0–50, 1–∞, and 86, respectively. The shortest and longest chromosome was a telocentric and a submetacentric one, with 2.61 and 6.88 μm length, respectively.

Cycles of Civilization in Northern Mesopotamia, 4400–2000 BC

The intensification of fieldwork in northern Mesopotamia, the upper region of the Tigris-Euphrates basin, has revealed two cycles of expansion and reduction in social complexity between 4400 and 2000 BC. These cycles include developments in social inequality, political centralization, craft production and economic specialization, agropastoral land use, and urbanization. Contrary to earlier assessments, many of these developments proceeded independently from the polities in southern Mesopotamia, although not in isolation. This review considers recent data from excavations and surveys in northern Iraq, northeastern Syria, and southeastern Turkey with particular attention to how they are used to construct models of early urban polities.

A study of water balances over the Tigris–Euphrates watershed

Tigris–Euphrates watershed was considered as one hydrologic unit, and a scientific assessment of its water resources was performed. Accordingly, (a) an inventory of land use/land cover, vegetation, soils, and existing hydraulic structures in the watershed was performed; (b) a regional hydroclimate model, RegHCM-TE, of the watershed was developed, and used to reconstruct historical precipitation data, to perform land hydrologic water balance computations for infiltration, soil water storage, actual evapotranspiration, direct runoff as input for streamflow computations, and to estimate irrigation water demands; and (c) a hydrologic model was developed to route streamflows within the river network of the watershed. Also, an algorithm for operating the reservoirs within the watershed was developed, and utilized to perform dynamic water balance studies under various water supply/demand scenarios to establish efficient utilization of the watershed’s water resources to meet the water demands of the riparian countries in the basin. Within this dynamic water balance framework, it is possible to assess and quantify the effect of sequential river flows on the chronologically sequential water balances over the watershed. The water balance study for the natural flow conditions prior to the development of large dams within TE basin, during the 1957–1969 critical period is presented.

Threatened fishes of the world: Acanthobrama hadiyahensis Coad, Alkahem and Behnke, 1983 (Cyprinidae)

Scientific name: Acanthobrama hadiyahensis (Coad et al. 1983). Common name: None. Conservation status: Known only from the original description. Identification: The only member of its genus in Saudi Arabia. Total gill rakers 17–19, mouth angle 40° or less with the horizontal, lateral line scales 54–58, branched dorsal fin rays 7, branched anal fin rays 14– 17, pharyngeal tooth count 5-5 or 6-5, and total vertebrae 38-39. A dark mid-lateral band becomes diffuse anteriorly. Maximum length 76.3 mm standard length. Drawing by C. H. Douglas. Distribution: Wadi Hadiyah near Hadiyah (ca. 25°33’N, 38°44’E) and Ain Aljmyma northwest of Khaybar (ca. 25°42’N, 39°31’E), Saudi Arabia, 800 km from other members of the genus in the Levant and Tigris-Euphrates basin. Habitat and ecology: Occurred in both a lotic (wadi) and a spring (ain) habitat. Reproduction: Unknown. Threats: Not collected since 1977 and 1981 (Alkahem et al. 1990; EPAA 2003). Water extraction and pollution are general threats in desert areas. Conservation actions: None. Conservation recommendations: Surveys to determine presence and legislation to protect it and its habitats.

Threatened fishes of the world: Luciobarbus subquincunciatus (Günther, 1868) (Cyprinidae)

Common name: abou khazzama, a’djzan, nabish (Arabic), solimani, sos mahi (Farsi), biyikli balik, komando baligi, benekli barbus (Turkish); leopard barbel, spot barb, Mesopotamian barbel (E). Conservation status: Extirpated in the southern marshes of Iraq (Italy–Iraq 2006); almost disappeared in Syria (FAO 2007); rare in Turkish Tigris (Unlu 2006); occasional in commercial catches in Iran, only six fish caught in 1990s, “critically endangered” (M. Ramin, personal communication 2000). Identification: Originally described in Barbus. Uniquely characterised by the quincunx-like pattern of spots. Branched dorsal fin rays 8, branched anal fin rays 5, lateral line scales 75–88. Inner pharyngeal teeth molariform, formula 2,3,3-3,3,2. Maximum length 60 cm. Illustration by Susan Laurie-Bourque. Distribution: Found in the Tigris-Euphrates basin of Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran. Habitat and ecology: Favours lentic, high oxygen habitats but may occur in reservoirs. Molluscivore based on teeth but also takes algae and detritus. Reproduction: Spawns in shallow gravel beds in April–May in Turkish Tigris River (Unlu 2006). Threats: Use as food, habitat loss, eutrophication, dam construction and water abstraction. Conservation actions: Adults so rare in Iran aquaculture not feasible and fish released. Conservation recommendations: Surveys to determine spawning sites for protection.

