Abstract
The climate, geology and hydraulic properties were used to analyze the hydrogeologic characteristics of the Wadi Al Bih limestone aquifer, hydraulic head configuration and aquifer boundaries. The groundwater- flow model for the Wadi Al Bih limestone aquifer, presented in this chapter utilized the data gathered by Al Wahedi (Application of hydrogeochemistry and groundwater modeling techniques for water-resources management of Wadi Al Bih Drainage Basin, United Arab Emirates. Unpublished M. Sc. Thesis, UAE university, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, 1997) and Alsharhan et al. (Hydrogeology of an arid region: The Arabian Gulf and Adjoining Areas. Elsevier Publishing Company, Amsterdam, p 331, 2001). The model input data were compiled in files to run with the Visual MODFLOW software package.
The model was calibrated with available hydraulic-head data and verified with pumping-test results. A calibrated model was then used for predicting the response of the hydraulic head within the aquifer to increasing demands on its water. The flow model predictions for a 10-year period indicate that, whether the pumping rate remains the same as in the present or doubled, the groundwater levels will decline at different rates.
The effect of Wadi Al Bih dams in hindering floods and recharging groundwater is pronounced. But the sediments in the retention area of the dams has to be removed to improve the recharge efficiency.
In view of the scarcity of water resources and the deficits in replenishment of groundwater in Wadi Al Bih limestone aquifer, an efficient water-resource management policy is needed to overcome the problem and thereby avoid any undesirable situation in the near future.
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Alsharhan, A.S., Rizk, Z.E. (2020). Application of Modeling Techniques for Water-Resource Investigations in the UAE. In: Water Resources and Integrated Management of the United Arab Emirates. World Water Resources, vol 3. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-31684-6_25
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