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Individual Project Report

Climate Change -Mitigation and Adaptation

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Climate Change effects on Water Resources

in Amman Zarqa Basin – Jordan

(Author)

Eng. Bassam Mohammed Al-Qaisi

Ministry of Water and Irrigation –Water Authority of Jordan – Jordan

Amman -11131

Phone +962 779902705, Fax +962 65813661

E-mail [email protected]

Climate Change mitigation and adaptation

Advanced International Training Programme

in Norrkoping – Sweden

October 25 – November 19

2010

mailto:[email protected]



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Table of contents

1 Preamble (preface) ............................................................................................................. 3

2 Executive Summary (abstract) ........................................................................................... 3

3 Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 4

4 Backqround ...................................................................................................................... 4

5 Case Study . ....................................................................................................................... 5

6 Objectives of the study ...................................................................................................... 6

Methodology ..................................................................................................................... 6

8 Problem Description ........................................................................................................... 7

9 Amman Zarqa Basin Physical Characteristics .................................................................. 7

10 Hydrogeology .................................................................................................................. 10

11 Rainfall ...........................................................................................................................15

12 Temerture and Evaporation ............................................................................................20

13 Runoff .............................................................................................................................. 22

14 Ifiltration ........................................................................................................................ 24

15 Water Quality ............................................................................................................... 27

16 Artificial Recharge .......................................................................................................... 28

17 Results ............................................................................................................................ 29

18 Discussion ..................................................................................................................... 30

19 Conclusion .................................................................................................................... 31

20 The way forward ........................................................................................................... 31

21 Acknowledgements ...................................................................................................... 31

22 Abbreviations ............................................................................................................... 32

23 References ..................................................................................................................... 32

24 Appendices .................................................................................................................... 34



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1. Preamble

This project is produced as an integral part of the Advanced International Training Program of

Climate Change - Mitigation and Adaptation 2010. The training was sponsored by Swedish

International Development Agency (SIDA) and organized under the guidance of Swedish

Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) in Norrkoping, Sweden during the 25th

October to 19th

November, 2010. The overall objective of this training is to progress the

knowledge and awareness about Climate Change Phenomenon and its consequences. The

main objective of the training is to provide methods for identification of vulnerable sectors in

the society to climate change, both in national and international perspectives and encourage

the participants to research & development about the improved strategies for mitigation &

adaptation.

2. Executive Summary (abstract)

The Amman Zarqa Basin(AZB) area which extended northen to the Syrian boarders, the

Azraq basin to the east, Yarmouk basin to the northwest, and Amman area to the southwest.

The total area of the basin 4120km2 where around 95% of the area is within Jordan and 5% is

in Syria. The basin represents a transitional zone between the semi arid highlands in the west

to the arid desert in the east. The main populated centers are the cities of Amman, Zarqa,

Jaresh and Russaifeh. Groundwater is the main source of water supply in the basin, whereas

extracted from Basalt and Limestone aquifers through a huge number of wells.

Unjust and wrongful groundwater extracting generate depletion in water level and

deterioration in the water quality where engendering narrowly use. Climate change effects

extra challenge squeeze on the water budget in the basin and cause intimidation on the water

resources. Amman Zarqa Basin has been taken as case study area to demonstrate the climate

change effect on precipitation distribution and water resources availability. In addition

observe the metrological parameters.

The methodology of this study is to analysis precipitation distribution and rainfall variability

and intensity, observe evaporation and temperature changes, gauging the runoff volume, and

explored the groundwater recharge variability. The second part of this study is to suggest

climate change mitigation and adaptation methods.

This study deduce that the mean annual precipitation over the area is reducing from 300mm in

previous studies to 267.92mm, which is defined out of 58 rainfall station and for 58 years

monitoring records, and this study is designated that increase in the minimum value and the

potential evaporation value (2436) mm has unsystematically fluctuation. The runoff

coefficients in the basin vary from 2,45 to 3 % where generate runoff average volume

26MCM yearly.

The groundwater recharge where seemes to be observed around (5-5.75)% according to water

budget method which used to calculate the infiltration volume where found around 60MCM/y

The water quality deteriorates to critical limits. The study suggests the water harvesting

methods, artificial recharge to take as agent to mitigate climate change effects on water

resources.

Keywords: Climate change, rainfall, infiltration, artificial recharge, metrology, retention dams



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3. Introduction

Jordan is a Mediterranean country that depends mostly on rain as its main water resource.

Recent years have witnessed shortage in the rainfall in different parts of the country. As a

result, numerous streams have dried out, ground water level has fallen more than 18 meters

and most water aquifers are experiencing high salinity, which makes them unsuitable for

domestic or irrigation uses. In addition, extreme weather conditions such as flash floods

during winter and heat waves during summer are becoming more frequent in the region.

Jordan has one of the lowest levels of water resource availability, per capita, in the world.

Water scarcity will become an even greater problem over the next two decades as the

population doubles and climate change potentially makes precipitation uncertain and variable.

Management of water resources is therefore a key issue facing national government

authorities. Increasing overall water extraction to meet demand carries a high cost.

Groundwater the main source in Jordan due to the limitation of surface water resources. The

groundwater resources have been exploited since 1950s by government and private sectors

with few wells to reach more than 4000 wells nowadays.

These conditions are in additionally to consequences of global climatic changes that have

recently been affecting several locations, which are dramatically impacting wide ranges of

ecosystems. Decreases in the amount of precipitation and other extreme climate events(BGR),

including hot extremes, heat waves are very likely to become more frequent in multitudes and

subtropical land regions.

As a countermeasure for the expected groundwater deteriorations, Ministry of water and

irrigation (MWI)/Water Authority of Jordan (WAJ) have developed a groundwater-

abstraction stepped reduction scheme which strictly proposes that the use of renewable

groundwater for municipal and mainly irrigation water use will be reduced until 2020 in order

to reach a sort of “safe yield” or less disturbed condition.

Jordan is now accessing non-renewable water resources from fossilized deep-water aquifers.

Water quantity and quality also have major health and environmental impacts. Assessing

those impacts against alternative water management and efficiency strategies, and in the light

of policy costs and economic development issues, can optimize the use of a scarce resource.

4. Background

Countries in the Arab region are confronted with various water problems due to both climatic

conditions and socio-economic factors. From an eco-climatic point of view, most of the

region extends across semi-arid, arid and hyper-arid zones. The semi-arid belts have been

particularly affected by cycles of drought and desertification in the past. Socio-economically,

the region is characterized by a fast increasing population, which has resulted in a sharp

decline of the per capita availability of water, from about 2200 m3/capita/year to less than

1000 m3/capita/year over the past 25 years (IHP, 2005).

Natural recharge of aquifer from precipitation and surface water runoff helps to maintain the

water level of producing aquifers, control contamination of existing water supply by waste

water and lessen or entirely avoid the degradation of fresh water resources due to mixing with

adjacent or underlying brackish/saline waters. As ground water is of fundamental importance

to meet rapidly expanding urban, industrial and agricultural water requirements in arid and

semi-arid areas, the artificial recharge technique has become a standard practice in the

development and management of groundwater resources (Kruseman, 1997).