Hydro Wars: The Struggle for Water and Survival in the Euphrates-Tigris River Basin

Hydro Wars: The Struggle for Water and Survival in the Euphrates-Tigris River Basin

Proposed policies for integrated watershed management in order to combat desertification in Euphrates and Tigris basin

Desertification of the arid and semi-arid lands of the world has been proceeding for more than a thousand years.Human-induced degradation in these areas is regularly cited as one of the principal causes of desertification.Euphrates and Tigris Basin as the case study of this research in some aspects is almost unique in the world. But thisbasin has been confronted to progressive desertification. This research was done for proposing appropriate policies interms of main driving forces in order to combat desertification in this basin. So qualitative analyses of data banks ofthe countries involved in this basin have been collected by FAO consultants, showed desertification in Euphrates andTigris Basin is characterized by climate factors and human activities; water scarcity and unequal distribution of waterare major climate factors. The main human activities are overgrazing of rangelands, deforestation, and land usechanges. Because of negative impacts of human activities on climate factors and also deep dependency of livelihoodin this basin, there is an urgent need to plan an integrated watershed management in order to managing people, water,forests, and range lands together for combating this progressive desertification.

Hydrologic impacts of engineering projects on the Tigris–Euphrates system and its marshlands

Rising demands for fresh water supplies are leading to water management practices that are altering natural flow systems world-wide. One of the most devastated of these natural systems is the Tigris–Euphrates watershed that over the past three decades has witnessed the construction of over 60 engineering projects that eliminated seasonal flooding, reduced natural flow and dramatically reduced the areal extent (1966: 8000 km 2 ; 2002: 750 km 2 ) of the Mesopotamian Marshes downstream. We constructed a catchment-based continuous (1964–1998) rainfall runoff model for the watershed (area: 10 6 km 2 ) using the Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model to understand the dynamics of the natural flow system, and to investigate the impacts of reduced overall flow and the related land cover and landuse change downstream in the marshes. The model was calibrated (1964–1970) and validated (1971–1998) against stream flow gauge data. Using the calibrated model we calculated the temporal variations in the average monthly flow rate (AMFR), the average monthly peak flow rate (AMPFR), and annual flow volume (AFV) of the Tigris and Euphrates into the marshes at a location near Al-Basrah city (31°N, 47.5°E) throughout the modeled period. Model results indicate that the AMPFR (6301 m 3 /s) and average annual flow volume (AAFV: 80 × 10 9 m 3 /yr) for period A (10/1/1965–09/30/1973), preceding the construction of the major dams is progressively diminished in periods B1 (10/1/1973–09/30/1989; AMPFR: 3073 m 3 /s; AAFV: 55 × 10 9 m 3 /yr) and B2 (10/1/1989–09/30/1998; AMPFR, 2319 m 3 /s; AAFV: 50 × 10 9 m 3 /yr) that witnessed the construction of the major dams (B1: Keban, Tabqa, Hamrin, Haditha, Mosul, Karakaya; B2: Ataturk) due to the combined effects of filling artificial lakes, evaporation and infiltration of impounded water and its utilization for irrigation purposes. To investigate the impacts of reduced flow on the areal extent of the marshes, we examined the variation in marsh size extracted from temporal satellite data (1966, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987) acquired around the same approximate time period (July to September) of the year versus simulated AFV for the period preceding the onset (1987) of major local engineering projects (e.g., Crown of Battles River, Loyalty to the Leader Canal, Mother of Battles River) in and around the investigated marshes. Results indicate that the areal extent of the Central and Al-Hammar marshes (e.g., 1966: 7970 km 2 , 1977: 6680 km 2 , 1984: 5270 km 2 ) decreases with a decrease in AFV (e.g., 1966: 60.8 × 10 9 m 3 , 1977: 56.9 × 10 9 m 3 , 1984: 37.6 × 10 9 m 3 ). Using a relationship that describes the impact of reduced AFV on the areal extent of the marshes, we evaluated the impact of additional reductions in flow that will result from the implementation of the planned engineering projects on the Tigris–Euphrates system over the next few years. Upon completion of the ongoing South Eastern Anatolia project, with projected reductions in AFV exceeding 5 × 10 9 m 3 /yr, the sustainable marshes in the Central and Al-Hammar area will be reduced by at least an additional 550 km 2 .

