Flow in the Main Channel of a Watershed: Modeling and Application to Lake Bam

A. The study of water behavior in watershed beds throughout different periods of the year is a central issue in the modeling of natural environments.This study proposes an analytical model based on the physical characteristics of the watershed and the Saint-Venant equations, capable of reproducing flow within the main watercourse.A practical application is carried out on the Lake Bam watershed, the largest natural water reservoir in Burkina Faso.The developed model is calibrated, validated, and used to perform simulations to observe the behavior of the water body at specific locations during determined periods of the year.This model represents a strategic asset for the country, which aims to mobilize its water resources to develop alternative hydro-agricultural systems to achieve food self-sufficiency.The strength of this method lies in its ability to provide accurate predictions of water levels at any point of the water body and for any period of the year.Such an approach also constitutes a valuable tool to address environmental concerns related to water behavior and the sustainable management of water resources.