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Among the various artificial recharge methods, one of the methods is to retain surface water

by constructing dams across the surface channel and let storage water to percolate into

depleting groundwater aquifer. It refers to the movement of water through man-made systems

from surface to underground water bearing strata where it may be stored for future use. In

areas where groundwater is an important component of the water supply and rainfall

variability does not allow for a sufficient level of aquifer recharge by natural means, this

technology provides for the artificial enhancement of the natural recharge.

Jordan is known for its scarce water resources. Throughout history, the people in Jordan have

suffered from water shortages due to the semi-arid climate that is associated with limited

annual rainfall. Over the past few decades, the problem was enormous due to high natural

population growth, rural to urban migration and major influxes of population in response to

political and economic crises in the Middle East. These trends have resulted in increased

demand from domestic and industrial users.

The variability in the surface water resources left no choice but the use of groundwater

resources to cover part of the shortage. The total renewable safe yield of the groundwater

resources in the whole of Jordan is 277 MCM/year, which does not include the Disi aquifer as

this is a non-renewable source. Although extraction from these sources exceeded this safe

yield by more than 200 MCM/year in recent years, Water Authority of Jordan (WAJ) was

unable to meet the substantially increasing demand. The declining per capita water

availability in Jordan.

The water resources strategy included existing and potential sources. Investment programs

were developed to implement new projects such as water harvesting, dams and rehabilitation

and restructuring water systems to minimize the unaccounted for water (UFW). Concentration

was made on demand management and public awareness programmes. New sources were

identified to relief the existing groundwater source and allow the natural recharge of these

sources and to restore their water quality which shall relief part of water shortage in Greater

Amman area. This situation is deteriorating each year by the increase of demand and

therefore, MWI had to consider the option of implementing the Disi Project by conveying

water from the southern part of Jordan to Amman.

5. Case Study

Amman Zarqa Basin (AZB) has been taken as case study to demonstrate the climate change

effect on precipitation distribution and water resources availability. The (AZB) is one of the

largest developed areas in Jordan. It is also the fastest growing region both industrially and in

terms of population. New industries and irrigation projects are being implemented in the area.

Groundwater represents the main source of water supply in the basin. Most of the

groundwater exists and is being abstracted from the Basalt and B2/A7 layers within an area

enclosed by the saturated limit of the B2/A7. This area includes the highest concentration of

wells where depletion and deterioration in water quality has reached to critical stages.

Abstraction in Amman-Zarqa basin started in mid sixties (8.46MCM) and increased

continuously through the nineties (119MCM).The estimated annual recharge is approximately

70.0MCM.



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6. Objectives of the study

This study objected to identify the effect of climate change in water level and water quality on

the Amman Zarqa Basin (AZB) by the following:-

1. Determination the fluctuations in weather parameters in the study area and study the

impacts of climate change on the water resouces

2. Engagement of water depletion and water quality deterioration with Climate Change

in the Region.

3. Encourage the Ministry of water and irrigation (MWI) and Water Authority of Jordan

(WAJ) to mitigate and adapt the impacts of Climate Change.

7. Methodology

The methodologies adopted for this study included items such as the study of the weather

and atmospherically parameters simultaneously with the assessment of the hydro-geology of

the area, the analyses of time series, the classification of the groundwater quality, the

development of water balances, and possibly the execution of groundwater modelling to

assess the impacts of climate change. The detailed elements of the methodology are:

1. Study and analyse the fluctuation of the annual precipitation data, and the cumulative

annual evaporation.

2. Study and analyse the annual average temperature records, the prevailing winds and the

heat waves in the region, and the land cover and land use that impacted by the climate

change.

3. Analyses is of the interaction between rainfall, the surface water hydrology (floods) and

groundwater level behavior.

4. Evaluate the groundwater types in the study area, and evaluate the water quality against

standards, along with evaluation of the surface water quality (floods).

8. Problem description

This study drive to carry out a pilot project aimed to detect trend in weather parameters and

valuate the influence of climate change on the water resources in Amman zarqa basin . The

Amman Zarqa Basin has been designated for this study because of the importance of this area

as a groundwater supply area for Amman city, and because of the depletion of the aquifers

and water quality deterioration in the last few decades.

Available data A wide range of data is available including geological maps, groundwater level

measurements, infiltration data, pumping test analysis, groundwater samples for water quality



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analysis, meteorological stations data available and rainfall, runoff data, and climate data

including potential evaporation.

Fieldwork

The fieldwork within the study area included visits to the regional meteorological stations,

Ground water monitoring wells, surface water and floods stations and the springs in the Regan

as well. Well visits included the checking of water levels, taking the water quality (EC

measurement).

This study carried out cooperatively with the Ministry of water and irrigation (MWI) and

Water Authority of Jordan (WAJ) whereas they provided the study with all of the

groundwater and surface water data and records in addition to water quality results that they

have, maps, facilities for fields investigation.

9. Amman Zarqa Basin (AZB)

Physical Characteristics

9.1 Location

The study area extends north to the Syrian boarders, the Azraq basin to the east, Yarmouk

basin to the northwest, and Amman area to the southwest. The total area of the basin

4120km2 where about 95% of its area is within Jordan and only 5% is in Syria. The basin

extends from the Syrian city of Salkhad in Jebal al-Arab with an elevation of 1460 m to south

of Amman and then westward to discharges its water at its confluence with River Jordan at an

elevation of -350 m. The basin represents a transitional area between the semi arid highlands

in the west to the arid desert in the east.

About 2.72 million people (2004) are living in the basin representing about 50% of the total

population in Jordan. The main populated centers are the cities of Amman, Zarqa, Jaresh and

Russaifeh. (Fig. 9.1).

Figure 9.1: Location map of the study area



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9.2 Topography

A sloping terrain from 950m near the Arab Mountain to 620m near the Sukhna area and 735m

southwest of Amman characterizes the study area. The topography reflects the geology

consisting mainly of a basaltic mountain that slopes down to a central, gently rolling plateau

bounded from north and south by rugged and dissected limestone hills. The stream flow of the

Zarqa River is impounded by King Talal Dam at an elevation of 120 m and a capacity of 82

MCM. The area behind the river is about 3100 km2 producing an (average) runoff of about 60

MCM/y. (Fig. 9.2).

Figure 9.2: Topographic map of the study area (dar alhandasa)

9.3 Climate

Jordan lies in the eastern side of the Mediterranean. The climate is semi-arid and

characterized by cold humid winter with lower temperatures including moderate frosts during

the nights and warm dry summer. According to the 50-years mean annual rainfall map,

rainfall ranges between 100-500mm. The mean monthly surplus volumes are in December,

January, February and March. Average evaporation constitutes approximately 90% of the

total rainfall (WAJ, 1989). Average estimated infiltration rate is approximately 4-10% (WAJ,

1989; Mahamid, 1994). The eastern highlands of Jordan and its climate is characterised by hot

summers and mild winters. Low amounts of precipitation occur during the relatively wet

months from October to May and they are normally associated with the inland vapour

transport from the Mediterranean Sea.

