Hydrological Assessment of Water Level in the Mingechevir Reservoir

The objective of this study was to conduct a hydrological assessment of the water level in the Mingachevir Reservoir and develop recommendations for the optimal use of water and energy resources. The Mingachevir Reservoir is a reliable means of combating floods on the Kura River. The reservoir provides irrigation for 1.2 million hectares of fertile land. The study was carried out using a technical calculation of the average long-term water inflow into the reservoir (14.5 km3). The main share of the annual inflow (58.6%) occurs during the flood period. Water inflow in 2020 amounted to 6,707 million m3 (27.1%), water discharge - 6,129.5 million m3. In 2021, water inflow amounted to 8,857.2 million m3 (35.8%), and water discharge - 7,281 million m3. The greatest water inflow was in 2021, and the reservoir water reached the inflow level. Comparisons were made over various annual intervals, and monthly changes were identified. When examining water level dynamics, it was determined that changes occurred over several periods.