Hydrology and water harvesting techniques of wadi muheiwir catchment area-the case study of jordan

Abstract

The study area is located in the Eastern parts of Jordan in semi arid area. The determination of flows has been done by applying the United States Soil Conservation Services (SCS). Curve number approach to the available rainfall data since 1976 till 2006 taking in consideration the Antecedent Moisture Conditions (AMC), the initial abstraction of rainfall and land use. The Curve Number (CN), was calculated from the topographic maps, geologic map and land use map. Therefore, the curve number 80 was found for Wadi Muheiwir catchment area. The calculations of the flood volumes for Wadi Muheiwir catchment area were determined and statistically analyzed by applying Gumble theory (distribution). The calculations and the results for 10, 25, 50,100 and 200 years return period were estimated. The long-term average runoff is 0.063 MCM. It ranges between zero and 0.544 MCM. Macro and micro water harvesting techniques suitability for Wadi Muheiwir were reviewed depending on the criteria used in the classification and its suitability for agricultural activity. © 2010 Asian Network for Scientific Information.