The annual average temperature is 17.3°C. The daily average temperature ranges from

approximately 8 °C in the winter to 25°C in the summer . Prevailing winds at Amman Airport

are from the southwest in the winter shifting to the northwest in the summer. The available

data for the water years from 1965-66 through to 1989-90 indicate that the cumulative annual

evaporation, based on Class A pan data, is in the order of at least 2000 millimetres. Monthly

evaporation rates range from approximately 85 up to 90 millimetres in December and January

to 210 millimetres in April, and up to 300 millimetres in May (Chehata and Livant,

1997).And the evaporation reach 567 millimeters in Augast.



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9.4 Geology

The rock outcropping in the study area ranges in age from Creteaceous (Ajlun) to recent

(Macdonald & Partners, 1964). The succession from top to bottom is given below:

Table (9.1) The outcropping of the basalt and B2/A7 formations

Group Formation Description

Recent Recent

Alluvium

River gravels and superficials gravels, silts

Basalt Basalt Scoriacous basalt, volcanic plugs

Balqa B2 -Amman Limestone, marl, massive chert.

Ajlun A7- Wadi Sir Crystalline and chalky limestone

1- Wadi Sir Formation A7 ( Turonian)

It is the upper most unit of the Ajlun group. It outcrops extensively both in the north,

central and south parts of the area. The massive crystalline limestone is karstic and

weathered in the top 20m of the formation. Below them there is a general increase in the

marl chalky limestone and thin marl beds occur, indicating a transition into the underlying

Shueib formation. The formation ranges in thickness between 50-250m dipping to the east

and northeast.

2- Amman Formation B2 (Santonian_Campanian):- It is a cyclic deposit of chalk, phosphate,

silicified phosphate, limestone and Chert. Its thickness ranges reaches 47m in the study

area.

3- The Plateau Basalt (Oligocene-Pleistocene) :- Basalt outcrops in the northeastern part of

the basin. Six major flows have been identified in the study area. Thin layers of clay and

gravel consisting of limestone and Chert pebbles have been encountered between the

successive flows. The basalt thickness in the northeastern part is 400m and wedges to the

west towards the periphery of the flows.

4- Younger Alluvium Formation :- The younger alluvial consists of thin deposits overlying

the basalt in the cemented out-wash and the old river terraces.

Figure (9.2) Outcropping and formations in the study area(adopted from dar alhandasa)



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9.5 Structure

Generally low dips and gentle folding except for the abrupt flexures and associated faults

characterize the study area. Such features mark the limits of the important synclines of Wadi

Sayih and Muasher in the south and south-central parts. North of the Muasher syncline there

appears to be another turndown of fault. The limestone north of the basalt formation is

affected also by a flexure downloading the strata to the south. In the central part of the area

the structures are covered by the basalt flow where the basalt filled a major synclinal structure

having a pitch to southeast (Macdonald & Partners, 1965).

10. Geo-Hydrogeology

10.1 Aquifers Classification

Based on the geologic and structural features descried in the pervious section, three main

aquifers were identified:

The B2/A7 limestone aquifer

Most of this limestone formation is wholly within the limit of saturation. In areas where the

formation is below the water level and fissures and joints exist, it was recorded as a potential

aquifer. The degree of fracturing and porosity controls the yield and availability of water.

The Basalt and the Older Alluvial aquifer

Both are considered one of the main aquifer system in the study area and extend from the

basin center to the north and northeast. The alluvial deposits lie below the basalt, in the

drainage channels and depressions of the former land surface and within the basalt sequence.

They are considered as the major conduits carrying recharge water from the high rainfall areas

into the Dhuliel and other groundwater provinces.

Figure (10.1) hydraulics streams in the study area(adopted from dar alhandasah)



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Apart from the interflow alluvial within the basalt, scoriaceous and jointed basalt in the east

and central part is considered a very good aquifer. Both formations are considered in

hydraulic connection. Thus, they are considered as one unconfined aquifer system.

10.2 Hydraulic Parameters

Transmissivity

Geological structures are considered the main control factor for the location of high yield

aquifers (100m3/hr). Wells that were drilled by Macdonald & partners (1964) showed that the

main synclinal structures are considered as potential aquifers. Several wells were drilled in the

B2/A7 aquifer and showed that the highest yield aquifers are located in the Muasher syncline.

This formation has poor ability to transmit water and wells should be restricted to areas of the

major structural deformations where high secondary permeability exists.

Limited number of wells that were drilled in this aquifer has transmissivity data. In order to

calculate the transmissivity (T) for the remaining wells. The correlation for the Wadi Sir

formation is illustrated by the following equation.(Fig.10.2):

T= 48.27S0.88

( 10.1)

T= transmissivity

S=specific capacity

Figure (10.2) transmissivity and specific drawdown for the B2/A7 formation.

The main synclinal features are the Muasher in central part of the study area, the East-

Abdalliah in the southwest, and the Hallabat in the northeast. As a result, a zone of

scoriaceous basalt reaching to a thickness of 45m is considered to be the primary aquifer in

basalt flows where the transmissivity values are considered very high. Away from the high

yield areas, the basalt is made up of a series of semi-interdependent channels or pipes lying

side-by-side giving the possibility to pump from one well without affecting the next. The

correlation equation for the basalt formation is illustrated by the following equation:

T=223.55S0.64

(10.2)

y = 48.271x0.8885

R² = 0.5353

1

10

100

1000

10000

100000

0.1 1 10 100 1000

Tra

ns

mis

siv

ity

Specific Capacity

B2/A7 Formation



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10.3 Specific-yield

Lack of observation wells in the study area prevented the obtaining of specific-yield values.

Also the nature of basalt and the semi-interdependent channels make it very difficult to

estimate the specific-yield for a large area. Nevertheless it is obvious that the few specific-

yield values that were measured indicate that the system is under water-table conditions.

Estimated values for specific-yield range between 0.05 and 0.40 and are shown in Figure

(19.3).

Figure 10.3: Specific yield distribution over the study area

10.4 Flow-Net

Static-water level readings were obtained from more than 200 wells prior to 1980 when the

system was in equilibrium. For the central and Hallabat areas, the year 1965 was the initial

water level. The groundwater flows from the northeast from Arab Mountain in Syria towards

the west and northwest into the Yarmouk basin Figure (10.4) and toward the east to the Azraq

basin. The configuration of contour lines indicates the aquifer characteristics. The

groundwater velocity varies through the study area considerably according to permeability.

Figure 10.4: Measured steady state water-level map of the study area



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10.5 Recharge

Recharge occurs through direct and indirect recharge in the study area. Direct recharge is due

to direct rainfall infiltration on the study area. Indirect recharge consists of lateral flow from

the high rainfall areas in the Arab Mountain.

