Geographical assessment of natural resources at abu-hadair drainage basin in al-salman desert, southern Iraq

The current research dealt with the most important natural resources available in Abu - Hadair drainage basin, one of the most prominent dry valleys in Al-Salman Desert in southern Iraq, including water resources, surface and groundwater, grazing and natural vegetation, as well as the most important mineral resources located in the area of study. Several ways have been discussed in which these resources could be invested by means of development projects for economic benefit, which represent a step towards the development of arid and semi-arid regions in Iraq, particularly in its southern deserts. The research showed that the basin is characterized by the existence of a proper water drainage network, thereby providing a sufficient amount of water to be invested in agriculture, in addition to the available groundwater reservoirs. The availability of such fertile soil leads to the growth of a wide range of natural vegetation, enabling large areas of the basin to be invested for grazing purposes. Rock diversity has proved to be significant in providing various minerals which could be invested in industry and construction.