water resource projects - tigris river, iraq

Cochiti Reservoir, Pueblo de Cochiti, New Mexico

King County Brightwater Marine Outfall Siting Study, Puget Sound, Washington

Lake Berryessa, Monticello Dam, California

Mosul Dam, Tigris River, Iraq 

In late Summer '05 GRS was contracted by Seafloor Systems to perform multibeam bathymetric and high-resolution sidescan sonar surveys within the upstream and downstream reservoirs located on the Tigris River near Mosul Dam. The purpose of the investigation was to provide survey information to assist in the determination of the existence of sinkholes within the reservoir and the downstream channel.

Though GRS tries not to make a habit of working in active combat zones, this survey was deemed possible provided the necessary precautions were taken. Peshmerga Security Forces escorted them from the Turkish border to the heart of Kurdish-held Iraq. Insurgency in surrounding areas did not directly pose a threat to the dam and powerplant, however, every precaution was exercised.  The primary insecurity was during transit to and from the work area, which occasionally closed windows of operation.

(Images: Deploying the swathe vessel upstream using available construction equipment; Crossing over from Turkey to Iraq; Real-Time Kinematic Base Station locate atop Mosul Dam.)

The Seafloor Systems/GR Sensing team was able to complete its mission and deliver the data within the scheduled time frame.  The ability to provide a high-quality deliverable within the necessary timeframe and under budget under adverse conditions is one the company's many strong points.

(Images: Orthorectified satellite imagery of the survey area and Upstream and Downstream Bathymetry using the Reson 8101 Seabat MBES.)