Direct recharge within the study area was calculated by multiplying the 50-years average

annual rainfall by the infiltration ratio. Previous studies have calculated the average

infiltration rate based on the water budget method. In the Amman-Zarqa basin water

resources study (Water Resources in Jordan,Mudallal,1989), the calculated infiltration rate

was 7.0%-10.0% of the total rainfall amount. Recent study by Mahamid (1998) showed that

the infiltration rate ranges between 3%-6%. And ARD study an infiltration rate of 6% was

used to calculate recharge. The annual rainfall in the study varies between 100 – 500mm.

Estimated mean annual direct recharge in the study area totals to around 32MCM. Indirect

recharge or lateral flow via the basalt and associated gravel was calculated according to

Darcy’s law in the model. Model Results showed that annual lateral recharge from the north

is approximately 46.5 MCM. Total annual recharge to the study area was estimated to be

80MCM.(ARD)

10.6 Abstraction

Development in the study area started in the early sixties. Abstraction increased gradually

from 8.46 MCM in 1965 to 123.4MCM in 1998. The increase in abstraction from 1965-1975

was concentrated in the Dhuliel-Hallabat area where the abstraction reached to approximately

37 MCM/yr. Starting from 1980, a gradual expansion of the wells took place in the north and

northeast. By the year 1995, another expansion to the east was noticed leading to increase in

abstraction to 123.4MCM by 1998. Total domestic and industrial abstraction is around

48.8MCM, representing 40% of the total production in the study area.

10.7 Land cover The soils of the basin differ widely according to rainfall and relieves. In the most humid west,

reddish to brownish clay and clay loams prevail. Toward the east, the soil become more

immature with silty loam to loamy in texture, yellowish brown to strong brown with very high

carbonate content, (See figure 10.5).

Figure (10.5) AZB land cover (adopted from Shatanawy)



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Soil erosion on the steeper slope is main cause of colluvial processes where sheet erosion is

more pronounced in the eastern part. Different types of soil erosion are causing serious

problem threatening the storage capacity of King Talal Dam. Soil depth is function of slope

where deep colluvial soils have been accumulated in the valleys and lower slopes. The upper

slopes are affected by soil erosion and degradation, leaving behind shallow and stony soil.

(shatanawy,2002).

10.8 Landuse During the last 20 years, the basin has undergone considerable land use changes. The

expansion of Amman and other towns has been enormous, where before large areas of grazing

land and fertile agricultural land could be found between Amman and other towns, it has now

developed into one large urban conglomerate.(Shatanawy,2002).

Zarqa River basin is capable of supporting forests and agricultural activities. Natural forests

occurring in the mountainous part are composed of oak, pine, juniper, wild olive and cypress.

Agricultural activities and their associated weeds have supplanted the indigenous flora

communities. Agriculture is scattered with the basin from rainfed orchards, olive and field

crops to irrigated agriculture on the river banks and the Jordan valley. Private Irrigated area

using groundwater as a source of irrigation water can be found in scattered places in the

middle and the eastern part of the basin. The main industrial activities in the basin are: al-

Hussein thermal power plant, the oil refinery, textile industries, paper processing, leather

production, food Industries, distilleries, drugs and chemical industries, intermediate

petrochemicals, engineering industries, paper and carton products and mining industries

(Phosphate).

These activities are considered the main source of pollution to the surface and groundwater. In

addition to that, the basin includes four municipal wastewater treatment plants whose effluent

has reached 70 MCM/year and is discharged to the river. This volume is expected to reach

180 MCM by the year 2025.(shatanawy.2002)

Figure 10.6) AZB landuse (adopted from Shatanawy,2002)



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11. Rainfall

The hydrological network in and in the vicinity of the study area consists of 94 rainfall

stations 58 of them within the (AZB) area others are in surrounded where they distributed as

some of them shows in figure (11.1) .thirty five stations according to the data accuracy and

geographical distribution was selected to establish the water contour map (see figure (11.1) .

Figure (11.1) rainfall station location

Farther more there is three from seven evaporation stations are located within the basin area.

Among to the stations there are 8 wadis as in figure (11.3) drain in the study area. The

location and long term average annual rainfall are listed in table (11.1) where the most

stations recording was started in the fourth decade of the last century. Two stream gauging

stations are recognizing in the study area. For groundwater recharge many water wells in the

basin has been observed.

Precipitation Distribution The amount of rainfall is mainly governed by the topography. Precipitation analysis shows

that the rainfall distributions can be divide into four zones within (AZB), the Highlands,

Plateaus and Terrain flat, Desert area and Lowlands (Gours) where these divided represents

the Jordan topography. In the highlands the rainfall stations, Jarash, kitta, Dibbin, Aluk,

Sweilih and Husain collage represent this area with rainfall ranging from 543.35 mm/y in kitta

to 319.32mm/y in aluk station.

The Plateaus and Terrain flat covered by stations Miduar, Baalama, Sukhna, Khaldiah,

Nuasif, Um El-jimal, Zarqa and Rusaifah with annual rainfall range from220.74mm/y in

Miduar station to 119.76mm/y in Um-El jemal station. While in Desert area the Annual



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0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

1942

1945

1948

1951

1954

1957

1965

1968

1971

1974

1977

1980

1983

1986

1989

1992

1995

1998

2001

2004

2007

Rai

nfa

ll(m

m)

Time- Years

Ruseifa Station Rainfall

rainfall ranged from 112.86mm/y in Um Qaiteen station to 66.48 in wadi Salaheb station and

by incursion out of the basin to eastern south to al Emary station where the annual reainfall

about 41.24mm/y. The fourth part of the basin is the lowlands where stations Dair all and

Subaihi located there with annual rainfall ranged from 277.44mm/y to 391.75mm/y

respectively. Nearly all of the precipitation occurs during the months from October to May.

Snowfall is not uncommon in the highlands during the coder winter months. A comparison of

data from adjacent stations reveals that rain storms are often very local events in Jordan.

Figure (11.3) illustrates that the highest rainfall in recorded in the northern highlands around

Ajlun and Swaleh

Table (11.1) AZB rainfall Station location and precipitation

Figure (11.2) Annual Rainfall for Ruseifa Station

Sation name

North palestine

grid

East palestine

grid Yearly P.(MM) um-Quttein 192.5 303.5 136.78

H5 192.5 348.5 67.8

Deir El-Kahf 185 325 108.47

al-Qrryatein 144.8 330 72.32

Azraq Evap 114.15 320 53.83

El-umari 107.3 342 41.24

wadi salahib 159.7 381.5 61.48

midwar 188.5 244 220.47

Baalama 182.8 252.7 195.59

Jarash 187.5 234.5 355.72

Kitta 187 229.5 543.35

Dibbin 184.8 229 504.11

Aluk 174.8 237.2 319.32



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Based on above data the precipitation distribution in the (AZB) started with 543.35mm/y in

the Northern-eastern part of the basin with progressive decreasing within unify topographical

zone, while decreasing dramatically with moving toward Eastern-southern from highlands to

plateaus farther to the desert to reach 66.48mm/y in wadi salaheb station. The thirty five

stations that was selected to establish the long term annual rainfall map shows in figure (11.3)

for the basin has records from 1950 to 2008 and the other station has been excluded because

of messing and clouds data.

