THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE ON THE VARIATION OF WATER AND VEGETATION COVER AREA IN AL-DALMAJ MARSH FOR THE YEAR 2024

Abstract

Since the study area is located within the borders of the semi-arid climate, which is characterized by a rare rainy season in the dry summer, a number of climatic factors vary the area of the water and plant cover of Al-Dalmaj Marsh. The most significant of these factors are solar radiation, temperature, wind, evaporation, relative humidity, and rain. Because it is dependent on rainfall patterns and the policies of some nations that have constructed dams on the rivers that supply parts of the marshes, its extent is always changing , Therefore, the area of water cover varies from one month to another, and from one season to another, which can affect the difference in the qualitative characteristics of water, which contributes to the creation of specific ecosystems. The results of the water cover index analysis showed that the maximum area of water reached (191.16) km2 during the month of November, while the lowest area reached (169.1) km2 during the month of August. The study area's diversity of ecosystems is also impacted by the various climatic conditions, as evidenced by the vegetation cover that is compatible with the water available. This led to a monthly variation in the area of vegetation cover, which peaked in April at 209.67 km2 and then fell to 178.82 km2. The area of barren lands also increased in March, reaching a maximum of 209.58 km2 and a minimum of 177.03 km2.