Identifying Suitable Dam Locations in Al Dinder: Integrating GIS, Remote Sensing, and Hydrological Factors

Abstract

This study evaluates the suitability of dam site locations in the Al Dinder region of Sudan using a GIS-based approach and weighted overlay analysis. Five key criteria were assessed: Stream Order, Slope, Soil Type, Precipitation, and Land Cover. Each criterion was analyzed to determine its impact on selecting optimal sites for dam construction. The results reveal that fourth-order streams offer the highest suitability due to their larger flow capacity, covering 11.4% of the area, while first-order streams, accounting for 48.9%, are less suitable. Slope analysis shows that 99.52% of the region features gentle slopes (0-5°), which are ideal for dam construction. Soil type analysis identifies Gleysols as the most favorable for dam foundations, covering 86.1% of the area. Precipitation levels, particularly in areas receiving 1200-2200 mm of rainfall, are deemed highly suitable for dam operations. The study further reveals that 96% of the land cover consists of barren land, which is advantageous for construction due to minimal land-use conflicts. A detailed cross-sectional profile analysis of six proposed dam sites identified Dam 5 as the most suitable location, offering stable terrain, a consistent cross-section, and favorable hydrological conditions. Other sites, such as Dam 1 and Dam 6, show promise but require additional engineering modifications. The study’s findings contribute valuable insights into sustainable water resource management and infrastructure development in regions with similar environmental conditions. Key recommendations include further feasibility assessments, environmental impact analyses, and consideration of the social and economic benefits of dam construction.

Keywords

• Dam
• hydrological analysis
• water resource
• DEM
• GIS
• Hydrological Factors

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