Figure (11.3) Annual Rainfall contour map for (AZB)

By using Thiessen method the annual mean value has been calculated for the 58years for each

station as tabulated in table (11.1). As well the stations fragmented areas have been computed

by Plano meter and polygone methods.

While the maximum annual rainfall was pointed in (1991/1992), the absolute minimum

rainfall was at (1959/1960) but in the last two decades the minimum rainfall year was

(1998/1999). The average annual rainfall for the Amman Zarqa Basin is 267.92 mm.

Precipitation Variations By using Findgraph Software the leaner trend was calculated for most of the 35 rainfall

stations overall the 58 years, out of the trend it is clear that absolute annual rainfall in the

majority of station heading down as shown in figure (11.4) for the Kitta station.

Moreover the Annual rainfall data has been computed for each station decidedly for changing

determination in the rainfall amount where figure (11.6) shows the inclination in rainfall with

time rising. In the 1940s the rainfall was by 40-50% higher than the long term average .until

180 200 220 240 260 280 300 320 340 360 380

Amman Zarqa Basin Annual Rainfall Contour MAP

120

140

160

180



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0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

500

40s50s60s70s80s90s2000sLog term

Rai

nfa

ll(m

m)

AZB Rainfall Stations

the late 1960s the average annual rainfall dropped to between 20 to 30 % below the long term

average.

Figure (11.4) Rainfall trend in Kitta station

Figure (11.5) Rainfall dropping down in(AZB) decidedly

Around 1963/1965 it rose again to a level of 10 to 15% above the long term average. In the

following years the average sharply dropped again, reaching a low of up to 20% below

average around 1978/1979. Thereafter, the situation differs for the different station. At some

station in the north the average rainfall seems to have increased until to day, whereas most

other stations as shown in Kitta station Figure (11.6) averages decreasing below the long term

average.



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-600

-400

-200

0

200

400

600

1937

1940

1943

1946

1949

1952

1955

1958

1961

1964

1967

1970

1973

1976

1979

1982

1985

1988

1991

1994

1997

2000

2003

2006

Rai

nfa

ll(m

m)

Time -years

Kitta Station Drought

-100%

-50%

0%

50%

100%

1942

1946

1950

1954

1958

1962

1966

1970

1974

1978

1982

1986

1990

1994

1998

2002

2006

Axis Title

Drought for H5 Rainfall Station

Figure (11.6) Rainfall drought in Kitta station

Whereas in the mid , south and Southern-Eastern of Amman Zarqa Basin as well in Jordan the

rainfall mean trending down by 10-15% in the last two decades, where in the desert stations

the reducing in rainfall much more than the others areas in Jordan as H5 station as presented

below.

Figure (11.7) Rainfall drought in H5 station

According to the long term average, the total volume rainfall over all AZB equal 87

MCM. Thus the reduction in rainfall by 12% means to loss yearly more than 14 MCM

as Precipitation.

12. Temperature and Evaporation

The recent researches that executed and published about climate change in Jordan,

temperature and wave heat end speed variations gesticulated to no cleared changes that take

place in these parameters in last two decades.(Ali El-Naqa,2007).



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This study has been reorganise the five evaporation station that located within AZB with

yearly evaporation data based on class A pan method for more 25 years according to The

table (12.1) below show.

Table (12.1) AZB evaporation station data

Years

AL0019 AL0035 AL0053 AL0059 AL0066

1980 1981

2606 2570 2953 1982

2318 2740 2543

1983

2354 2422 2795 1984

2595 2775 3359

1985

2840 2848 1986

2965 2661

1987

2785 3395 2548

1988 2359

2512 3071 2183

1989 2478 2459

3851 2122

1990 2684 2472

3592 1948

1991 2334 2341

3059 2160

1992 1785 2059

3539 1953

1993 2573 2380

2630 1748

1994 2332 2003

2603 1910

1995 2447 1704

2504 2076

1996 2349 1943 2313 2722 2079

1997 1678 3102

2449 2124

1998 2048 3023

2578 2112

1999 2267 3399 2300 2643 1832

2000 2159 3418 1018 2529 1910

2001 2202 3308 2550 3090 1983

2002 2229 2383

3010 1652

2003 2079 3267

2815 1718

2004 2132 3082 2044 2742 2118

2005 1780 2362 1903 2600 2071

2006 2365 3216 2222 2988 2109

2007 1865 2824 2473 3310 2608

2008 3253 2664 1265 2968 1945

2009

3236

The evaporation data for stations (AL0019, AL0035, AL0059, and AL0066) has divided for

two decadal (1988-1998, 1998-2008), and thiessen Polygons and Isohyatal maps are used to

calculate the evaporation value, where found the potential evaporation value for period

(1988-1998) is about 2452 mm but for period (1998-2008) it is about 2502 mm.

The evaporation data indicated that AL0035 station in Baqa near Amman city has clear

variation from 2292mm in the first decade to 2995 mm in the second. Other stations has

limited variation as shown in AL0059 data in figure (12.1) below.



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0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

4000

4500

198119831985198719891991199319951997199920012003200520072009

Evap

ora

tio

n (

mm

)

Axis Title

Evaporation Station AL0059

Figure (12.1) evaporation Value in AL0059 station

The research that dealing with Climate Change in Jordan gesticulated to that there are no

visible trends indicating an increase or decrease in the annual precipitation and maximum

temperature. However, there are good to strong trends indicating that annual minimum

temperature has increased in the last decade while annual temperature range has decreased.

(Moshrik R. Hamdi and others,2008)

This study attain that there is seems to change in temperature long term average whereof

could cause the increase in the potential evaporation long term value. Whereas changing in

evaporation need historical data to sanction the change in the evaporation value.

Whereof the previous studies approve that evaporation factor for AZB is 90%. But with

notices that the rainfall storms shifted toward summer time so the evaporation became

more. As a result this study seems to see the potential evaporation value for AZB

increased from 90% to 91%.

13. Runoff

Amman zarqa basin was divided for fourteen sub catchment areas each one contains main

streams as shown in figure (13.1) , and all the streams bump into major main stream called

Zarqa river and spilling downward west lower territory (Gaur) where retain by king Tallal

dam.

Jarash bridge station (AL0060) one of the eight runoff gauging stations that located on Zarqa

river and other streams in the basin , this station has taken to calculate the amman zarqa basin

runoff volume .



