Monitoring Changes In The Course of The Tigris River Over The Past 10 Years

Abstract

This study aims to monitor the changes that affected the Tigris River channel during the period 2016–2025 through the analysis of a set of morphological and hydrological indicators across selected river sectors representing the spatial gradient of the river within Iraq. The study relied on official hydrological data, ready-made satellite imagery, and water-related maps, in addition to quantitative indicators related to channel width, the area of river islands and sediment tongues, and bank migration. The results revealed a general trend toward a decline in mean channel width in all studied sectors, accompanied by a clear increase in sedimentary features and a relative rise in bank movement in some middle and lower reaches. The study also showed that the northern sectors were relatively more stable than the middle and southern sectors. The findings indicate that recent changes in the Tigris are associated with the interaction of hydrological, morphological, and human factors. The study concludes that the river channel has become increasingly sensitive to change, which requires improved monitoring and sustainable river management.