Investigating the Geomorphological Impact of the Euphrates River on Paleolakes and River Meanders Using Remote Sensing Techniques: A Case Study of Ramadi, Iraq

Abstract

Remote sensing techniques and field surveys were combined to evaluate the hydrological and geomorphological effects of the Euphrates River on the lakes and ancient buried meanders in the Ramadi region. This study addresses the problem of identifying the sources of recharge and the seasonal dynamics of these water bodies. Remote sensing and field survey techniques were employed, including satellite image analysis, topographic measurements, soil texture assessment, and chemical analysis of water samples from lake, wells, and river. The results of the soil sample analysis revealed the presence of coarse, highly porous sediments in the buried meanders, confirming their potential role as subsurface reservoirs. Water quality analyses showed a strong similarity between the lake and river samples suggesting that groundwater recharge is strongly influenced  by the Euphrates River. In addition, the lake 2 showed slight fluctuations in surface area between 1997 and 2025, while the lake located farther from the river showed large seasonal differences. These results indicate the role of the Euphrates River in maintaining nearby water bodies, and highlight the importance of integrating remote sensing with field surveys to provide a comprehensive understanding of water body dynamics.