The research employs advanced Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) techniques to extract, analyze, and interpret critical environmental data, providing a comprehensive understanding of the basin’s physical and hydrological dynamics. These tools are indispensable for modeling watershed processes and managing reservoir storage, supporting the development of practical and scientifically sound management scenarios. Using a 30 m resolution Digital Elevation Model (DEM) from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the basin was delineated and analyzed in ArcGIS. Elevation classification was performed using the Jenks Natural Breaks algorithm, which divides the elevation data into nine classes by minimizing variance within classes and maximizing differences between them. The results indicate that the highest elevations occur in the Silveh and Sardasht sub-basins, reaching 3596 and 3529 m, while the lowest elevation of 407 m is found in the Dukan sub-basin. These elevation differences create diverse climatic and hydrological regimes, where upstream high-altitude areas receive mixed precipitation and accumulate snow, contributing gradual snowmelt, while lower basins generate rapid runoff with limited infiltration. The study evaluates the hydrological impacts of upstream dam construction, particularly the Sardasht Dam, on inflows to the Dukan Dam, revealing notable changes that underscore the need for adaptive water management.