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Figure (13.1) Main streams in AZB – (adopted from Shatanawy )

Runoff gauging stations are shown in figure (13.2) below , whereas all the surface runoff of

AZB pass AL0060 Runoff station (Jarash Bridge Station) it became the reference to calculate

runoff volume .

Figure (13.2) AZB runoff stations

The runoff data from all the stations was screened and evaluated, this stations recorded runoff

base flow and flood flow. At station AL0060 the recorded found from year 1980 to 2008 and

the data was divided to three decadal sections for comparison purpose.



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0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Bas

e a

nd

Flo

od

Flo

w(M

CM

)

Time

AL0060 Station Base and Flood Flow

Table (131) base and flood flow at AL0060 station

The base flow articulate increase because of outflow of al-Sammra sewage treatment plant .

Where the outflow as recorded in 2009 to be 161032 m 3

/ day (54MCM/Y) about 30MCM

pass station AL0060 this plant start at 1988. In figure (13.3) below where the red columns

represent the historical flood flow at station AL0060 and the blue columns represent the base

flow. The figure clarify the increase in base flow since 1988 according to outflow of Sammra

station and its clarify the decrease in flood flow average since last two decades, except the

year 1992 where there unreasonable rainfall and flood flow at that year.

Figure (13.3) Base flow and Flood flow at AL0060 station

The factors that affect the rainfall-runoff relationship in a specific catchment can be divided

into two main categories or characteristics, namely those related to the rainfall and those

related to the watershed. The history of rainfall prior to an event will determine antecedent

conditions and may have a strong influence on runoff production.

The available date for rainfall-runoff events in Amman Zarqa Basin in period from 1950 to

2008 analyzed and derive the runoff coefficient. Analyzing the rainfall data recorded by rain

gauges, it was found that there are eight major rainfall events resulting in floods within the

catchment. All the rainfall that may have contributed to producing runoff is plotted with the

discharges for each storm. It can be seen that there is a quick response of runoff upon the

rainfall. The rainfall intensity and runoff coefficient was calculated in an attempt to establish

a relation between two. The correlation was not found to be very high (R2= 0.123). When

considering all the rainfall, the average runoff coefficient was found to be (3-5) %.

Years

Base Flow (MCM)

Flood Flow (MCM)

Total Flow (MCM)

80-89 41.7 27 68.7

90-99 68.4 28 96.4

2000-2008 64.5 21.2 85.7



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-90

-86

-82

-78

-74

-70

-66

-62

-58

-54

-50

1968 1970 1972 1974 1976 1978 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2009

S.W

.L [M

]

DATE

AL1041 : WADI DHULAIL OBSERVATION WELL NO.TW-6AMMAN-ZARQA BASIN

PGE: 272484 PGN : 171392 ALT : 576 m TD: 155 m Aquifer:B2\A7 Type: Recorder

In a second attempt not all of the rainfall or runoff of some of the eight storms was taken into

consideration. Rainfall not producing runoff or runoff without apparent rainfall. The value of

R2 was now found to be 0.6824. The rainfall that has been taken into consideration to develop

the relationship between the runoff coefficient and rainfall intensity is plotted with runoff .

The runoff coefficients for each storm event were calculated based on the rainfall and runoff

considered. The runoff coefficient was not found to be the same for every storm because it

depends upon the antecedent conditions, rainfall intensity, duration of rainfall and distribution

over the basin. Therefore an average runoff coefficient was calculated to be (3- 5) %.

According to above the total Runoff volume seems to be around 26MCM/Yearly in

additional to 50MCM/yearly flooded from Al-SAmmra treatment staion.

14. Infiltration

The previous studies that carried out on Amman Zarqa Basin such as ARD study where it

interested in the eastern part of the basin, extend to the recharge value to be 32 MCM /year.

Whereas the Mahammed in his PHD research that establish in (1996) and cover the Dhulail

area (400km2) as a part of AZB, estimate the recharge to be 58 MCM/year. And he estimate

the yearly drawdown in groundwater level is about 0.5 m as in figure (14.1) below.

Figure (14.1) Drawdown in water level

In 2010 Dar Alhansah carried out 3D modeling that determined the domain area (10000km2)

to be cover Amman zarqa basin and Azraq basin (Zarqa Governorate) in this beta version of

this model the infiltration rate estimated to be within range from 80mm/year in the western-

northern part to 4mm/year in the eastern-southern part of the basin as shown in figure (14.2)



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Figure (14.2) infiltration range within AZB (adopted from Dar alhandash molding)

Out of this model the infiltration volume estimated to be around 60MCM while the extraction

from the basin aquifer is around 130 MCM. And the model show in figure (14.3) the

extraction areas where the most drawdown has taken place.

Figure (14.3) drawdown areas within AZB (adopted from Dar alhandash modeling)



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475

480

485

490

495

500

505

510

515

12

-May

-68

12

-May

-70

12

-May

-72

12

-May

-74

12

-May

-76

12

-May

-78

12

-May

-80

12

-May

-82

12

-May

-84

12

-May

-86

12

-May

-88

12

-May

-90

12

-May

-92

12

-May

-94

12

-May

-96

12

-May

-98

12

-May

-00

12

-May

-02

12

-May

-04

12

-May

-06

12

-May

-08

Wat

er

leve

l (m

asl)

AL1041 Zatari well

In this study groundwater level data has been collected and analysis for 77 observation wells

just 43 of them drilled to extract water from B2/A7 others drilled to penetrate the lower

aquifers such as kurop. The effect of this wells depend upon the correlation between the well

and the aquifer whereas found some of this wells drilled throw the aquifer partially and some

of the observation wells drilled for production but because of limited capacity it used for

observation.

Observation wells show that there is yearly drawdown as seen in Zatari well in figure (14.4)

where drawdown equal 22m in 40 years to the amount of 0.55m/year

Figure (14.4) groundwater level in AL1041 zatari well

Most the drawdown concentrated in the Amman Zarqa, Dhulail and Hlabat areas where the

most production wells located. It is difficult to calculate the recharge volume specifically

while the lateral flow that recharge the basin from Jabal Al Arab undefined but it is presumed

around 48 MCM/y (ARD).

Whereas the average annual rainfall in Amman Zarqa basin is 267.9mm out of 58 years

records as in section 11 of this study, and the runoff volume identify to be 26MCM as average

of 28 years gagging as in section 13 of this study additional to 36 MCM became out the basin

according to initial extracting. However the water budget approach has applied to identify the

infiltration volume as following:-

∆S = P-R-I-E (14.1)

Where ∆S = Groundwater Recharge volume m3

P = Precipitation volume m3

R = Runoff volume m3

I = Initial Extraction volume m3

E = Evaporation volume m3



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The total Rainfall over AZB according to 4120km2 as an area and 267.9mm average annual

rainfall equal 1billion cM/y. whereas the evaporation value in the basin around 91%, the net

rainfall volume 87McM/y.

