Integration of Altimetry and Interferometry Techniques for the Identification of the Potential of New Marsh Areas in Iraq

Identifying potential marsh areas in Iraq is essential for sustainable water resource monitoring in arid regions. This study uses altimetry, interferometric synthetic aperture radar techniques, and hydrological modeling for identifying potential marsh sites in the southwestern Iraq desert. In the study's methodology, altimetry data were used to provide precise Euphrates water elevations, while Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR)-derived elevation enhanced the spatial detail of the Digital Elevation Model (DEM). A stream burning technique was applied to improve DEM-2024 and ensure accurate hydrological representation. This integration enabled the generation of a high-resolution topographic model capable of identifying low-lying zones with high potential for marsh restoration. Three DEMs from 2022, 2023, and 2024 were evaluated for accuracy using Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) points. DEM 2024, enhanced by the stream burning technique, was the most accurate, with a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 3.27 m, a bias of -0.86 m, and a Standard Deviation (SD) of 3.15 m. This improved DEM facilitated the reliable identification of potential marsh boundaries. The Euphrates River discharge value at 31.3351°N, 45.0527°E was 549.95 m3/s, which was the basis for hydrological simulations. Moreover, the channel characteristics (64.7 m width, 5.0 m depth, and 1.7 m/s velocity) validated the viability of water diversion for marsh creation. Geomorphological assessments identified basin 280 as the most suitable site for creating a marsh. With a total area of 725.74 km2, river length of 301,647.5 m, elongation ratio of 0.589, and circularity ratio of 0.650, it indicates favorable hydrological retention and flow distribution characteristics. This study demonstrates the integration of remotely sensed altimetry techniques, DEM optimization, and hydrological analysis to support large-scale marsh identification and restoration.