Baysh Dam is located in the Jizan region found in the southwestern parts of Saudi Arabia. It is considered to be one of the largest water reservoirs within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Elhag et al., 2019). With a catchment area estimated at 4,312 km2, the dam has the potential of serving the villages and surrounding cities for over three years. The large capacity of the Baysh dam is attributed to the heavy rainfalls that are experienced within the catchment area. According to Masoud, Basahi, and Rajmohan (2018), the amount of rainfall experienced in the region is estimated at 400 mm per year. As a result of the high rainfalls, the Wadi Baysh Dam was constructed with the aim of controlling floods. In addition, the water stored in the dam could be used for irrigation to enhance food security within the larger area (Masoud, Basahi, & Zaidi, 2019).
Several studies have been carried out to assess both the positive and negative impacts of a dam on the environment. Notably, most dams have been attributed to flood control as well as sustaining the growth of plants within the bordering areas. On the contrary, dams have also been attributed to negative environmental impacts such as ecological changes and displacement of wildlife. The purpose of this study is, therefore, to assess the environmental impacts of the Baysh Dam. By focusing on the methodology outlined below, the study aims to establish solid findings on how the environmental impacts affect various species within the natural setting.
Review of Literature
With reference to the study objectives of the research proposal, some findings have been established on the state of environmental impacts of the Baysh Dam. A study by Elhag et al. (2019) assessed “the effect of water surface area on various water quality parameters.” Through a remote sensing approach, the research established that a correlation existed between the quality of water parameters and the surface area of the water. As such, the study concluded that the surface area of the Baysh dam water could be analyzed to reveal the quality of water parameters.
In a separate study conducted by Sallam et al. (2018), the environmental consequences of constructing a dam were explored within the context of Saudi Arabia. The study sought to evaluate the impact of the Baysh dam construction on the vegetation cover. In realizing its objectives, the study relied on remote sensing methods to monitor control parameters. In addition, the research also investigated the soil and water quality to determine a correlation with vegetative growth. The study established that the construction of the Baysh dam led to a decrease in vegetation cover.
Methodology
The proposed study is meant to establish the environmental impacts of the Baysh dam based on a different methodology. The study will employ the use of geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing techniques to gather data. A descriptive and analytical approach will be used to refine the data collected. All the required data will be aggregated from satellite imagery, field work and historical data. The digital data collected from satellite imagery will be used in accurate calculations of the area around the dam. The historical data documenting the state of the original vegetation cover, as well as soil and water characteristics, will be used in comparative analysis.
Findings
Based on the methodology of the study, the findings of the research will be dependent on the analyzed data drawn from the GIS and remote sensing techniques. The results will be discussed against existing sets of information that are available for Baysh dam.
Conclusion
The major findings of the research will be restated in line with the key objectives of the study. An overall assessment will be stated based on the findings of the research. Recommendations will be given on ways of limiting the negative impacts of the dam on the environment.
- Elhag, M., Gitas, I., Othman, A., Bahrawi, J., & Gikas, P. (2019). Assessment of Water Quality Parameters Using Temporal Remote Sensing Spectral Reflectance in Arid Environments, Saudi Arabia. Water, 11(3), 556.
- Masoud, M. H., Basahi, J. M., & Rajmohan, N. (2018). Impact of flash flood recharge on groundwater quality and its suitability in the Wadi Baysh Basin, Western Saudi Arabia: an integrated approach. Environmental Earth Sciences, 77(10), 395.
- Masoud, M. H., Basahi, J. M., & Zaidi, F. K. (2019). Groundwater resource management based on three-dimensional flow modeling of Wadi Baysh aquifer system: southwestern Saudi Arabia. Environmental Earth Sciences, 78(18), 562.
- Sallam, A., Alharbi, A. B., Usman, A. R., Hussain, Q., Ok, Y. S., Alshayaa, M., & Al-Wabel, M. (2018). Environmental consequences of dam construction: a case study from Saudi Arabia. Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 11(3), 47.
