Algeria

Fighting loss of water and sedimentation

Every year, Algeria loses millions of cubic metres of water due to evaporation and siltation in hydro installations. In the region of Biskra, for example, the Foum El Ghorza dam can only retain two-thirds of its capacity due to siltation. However, the sedimentation in the dam has never been measured through the standard tool of frequency analysis (FA).

With this project, researchers sought to improve predictions of extreme hydrological events in target sites in Biskra, including the M’Chouneche station. After gathering data at this station, the team applied FA to the annual maxima of the flow and concentrations of sediments in suspension. Armed with this information, they developed models using HYFRAN and other software, determining hydrological risk.

In the third phase, the team went beyond the initial parameters of the research, adopting recently developed additions to FA methodology. Given the lack of data, the team used FA based on the peaks over threshold (POT) method. Finally, the team initiated a literature survey on work relating to the transport of sediments.

The research has led to the submission of three articles to scholarly journals, as well as a presentation to a conference in Algiers. By the spring of 2012, a fourth article was in progress and the team was being considered for conferences in Turkey and Tunisia in the fall.

Following the analysis, the team modified the model to provide a multidisciplinary tool for local decision-makers. Ultimately, the models produced by the team will help improve management of siltation, as well as better flood forecasting. Indeed, the tools will be useful for all hydrological events, not just in Algeria but throughout North Africa.