Estimation of Natural Groundwater Recharge under Saudi Arabian Arid Climatic Conditions

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the infiltration-recharge phenomena in a representative alluvial wadi system in order to determine the factors influencing it and subsequently formulate a groundwater recharge model. To achieve this goal a three kilometer experimental reach in one of the representative basins of the southwestern part of Saudi Arabia was selected and instrumented with a data acquisition system to continuously monitor hydrological variables on rainfall, runoff, groundwater fluctuations, evapotranspiration, and soil temperature and moisture variation.

Analysis of data revealed different recharge responses at each well due to soil heterogeneity and moisture variation. The developed regression models show that the maximum flood hydrograph depth is the most important influencing factor affecting recharge. Also, factors such as rainfall depth and depth to water table affected the recharge rate.