Objective: This study aims to identify optimal sites for the construction of dams within the Wadi Massin watershed, located in the northern region of the West Bank, Palestine, to harvest rainwater runoff and mitigate flood risks across plains and agricultural lands. Recently, large areas of Palestine have increasingly been experiencing semi-arid climatic conditions due to frequent droughts affecting many countries in the eastern Mediterranean basin. Methodology: The research employs an analytical and quantitative approach, utilizing Remote Sensing (RS) techniques and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). These tools were applied to generate relevant maps, including topographic maps, slopes, geological maps, soil, drainage network, and land use maps. Results: The total annual volume of rainwater draining into the Wadi Massin catchment area is approximately 19 million cubic meters. The storage capacity of the proposed dams is estimated at around 2.5 million cubic meters. Additionally, a fourth dam (Al Jarba dam) was identified in the northeastern highlands of the study area, and an artificial recharge well was proposed for the eastern section. These interventions are expected to store over 38% of the rainwater that flows towards the areas prone to flooding. Conclusion: Three suitable locations have been identified for rainwater harvesting: Jaba Dam, Ar-ramah Dam, and Attil Dam. Additionally, the Al Jarba dam and an artificial recharge well were proposed as solutions to mitigate flood risks in the most vulnerable areas within the Wadi Massin basin.

Title

Journal of the Social Sciences

Publisher

the academic publication council of Kuwait University

Publisher Country

Kuwait

Indexing

Scopus

Impact Factor

0.0

Publication Type

Both (Printed and Online)

Volume

52

Year

4

Pages

89-116