Gis-based rainfall analysis using remotely sensed data in Kirkuk province, Iraq

Abstract

This research aims to calculate the rainfall rate for two consecutive years, 2018 and 2019, to study and analyze the drought periods during these years. The research was conducted in Kirkuk province, north of Iraq. The study area was divided into five regions based on the five stations of rainfall records. Two types of data were used in investigations; remotely sensed daily precipitations from integrated multi-satellite retrievals and monthly precipitations average rate from NASA power application. The methodology involved the rainfall rates calculation using three methods, i.e., Mean, Thiessen's polygons, and the Isohyetal technique. The obtained data were analyzed, and final maps were produced using Geographic Information Systems based on data from 2011 to 2021. In 2018, the average annual rainfall rate produced by Mean, Thiessen's polygons, and Isohyetal technique were 495.36, 482.76, and 483.48, respectively. However, in 2019, the average annual rainfall rate produced by Mean, Thiessen's polygons, and Isohyetal technique were 347.76, 335.52, and 317.52, respectively. The results showed water scarcity and rainfall lack during the study years. While in 2018, the rainfall increased, then again decreased in 2019 up to 2021. Therefore, the studied region was under a significant impact of exposure to drought, represented by the drying up of rivers.