Geographical Distribution and Characteristics of Ponds in Sulaimaniyah Governorate

Abstract

This study, entitled "Geographical Distribution and Characteristics of Ponds in Sulaymaniyah Governorate," was conducted within the framework of physical geography. The study area is Sulaymaniyah Governorate, one of the governorates of the Kurdistan Region, located astronomically between latitudes (34°55′.15″N) to (36°12′.53″N) and longitudes (44°37′.54″E) to (46°20′.56″E). The research examines the natural characteristics of the area, including geology and geological formations, slope and slope direction, climate (temperature, humidity, evaporation, and rainfall), vegetation cover, and tree distribution. A detailed analysis of the geographical distribution of ponds across the districts (Sulaymaniyah, Qaradagh, Penjwin, and Chamchamal) was conducted. A total of 9 ponds have been constructed in the governorate with a combined storage capacity of (1,285,000 m³) of water. The findings reveal that ponds have had a significant impact on agricultural development, flood mitigation, and water supply for various uses including irrigation, livestock watering, and aquaculture. Sulaimani province is one of the provinces of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, which is located in the northeast of Iraq. This province is located in a mountainous and semi-mountainous area 9 ponds have been established in Sulaimani province, which are distributed in the districts of Sulaimani, Karadag, Penjwen and Chamchamal. These ponds contain a total of (1.285.000) m3 of water.