The climatic water balance of Erbil Governorate and related climate type

Abstract EN

Water balance technique is very important for agriculture areas due to its important role in determining the irrigation water requirements.

Since potential evapotranspiration is considered as the most important factor in water balance equation, an accurate method is needed to estimate correctly.

In this study, three methods (Kharufa, Blany Cridle and Thornthwaite) were used to estimate it the Potential Evapo-transpiration (PE) with monthly mean data of 21 years.

Water balance parameters such as water surplus and water deficit were found for studying the area (Erbil).

Climate classifications were performed by using Brown & Cocheme and Cilianinove methods.

The results show that Thornthwaite method gave the highest estimates of potential evapotranspiration followed by kharufa and Blany Cridle methods, a water surplus period was during winter session which is classified as a humid period while water deficit was prevailed during summer session period which is classified as a very dry period.

According to Cilianinove index, the climate of the region of the study has been described as mountainous region.

Generally, Kharufa and Blany Cridle results are identical and agree with previous studies which could be an indication for being the most suitable methods for the region of the study.