OPTIMIZING THE EFFICIENT USES OF RAINFALL AND FLASH FLOODS (CASE STUDY ON SAINT CATHERINE AREA – SOUTHERN SINAI)

Abstract

This study aims to optimize the benefits from the water of the flash flood occurred in desert areas such as Sinai, Saint Catherin area in Al Arbaeen valley. In that area a mountain lake was constructed by building an industrial wall, it’s length is 20 m, height 3 m and is supported by two stentings along the wall. This lake was used to harvest the flash flood water. The industrial wall was constructed depending on hydrological study and mathematical models that used to identify the quantities of rainfall water that expected to fall during the different return periods 2, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 years. The model Watershed Modeling System (WMS) was used to identify the quantities of the rainfall. During the year of 2016, after the mountain lake was constructed, the rainfall was harvested and the water was used in agriculture beside the domestic purposes. Tow greenhouses were constructed with an area of 270 m2 for each one. The first was cultivated with tomato while the second was cultivated with cucumber. Environmental Impact Assessment Matrix was established to clear the impact of this study on economical, social, healthy and biodiversity. The results clear the following: The predicated quantities of water that calculated were 2606.4, 61434, 136602.9, 264409.2, 380076.3, 507030.3 m3. Duration periods of 2, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 years respectively.