The total rainfall volume divided as following:-

1- Total surface runoff = 28 Million cubic meter (McM)

2- Infiltration to limestone aquifer (B2/A7) = 36 McM

3- Percolated to deep sandstone aquifer ( Kunub) = 12 McM

4- Initial extracting = 12McM

The indirect recharge (lateral flow) that feed AZB = 48McM (ARD).

Summing up the net recharge that feed the AZB (B2/A7) 96 MCM/y while the total

Extracting from the aquifer (B2/A7) reach 130 MCM.

15. Water Quality

Unjust and wrongful groundwater extracting from Amman Zarqa basin generate depletion in

water level as clear in data gathering and this depletion coincide the deterioration in the water

quality where engendering narrowly use.

Salinity Climate Change Effects extra challenge squeeze on the water budget in the basin and

cause intimidation on the water resources. As result of depletion in water level in most of

groundwater observation wells that distributed over all of AZ basin, and outcome the

According to

Based on the collected data from the WAJ central labs, the maximum, minimum and average

values for the Ec, NO3, NH4 and E.coli parameters of the Ruseifa well field are presented in

Table below.

Table ( 15.1) Ec, NO3, E.coli and NH4 Values For the Ruseifa Groundwater Wells

Well

NO.

Date

Period

Ec(s/cm) NO3 (mg/l) E.Coli NH4 (mg/l)

AVG. MIN. MAX AVG. MIN. MAX MIN. MAX MIN. MAX

NR-2 2003-2009 1202 862 1621 56 44.6 68 2 16000 <0.05 3.65

NR-5 2003-2009 1157 902 1461 63.6 51 76.73 <2 24000 NA NA

R-1 2003-2009 1485 1303 1698 46.6 32.08 56.32 2 2 NA NA

R-2A 2003-2009 NA 538 1430 NA 44.5 45.2 700 9000 <0.003 <0.1

R-3 2003-2009 560 549 576 13.4 10.94 15.41 <2 <2 NA NA

R-4 2003-2009 1457 1402 1602 49.2 59 69.3 <2 <2 NA NA

R-5 2003 1004 927 1247 49.5 44.6 67.75 4 16000 NA NA

R-7 2002-2008 NA 1159 1159 NA 57.7 78.35 8 1600 NA NA

R-8 2003-2006 1310 1282 1485 59.4 44.9 69.9 <2 <2 0.05 <0.1

R-9 2005-2007 1226 1105 1285 45.2 36.9 50.7 <2 4 <0.1 0.1

R-10 2003-2009 1053 759 2140 39 18 41 <1 35000 NA NA

R-11 2009 2146 2130 2170 78.1 71.56 85.7 <1.8 2 NA NA

R-17 2003-2009 635 545 948 16.6 6.42 47.1 1 >16000 NA NA

R-18 2003-2009 745 615 1212 14.7 3.75 47.8 <1 35 <0.05 <0.1

Table (15.1) adopted from water authority lab. Report 2010



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Based on the listed data in table-3, the following can be concluded regarding the status of the

Awajan wells water quality.

The average EC values vary from 635s/cm for well R-17 to 2146 s/cm for well R-11

(TDS: 400 mg/l – 1351 mg/l), that is within the Jordan Standards (JS286/2008).

For the Ruseifa field wells, the average NO3 concentration ranges from 13.4 mg/l for well

R-3 to 63.6 mg/l for well NR-5. The maximum recorded NO3 concentration for the

majority of the field wells exceeds the JS286-2008, indicating clear pollution incidences

affecting the water quality of most of the wells.

16. (Artificial Recharge) national adaptation/mitigation plan.

Artificial recharge of ground water may be used for various purposes. In Southern California

it has been operated for about 30 years to replenish the overburden ground water basins, store

reclaimed water, repel seawater intrusion, retard ground subsidence, and increase gas/oil

production. Because of increasing water consumption, potential decrease in allocation of

surface water supplies, declining water levels in many ground water basins, and concern about

water-quality degradation, better management of water resources is highly desirable (Madrid,

1998). There are many methods of artificially increasing ground water supplies but they may

all be classified into direct and indirect methods (Huisman and Olsthoorn, 1983): with indirect

methods an increased recharge is obtained by locating the means for groundwater abstraction

as close as practicable to areas of rejected recharge or natural discharge. With direct methods

water from surface sources is conveyed, sometimes over considerable distances, to suitable

aquifers where it is made to percolate into the body of groundwater.

Direct methods can be divided into surface recharge techniques and subsurface

recharge techniques. In surface recharge, water moves from the land surface to the aquifer by

means of infiltration through the soil. The surface is usually excavated and water is added to

spreading basins, ditches, pits, and shafts and allowed to infiltrate. Generally, surface methods

are dependent on the contact time the water has with the soil. Direct surface methods involve

low construction costs and are easy to operate and maintain, in comparison to other methods.

In spreading basins, water is distributed over the surface of basins excavated in the existing

terrain and is most effective in highly permeable soils. Maintenance of a layer of water over

the soil is necessary. Recharge is most effective when there are no impeding layers between

the land surface and the aquifer. The common problem with recharging using a spreading

basin is that suspended sediment in the recharge water or microbial growth can clog the

surface material (ARWP, 2004). Recharge pits and shafts may be circular, rectangular or

square cross-section and may be backfilled with porous material. Pits and shafts are effective

ways to penetrate the less permeable strata between surface and water table in areas where a

spreading basin may not be effective, in order to access the dewatered aquifer.

A ditch is a long narrow trench with its bottom width less than its depth. The system can be

easily designed to fit the topographic and geologic conditions at a site. Recharge wells are

used to directly recharge water into deep water-bearing zones. One of the more popular

techniques is Aquifer Storage and Recovery, the storage of water in a well during times when

water is available, and recovery of the water from the same well during times when it is

needed. Recharge wells can be used to dispose of treated industrial wastewater, to divert



29(39)

excess stream flow, or most commonly, the water injected is potable water treated to drinking

water standards (ARWP, 2004).

Indirect methods include installing groundwater-pumping facilities near connected surface

water bodies to lower groundwater levels and induce infiltration elsewhere in the drainage

basin. Indirect methods include modifying aquifers to enhance groundwater reserves.

Enhanced streambed infiltration is creating a system of wells near a surface water body. One

line of wells is set parallel the bank of a river and a second line of wells are located a short

distance from the river but conjunctive wells are screened in both a shallow confined aquifer

and a deeper artesian aquifer. Water is pumped from the deeper aquifer and if its

potentiometric surface is lowered below the shallow water table, water from the shallow

aquifer drains directly into the deeper aquifer (ARWP, 2004).

In addition to a lower net precipitation rate, rainfall events occur as infrequent, short duration,

high intensity storms that bring a major portion of the annual rainfall to the surface during a

very short period of time. Flash flood events may be a direct result of this type of storm over

an arid or semiarid watershed. Under these conditions, the surface layer is unable to infiltrate

the incident rainfall, resulting in precipitation excess surface flows that propagate rapidly

through the watershed. Even for low intensity rainfall events, the surface crust that develops

on arid watersheds can lead to significant surface runoff (Abu-Awwad and Shatanawi, 1997).

