Flood analysis in Western Saudi Arabia

Abstract EN

In Western Saudi Arabia, an extremely arid region, rainfall is characterized by extremely high spatial and temporal variability Flash floods occur immediately after heavy, short rainstorms and destroy human lives and properties.

Unfortunately, rainfall and runoff measurements, as well as records of their greatest magnitude, are very scarce.

In this study, 20 rain gauges distributed in and around eight dry basins (wadis) in Western Saudi Arabia that have a recorded length of at least 30 years were examined.

Log-Pearson type III and EV1 probability density functions (puffs) were derived by analyzing the maximum annual daily rainfall with different return periods.

The EV1 Pdf demonstrated the best fit in most cases representing the 50-year return period and providing the best prediction.

Hence, this data could be used when planning future project designs.

Regional maps of maximum probable precipitation (PMP) and probable maximum flood (PMF) were also produced for the seven major basins.

Results from this study can be used to determine future water projects and their management in arid regions.