Estimation of Peak Discharge Using GIUH Model in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Many of the basins, called wadis, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia lack long records of hydrologic data. Most of these wadis located in the southwestern part of the Kingdom are under flooding danger for every 5–10 yr return period. Flash floods threaten downstream villages, towns, and agricultural areas because they are uncontrollable and difficult to predict. Therefore, the subject requires special attention by researchers in arid climates to estimate the magnitude, volume, and time to peak of flood hydrographs. As a result, the optimal planning and managing of water resources can be achieved using the limited water resources available (surface, subsurface) at the potential sites in arid climates. Geomorphologic instantaneous unit hydrograph (GIUH) is one of the possible approaches to predicting the hydrograph characteristics. Because of the study, the designer and project engineer will be able to estimate the hydrograph properties (peak discharge and time to peak) in the design of various projects such as culverts, levees, and dams in arid climates with limited hydrologic information.