Arebu et al. (2026) Hydrological Modeling of Reservoir Sedimentation and Evolution of Elevation–Capacity Curve of the Dam Reservoir

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Identification

• Journal: Hydrology
• Year: 2026
• Date: 2026-03-13
• Authors: Baradin Adisu Arebu, Nassir Alamri, Amro Elfeki
• DOI: 10.3390/hydrology13030093

Research Groups

Not specified in the provided text.

Short Summary

This study introduces a novel hydrological approach, integrating the sediment rating curve (SRC) and the dam reservoir elevation-capacity curve (ECC), to accurately estimate reservoir sedimentation and its impact on capacity, demonstrating its effectiveness at the Wadi Fatimah Dam.

Objective

• To introduce and apply a novel hydrological approach, integrating the sediment rating curve (SRC) and the dam reservoir elevation-capacity curve (ECC), to accurately estimate reservoir sedimentation and the evolution of the ECC.
• To develop a new equation for the estimation of sediment rise and the corresponding sediment volume.

Study Configuration

• Spatial Scale: Wadi Fatimah Dam, Saudi Arabia.
• Temporal Scale: Rainfall data from 1985 to 2022; sediment accumulation trends estimated from 1985 to present, with specific results for 1985 to 2008.

Methodology and Data

• Models used: Rainfall–runoff hydrological modeling, novel hydrological approach (integrating SRC and ECC), newly developed equation for sediment rise and volume.
• Data sources: Rainfall data (1985-2022), ground survey (2008), geophysical investigations (2008).

Main Results

• The novel hydrological approach, integrating SRC and ECC, provides an accurate method for estimating reservoir sedimentation and the evolution of the ECC.
• A new equation was developed for the estimation of sediment rise and corresponding sediment volume.
• Application to the Wadi Fatimah Dam revealed significant sediment buildup, with an estimated average sediment rise of 7.5 meters from 1985 to 2008.
• The findings highlight an urgent need for effective sediment management strategies, particularly in arid regions where sedimentation rates are notably higher.

Contributions

• Introduction of a novel, integrated hydrological approach for reservoir sedimentation modeling that overcomes the limitations of traditional Hydraulic and Empirical Approaches.
• Development of a new equation for estimating sediment rise and volume, enhancing the accuracy of sedimentation assessments.
• Validation of the proposed approach through ground survey and geophysical investigations, confirming its reliability.
• Quantification of significant sedimentation rates in an arid region (Wadi Fatimah Dam), emphasizing the critical need for sediment management in such environments.

Funding

Not specified in the provided text.

Citation

@article{Arebu2026Hydrological,
  author = {Arebu, Baradin Adisu and Alamri, Nassir and Elfeki, Amro},
  title = {Hydrological Modeling of Reservoir Sedimentation and Evolution of Elevation–Capacity Curve of the Dam Reservoir},
  journal = {Hydrology},
  year = {2026},
  doi = {10.3390/hydrology13030093},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology13030093}
}