| Vol. 30 (2003) | |||
- Hydrogeo-Eco-Systems in Aqaba/Jordan – Coasts
and Region; Natural Settings, Impacts of Land Use, Spatial Vulnerability
to Pollution and Sustainable Management
Mohammad Al-Farajat (2003), 220 p., 120 Fig., 48 Tab.
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Abstract
Hydrogeo-Eco-Systems in Aqaba/Jordan – Coasts and
Region; Natural Settings, Impacts of Land Use, Spatial Vulnerability to
Pollution and Sustainable Management
Mohammad Al-Farajat
Abstract: The
coast of Aqaba and the Aqaba region (Jordan) were investigated on their
hydrogeo-ecosystem. The results of the research were translated into digits
to build a geo-spatial data base. The fillings of the graben aquifer receive
indirect type of recharge through the side wadis which drain the highlands.
Surface water balance was modeled for a period of 20 years of daily climate
records using MODBIL program which attributes direct recharge to wet years
only. The hydrodynamic fresh water/seawater interface in the coastal zones
was investigated by applying vertical geoelectric surveys and models of
several methods to confirm its coincidence with the aquifer’s flow
amounts, where human impacts in terms of over-pumping allowed more encroachment
of seawater into land, and unintended recharge which led to seaward interface
migration. A groundwater balance and solute transport were approached
by developing a flow model from the hydrogeological and hydrochemical
data. The nature of soil cover and aquifer whose physical properties enhance
human impacts indicated the vulnerability of groundwater to pollution.
This certainly threatens the marine ecology which forms the sink where
the in-excess flow ends. The constructed digital background was exported
into GIS to sub-zone the study area in terms of the aquifer’s vulnerability
to pollution risks using DRASTIC index. However, it was unable to meet
all geo-spatial factors that proved to have significant impacts on the
vulnerability. Consequently, a comprehensive index -SALUFT- was developed.
This suggests the suitable land use units for each zone in the light of
vulnerability grades aiming at protecting the available groundwater resources.
Paper language: english
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