Research Article
An Integrated GIS and Satellite Image-based Model using a Reduced Simple Ratio Index for Evaluating the Efficacy of the Hammer Marsh Restoration Plan
@INPROCEEDINGS{10.4108/eai.7-9-2021.2314926, author={Mahmoud S. Al-Khafaji and Imzahim A. Alwan and Bayda A. Dhaidan}, title={An Integrated GIS and Satellite Image-based Model using a Reduced Simple Ratio Index for Evaluating the Efficacy of the Hammer Marsh Restoration Plan}, proceedings={Proceedings of 2nd International Multi-Disciplinary Conference Theme: Integrated Sciences and Technologies, IMDC-IST 2021, 7-9 September 2021, Sakarya, Turkey}, publisher={EAI}, proceedings_a={IMDC-IST}, year={2022}, month={1}, keywords={rsr hammer marsh gis satellite-based model}, doi={10.4108/eai.7-9-2021.2314926} }- Mahmoud S. Al-Khafaji
Imzahim A. Alwan
Bayda A. Dhaidan
Year: 2022
An Integrated GIS and Satellite Image-based Model using a Reduced Simple Ratio Index for Evaluating the Efficacy of the Hammer Marsh Restoration Plan
IMDC-IST
EAI
DOI: 10.4108/eai.7-9-2021.2314926
Abstract
Iraqi Marshes in Mesopotamia are considered one of the major wetland ecosystems in the world. These marshes were subjected to a deliberate drought several times. This paper aims to conduct a spatiotemporal assessment for the reality and compliance of the land cover in the Western part of the Hammer Marsh versus the inundation processes. The OLI Landsat satellite images and GIS were integrally used to implement a land cover wetness evaluation model using the reduced simple ratio index (RSR). This model was applied to assess the marsh land cover wetness level and to study the impact of inundation processes in the marsh for the period from 2013 to 2020. The results indicated a positive relationship between the RSR index values and inflow discharges, where the RSR index classes (1.5-3), which represent the moderate wetness class, increased to 23.69% and 23.21% of the marsh area in 2019 and 2020 while decreased to 19.13% and 16.23% in 2015 and 2018 in conjunction with the increase and decrease in the inflow discharge. In general, there is no noticeable improvement in the inundation of the study area, except a slight and temporary improvement in 2019 and 2020 based on the increase and continuity of inflow discharges. Fluctuation of the inflow discharges reduces the efficacy of the restoration process.