Morphometric, Hydrogeologic and Hydrochemical Analyses of Solar Saltwork Pond Region, in Meha Area, Northwest Sharqat City, Iraq

Abstract

The study determines the shape, area, and discharge properties and other factors of morphometric analysis and drainage pattern to characterize the optimum location for salt harvesting in the salt ponds in Meha area, northwest Sharqat city, Iraq. The morphometric analysis confirms the idea of the upward leakage of salt rich water from the deep ground water along the surface of deep fault. The hydrogeological data of groundwater leakage encourage the method of harvesting salt by evaporation ponds. Also, the relationship between hydrochemical parameters, their variation with the period of evaporation, increasing of Na+ and Cl– percentages, and decreasing of other component support the salt production in the area.