The use of shallow geophysics in establishing the hydrogeological condition conducive in management and artificial recharge program-A case study from Wadi Beni-Omer, Mekkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

摘要

A combination of magnetic and electrical soundings has provided the necessary information for a hydrogeological assessment of Wadi Beni-Omer-in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The detailed geological and geophysical examination has enabled a thorough evaluation of the hydrogeological condition of the area thus establishing, with the existing hydrogeological data, the necessary information for a prudent management of the water budget and a scope for possible artificial recharge program. The shallow subsurface geophysical results have identified the configuration of wadi-fill unconfined aquifer, in the Basement complex of the western part of Saudi Arabi. It has also highlighted important and essential hydrogeological constraints and boundary conditions of the aquifer. The resulting information on the presence of a fractured Basement surface has added an appreciable thickness to the water bearing segment, thus maximizing the potential in reserve as well as for induced recharge. The latter is crucial to this arid climatic region and to its water security program.