Fish assemblage of restored Al-Hawizeh marsh, Southern Iraq

Al-Hawizeh marsh is one of the largest wetlands in south Iraq. During last two decades, 65% of a permanent marsh was drained and it led to a substantial loss of native aquatic flora and fauna. The marsh was reflooded in April 2003. The characteristics of fish assemblage in this marsh were described after three years of the restoration. A total of 4715 fishes of 15 species were caught since October 2005 to September 2006, using different fishing gears. The fish species in the marsh were divided into resident, seasonal and occasional groups. Liza abu was the most abundant species comprising 37.1% of the total numbers followed by Barbus luteus (29.4%), Carassius auratus (15.3%), Alburnus mossulensis (4.88%) and Aspius vorax (4.14%). Fish species diversity index ranged from 0.88 to 2.1, richness from 0.73 to 2.42 and evenness from 0.49 to 0.85. The diet varied among the fish species, most of them depended on two or three major food items. Several cyprinid species disappeared from the restored marshes or decreased in their abundance. This could be related to reduced water supply and effectively eliminated the spring flood pulses that sustained wetland ecosystems in the lower Tigris-Euphrates basin. Increase of salinity, scarcity of benthic food resources and competition with alien/introduced species have also detrimental effects on native cyprinid fishes.

The effects of the river diversion, Mesopotamian Marsh drainage and restoration, and river damming on the marine environment of the northwestern Arabian Gulf

This paper summarizes the results of a study, which was conducted during the period of 1996-2005. It assesses the impact of river diversion (Third River), marsh drainage, and marsh restoration on Kuwait's marine environment. The results indicated lower salinity, higher nitrate concentration, higher chlorophyll-a, and higher sedimentation in the northern waters of Kuwait influenced by the discharge of the man-made Third River and marsh drainage. Five estuarine copepod species, which occur only in the northern waters of Kuwait due to their proximity to the mouth of the river, are reported here for the first time. Lower turbidity levels were observed in the northern waters of Kuwait during 2004 and 2005 possibly influenced by the marsh restoration process. The above results indicate the close interrelationship between the upstream river environment and the northern Arabian Gulf. River-related activities in the Tigris-Euphrates Basin have transboundary impacts downstream. Assumptions on the potential effects of the upstream damming of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers on Kuwait's marine environment are included. It is expected that recent and planned river basin modifications in Turkey, Iran and Iraq will significantly reduce river discharge, permanently remove seasonal flooding, and impact the northern Gulf's marine environment, with serious implications for fisheries.

An Analysis of the Legal Issues Concerning Turkey's Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP)

T he water problem in the Middle East is popular among writers. Numerous peo ple, from academics to intelligence analysts, have worked on the topic and focused on differ ent aspects of the issue. For Middle East water problem scholars, the area watered by the Tigris and Euphrates and their tributaries-known as Mesopotamia-is an attractive topic. The Tigris and Euphrates river systems are often treated as one basin, because they unite in the Shatt-al-Arab waterway shortly before emptying into the Persian Gulf. Both rivers rise in Turkey and flow through or along Syr ian territory before entering Iraq. Although the Euphrates flows through Syria for a consid erable distance, the Tigris never enters Syria entirely; it forms that country's border with Turkey for some forty kilometers before enter ing Iraq. Tributaries flowing from the Zagros Mountains in Iran also contribute significantly to the Tigris River.1 The Tigris-Euphrates basin spans portions of four countries: Turkey (28 percent), Syria (17 percent), Iraq (40 percent), and Iran (15 percent). Turkey contributes most of its flow (approximately 88 percent)-the remainder originaties in Syria.2 The Tigris River receives 38 percent of its water directly from Turkey and approximately 11 percent from tributaries also originating in Turkey.3 A dispute between Turkey, on the one hand, and Syria and Iraq, on the other, has arisen because Turkey, an upstream country sheltering the source of a large flow of water, is construct ing public works likely to deprive downstream states of their usual hydraulic resources. Syrians and Iraqis are afraid that once the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) is complete and opera tional, the total flow of water will decrease from thirty to sixteen billion cubic meters from Turkey to Syria, and from sixteen to five billion cubic meters from Syria to Iraq. Downstream riparian states also claim that use of fertilizers, use of agricultural chemicals, and salinization in Turkey will negatively affect water quality.4 Turkey's GAP is among the world's larg est development projects. It incorporates the construction of twenty-two dams and nineteen hydropower plants on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The Tigris River is scheduled to irrigate 625,000 hectares of land, and the Euphrates River one million hectares. The GAP will have a 7,500-megawatt installed capacity with an average annual production of twenty-six bil lion kilowatt-hours. These figures represent 19 percent of the 8.5 million hectares of Turkey's economically irrigable land and 20.5 percent of its hydropower, respectively.5 To date, nine dams and five hydropower plants are operational.6 The overall completion rate is slightly more than 50 percent.7 Four consecutive financial crises in Turkey dur ing the last decade have considerably slowed construction; at the current rate, it will take nineteen more years to complete the proj ect.8 Turkey remains determined to finalize the scheme, which is expected to generate large amounts of foreign exchange from the sale of new crops. High priority is also given to the GAP's potential for raising Southeastern Ana tolia's standard of living. It is hoped that this will alleviate the discontent of local Kurds, a majority in the region.9 To alleviate tensions with lower riparian countries, Turkey has agreed to guarantee each of them a supply of five hundred cubic meters per second.'0 This has not eliminated the dis Murat Metin Hakki is a student in the legal practice course at BPP Law School in London. Copyright

