Hydrodynamic Model-Based Evaluation of Sediment Transport Capacity for the Makhool-Samarra Reach of Tigris River

A hydrodynamic model reveals that the Makhool-Samarra Reach of the Tigris River exhibits exceptionally high sediment transport capacity (STC), particularly during high flow, with values significantly surpassing those recorded in other sections of the river and global averages. The study, employing a steady two-dimensional HEC-RAS model combined with topographical surveys, hydraulic measurements, and laboratory tests, identified that suspended sediment dominates STC, primarily consisting of clay and very fine silt, while bed material contributes negligibly. The Toffaleti sediment transport function with the Van Rijn fall velocity proved most suitable for computing sediment transport potential (STP) in this reach, which fluctuates dramatically between high and low flow conditions, underscoring the dynamic nature of sediment dynamics in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Nama, A., Abbas, A., & Maatooq, J. (2022). Hydrodynamic Model-Based Evaluation of Sediment Transport Capacity for the Makhool-Samarra Reach of Tigris River. Engineering and Technology Journal, 40(11), 1573–1588. https://doi.org/10.30684/etj.2022.135747.1282