A model for estimating monthly and annual water and salinity levels of Lake
Qaroun was developed using the mass balance concept. The model can assess
the effects of various drainage water disposal options. The water and salin
ity levels are estimated from drainage water disposal rates, drainage water
salinities, as well as evaporation rates.
The model simulations were checked against the measured water and salinity
levels from 1980-1996. Water level predictions by the model generally agree
d with measured values. The monthly modelling efficiency (EF) ranged from 0
.58 to 0.93. On an annual basis, EF was 0.88. With salinity measurements, t
he computer model LQR produced reliable results in terms of annual predicti
on (EF=0.5), but was in poor agreement (-8.2<EF<0.53) with lake salinity me
asurements done on a monthly basis.