Author(s)

M. S. Sadeghian, H. Hassunizadeh & A. N. McNaughton

Abstract

The River Karun is Iran's longest and largest river system with a total catchment area of over 67,000 krn2 and a main river stream length of over 800 km. The catchment is located in the south west of Iran. The river system rises in the Zagros mountains in the north and flows into the Euphrates prior to discharging into the Persian Gulf. Mean annual river flows are around 575 m3/s. The catchment has unique conditions which feature: annual average rainfall of 250mm, summer temperatures in excess of 50°C, a series of cascade hydroschemes, major flooding in downstream areas, significant irrigation of agriculture extending to over 280,000 ha, with a further 100,000 ha under development. The river system has two existing 1,000 MW

Keywords