COOPERATION FOR DEVELOPMENT: EMERGING FRAMEWORKS FOR SHARING BENEFITS IN THE EUPHRATES-TIGRIS BASIN

The article examines the growing complexity of transboundary water resources management in the Euphrates-Tigris River Basin by delineating the hydropolitical history of the region as well as focusing on recent developments. Overall analyses on the origins and the evolution of the water dispute in the region are followed by discussion on the opportunities for cooperation inspired by the benefit sharing approach. The article argues that cooperation in the Euphrates-Tigris Basin needs to be based on wider development concepts, cooperative processes need to be geared to specific goals of development, and poverty reduction related to wider socioeconomic development.

Using MODIS snow cover maps in modeling snowmelt runoff process in the eastern part of Turkey

Water perhaps is the most valuable natural asset in the Middle East as it was a historical key for settlement and survival in Mesopotamia, “the land between two rivers”. At present, the Euphrates and Tigris are the two largest trans-boundary rivers in Western Asia where Turkey, Syria, Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia are the riparian countries. The Euphrates and Tigris basins are largely fed from snow precipitation whereby nearly two-thirds occur in winter and may remain in the form of snow for half of the year. The concentration of discharge mainly from snowmelt during spring and early summer months causes not only extensive flooding, inundating large areas, but also the loss of much needed water required for irrigation and power generation purposes during the summer season. Accordingly, modeling of snow-covered area in the mountainous regions of Eastern Turkey, as being one of the major headwaters of Euphrates–Tigris basin, has significant importance in order to forecast snowmelt discharge especially for energy production, flood control, irrigation and reservoir operation optimization. A pilot basin, located on the upper Euphrates River, is selected where five automated meteorological and snow stations are installed for real time operations. The daily snow cover maps obtained from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer MODIS at 500 m resolution are compared with ground information for the winter of 2002–2003 both during accumulation and ablation and at accumulation stage for the winter of 2003–2004. The snow presence on the ground is determined from the snow courses performed. Such measurements were made at 19 points in and around the upper Euphrates River in Turkey and at 20 points in the upper portion of the pilot basin for the winters of 2002–2003 and 2003–2004, respectively. Comparison of MODIS snow maps with in situ measurements over the snow season show good agreement with overall accuracies ranging between 62% and 82% considering the shift in the days of comparison. The main reasons to have disagreement between MODIS and in situ data are the high cloud cover frequency in the area and the current version of the MODIS cloud-mask that appears to frequently map edges of snow-covered areas and land surfaces. The effect of elevation and land cover types on validation of MODIS snow cover maps is also analyzed. In order to minimize the cloud cover and maximize the snow cover, MODIS-8 daily snow cover products are used in deriving the snow depletion curve, which is one of the input parameters of the snowmelt runoff model (SRM). The initial results of modeling process show that MODIS snow-covered area product can be used for simulation and also for forecasting of snowmelt runoff in basins of Turkey.

Development and management of the Euphrates–Tigris basin

Issues related to the development and management of the Euphrates–Tigris basin are discussed. Historical perspectives on water conflict, geography, hydrology, water and land resources development in riparian countries, namely Turkey, Syria and Iraq, are examined. Problems and misconceptions related to water utilization are analysed with regard to water availability, water loss, water rights, the role of dams and reservoirs, and environmental problems of the Mesopotamian marshlands. Advantages and areas of co-operation between riparians are reviewed. Water conflict in the Euphrates–Tigris basin requires a hydro-political approach that covers legal, political, technical and economic aspects of its multi-dimensional characteristics.

Detailed weather data for the provinces covered by the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) of Turkey

The Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) of Turkey is a multi-faceted and integrated regional development project based on the concept of sustainable development. The project area covers nine provinces (Adıyaman, Batman, Diyarbakır, Gaziantep, Kilis, Mardin, Siirt, Şanlıurfa and Şırnak) in the Euphrates–Tigris basins and Upper Mesopotamia plains. In this study, detailed weather data are presented for these provinces (except Şırnak). The data consist of new outdoor design conditions for heating and cooling according to the format recommended by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers Inc. (ASHRAE), the heating and cooling degree-days for different base temperatures and the bin data for dry-bulb temperatures from −21 °C to 45 °C with 3 °C increments, in six daily 4-h shifts. These data are determined by using long-term recently-measured data.