Wadi Al-abyad

This article is about the Wadi in Iraq. For the Wadi in the Al Batinah Region of Oman, see Wadi Al Abyadh.

Wadi Al-abyad or Wadi al Ubayyid (Arabic: وادي الأبيض) Its name mean the white wadi in Arabic language, Second-longest wadi in Iraq (after Wadi Houran) extends in west of Iraq within Al Anbar Governorate and Karbala Governorate. It is runs for roughly 250 kilometres (160 mi), from Iraqi-Saudi border (near Arar) in Al Anbar Governorate till Lake Razazah in west of Karbala Governorate.It is 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) wide,40 and 50 metres (130 and 160 ft) deep. Often term of Wadi Al-abyad referred to a large area include Wadi Al-abyad itself, its tributaries, and surroundings.Wadi Al-abyad is a dry place in spite of oasis called Ghadir Abu Muraji located in central part of the valley within Al Anbar Governorate in addition to some seasonal pools spread in the Wadi during rainy season. Pools and grass provides good grasslands for nomads and their livestock. In some rainy years, Wadi Al-abyad is filled with rain water which flow into the Lake Razazah.

Climate

Hot desert is dominated in Wadi Al-abyad, temperatures are varies between under freeze degree in some winter nights and over 40 degree in July and early August, beside a large variation between day's temperatures and night. Rain season is begin in October till June, precipitation not more than 87 mm per year,this amount of rain is lowest rainfall amount in Iraq .[1] Over all winds eastern or western direction, in summer season southern hot sand storms blow from Najd desert .

Flora and fauna

Arid climate has impact on the flora and fauna in the wadi. No plants grow there except desert vegetation especially Alhagi, Tamarix, and Artemisia. Also animals have adapted to the life of the desert. The most important mammals that live in Wadi Al-abyad are the hare, Rüppell's fox, gray wolf, goitered gazelle, besides many species of the resident birds and immigrant such as bustard, sandgrouse in addition to pigeons .

Al-Abyad barrage

Wadi Al-Abyad Barrage was built in 2002 at lowest point in Wadi Al-Abyad near Iraqi-Saudi border within Al Anbar Governorate to save rain water during winter and spring to a long summer season. Saved water is used for bedouins and their cattle. A barrage's capacity is 25–50 million mc. A pipe is laid under the barrage to dispose of surplus water. Barrage's dimensions are 8 km long,2 km wide, and 18 m high.[2]

Nukhayb

Nukhayb (Arabic: النخيب‎) An Iraqi town located in Al Anbar at Wadi Al-abyad. Population are Arabs and Sunnis most of whom belong to the `Anizzah tribe. The main source of income in Nukhayb is agriculture (depending on wells), sheep grazing and camels, besides small business.

Security situation

Generally Wadi Al-abyad safe and well protected,Iraqi security forces patrolling regularly in Wadi Al-abyad due to its location near holy cities Karbalaa and Najaf. Though some attacks have occurred in Wadi Al-abyad, first offensive happened in September 2011,resulted in killing 22 Shia pilgrims en route from Damascus to Karbalaa were stopped at a fake checkpoint near Nukhayb, then killed by gunmen. In another false checkpoint attack, 14 Iraqi border guards were killed by militants in June 2013.[3][4] Early July 2014 IS's elements attacked Nukhayb and took control on it after Iraqi security forces fled to Karbalaa. But Iraqi Security forces and popular mobilization forces have regained Nukhayb in late August 2014.[5][6][7]

External links

Resources

  1. ↑ AL - Rijabo, Waleed I.; Salih, Hanee M. (Nov–Dec 2013). "Spatial and Temporal Variation of Rainfall in IRAQ". IOSR Journal of Applied Physics (e - ISSN 2278-4861. Volume 5 , Issue 4).
  2. ↑ "سد الأبيض الصحراوي العراقي ينجز قريبا,". archive.aawsat.com. Retrieved 2015-07-31.
  3. ↑ "Criminals behind Nikhaib massacre confess in front of media". All Iraq News.
  4. ↑ "Iraqi police: Gunmen ambush Shiite pilgrims, killing 22". CNN. 12 September 2011.
  5. ↑ "Iraq denies withdrawal of forces from Saudi border". BBC News. 3 July 2014. Retrieved 26 September 2014.
  6. ↑ Erdbrink, Thomas (26 June 2014). "In the Shadows of Shrines, Shiite Forces Are Preparing to Fight ISIS". New York Times. Retrieved 26 September 2014.
  7. ↑ al-Obaidi, Hassan (26 August 2014). "Iraqi forces drive ISIL from 3 Anbar cities". Al Shorfa. Retrieved 22 November 2014.

Coordinates: 33°58′52″N 42°33′23″E / 33.98111°N 42.55639°E / 33.98111; 42.55639

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