Once on the surface, water in an arid region is subject to a high evaporative demand from the

low humidity and high temperature environment. In many cases, the surface flows never reach

the valley bottom (Lavee et al., 1997).

Water availability in arid regions is both sporadic and highly variable in intensity. Consider a

flash flood in desert setting. The input into the system is extremely small and infrequent,

possibly a thunderstorm of high intensity lasting only a few hours, while its response, a flood

wave propagating over a crusted surface, occurs rapidly and may be of great magnitude. In

order to manage this water resource sustainably (i.e. maintain a constant flux of water into the

system), one must exert some degree of control over the system by altering its response time

and storage capacity. While the precipitation inputs are not alterable, many possibilities exist

in modifying the watershed surface, aquifer properties and storage capacity (Vivoni, 2000).

Retention dams have been widely used in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Sultanate

of Oman and, to a lesser extent, also in Syria and Jordan. The dams were built across valleys

with recurrent surface water runoff to recharge aquifers spread on the valley beds (UNEP,

2003).

Hafayer are mechanically-excavated ponds of different shapes (square, rectangular, circular)

and depths. They are usually excavated in low ground along floodwater courses and seasonal

valleys in desert and semi-desert regions. This technology can serve one of two objectives. If

the Hafayer bottom is permeable, it can be used to ensure infiltration of the surface runoff

flow retained in it, to recharge the groundwater in the Hafayer region. In contrast, if the

Hafayer bottom is impermeable, it can be used as a storage tank for drinking water supply,

irrigation or raising livestock. In both cases, Hafayer play a role of surface runoff harvesting

technology, similar to artificial groundwater recharge dams. Hafayer were used for artificial

recharge purposes in Syria and Jordan in the Hammad basin. In addition, recharge pits as the

artificial recharge technique have been used since a few decades. This kind of method can be

seen in Al-Mowaquar valley in Jordan. Similarly the injection well method has been also

applied on a large scale in Qatar, and at a more experimental level in Syria, Jordan and

Kuwait.



30(39)

17. Summary of Results

This study carried out to identify the effect of climate change on the water resources in

Amman zarqa basin and clarify the evaluation in weather parameters. Starting with

precipitation distribution this study achieve to the long term average (19950-2008) rainfall

amount is 267.92 mm /y where it was 300 mm/y in the previous studies which means that

there is reducing in the rainfall amount with around 12% in the last decade.

The second result says that the rainfall distribution is retreat toward the spring season. Most

the rainfall in the previous time (50s,60s) was occur in December and January but in the

present time most the rainfall occur in February and March were the day time is increase and

the temperature raise association with increasing of evaporation. Drought circulation in the

region out of comparison between the med of twentieth century and the end of the century the

circulation expanded from three or four years to be come around five to seven years which

intimidate the water resources durability, land cover stability, eco-system and the

environmental stabilization.

In the temperature and the evaporation parameters, this study relay on the researches that

carried out by some of specialist in Jordan who's interested in Amman Zarqa and other areas

in Jordan where they agree each other that the lower limit of the long term average

temperature is increase while the upper limit long term temperature remain at the same edge.

According the limit increase in average temperature in additional to retreated in rainfall

distribution, this study tend to approbate that evaporation ratio in Amman Zarqa basin

increase from 90% to 91%.

The runoff records that take in consideration is cover the period from 1980 to 2009, for

comparison the records was divided for three decadal, out of this study the precipitation in

AZB produce flood flow 28 MCM /y as an average, with take in considering that the base

flow which recorded in the same station Jarash bridge station is include the out flow of the

sewage treatment plant (AL-SAMMRA) where it start in 1989. The runoff volume

formalizes 4.45% from the long term average precipitation. Water budget used to

calculate the infiltration volume wherein found to be around 44MCM/y.

18. Discussion

Climate change phenomena which lead the international environmental scientists,

organizations and economists as well, should take in considering to inure us to initiation the

precautionary actions starting with evaluates the bearable effects on various activities such as

water resources. Whereof this study carried out, to demonstrate the hazards on that menace

water resources in Jordan. The data bank in ministry of water and irrigation of Jordan has

provided this study with all of surface water hydrology and groundwater hydrology data as

well, where this data use to fulfilment the target of this study.

The most atmospheric parameter that definitely change, is the Carbon oxide concentration

witch nonstop raising, causative earth temperature ascent whereof the climate change regard.

However in Jordan out of this study can notice acuteness weather parameters more than

climate change, where this study in precipitation distribution section define 12% reducing in

rainfall in the last decade however the previous studies beckon that the precipitation in Jordan

was reduce with 20 to 40 percentage in fiftieths and sixtieths of the last century, where at that



31(39)

time the shortage in rainfall not concert with heat waves. Increase in temperature and reduce

in rainfall will duplicate the effect on water budget, farther more climate change phenomena

around the word gesture to increase in rainfall intensity.

In AZB with 12% reducing in rainfall and rising in evaporation correlated with rainfall

intensity increase going to duplicate the tension on the groundwater budget specifically,

where the effects on surface water going to be less tension. Water harvesting constructions

one of the methods that can against the unbalance situation which going to occur according to

climate change phenomena, where this constructions can restrain some of the flood water or

retard the flood flow to allow to this water to percolate to groundwater budget, and with this

action most of climate change dangers will eliminate in additional to alienation the scarcity

hazards on groundwater quality.

19. Conclusions

According to this study, the climate change phenomena can be classified as witnessing

recording or seems to be phenomena where it is early to fixing the trend in rainfall

distribution. Although precautionary actions should be taken to mitigate depletion in water

level and water quality deterioration in additional to climate change. While the more suitable

action is water harvesting projects which fulfilment against water shortage and climate

variations effects.

Whereas, this study agree the reducing in rainfall about 12% yearly. and seems to otherness

increase decrease in evaporation amount with 1%. In additional to rainfall decreasing the

hotheadedness weather parameters phenomena going to redistribute the percentage between

groundwater and surface water, whereof the infiltration percentage from thunder storms is

very less than infiltration from inert rainfall. So the effect of the climate change going to be

more on groundwater, with take conceding 12% reducing in rainfall should generate 15-20%

shortage in ground water recharge. By anther hand the surface water according to climate

change going to be reduce in absolute amount but going to be in increasing regarding to

rainfall percentage. And this could make stress on surface water hydrological constructions.

Regarding to the above this study deeply recommended to worth the water harvesting and

artificial recharge constructions as a mitigation and adaptation actions to face both of water

resources shortage which has taken place in Jordan and to face the possible effects coming

from climate change. With respect to limit cost of these constructions and the ability to

funded and implemented locally.

20. The way forward

Based on the results of this study, the amman zarqa basin situation is very critical and

precaution actions should taken place to protect the water resources. Artificial Recharge

projects or water harvesting projects could be the suitable solution.

The big dams constriction show that each cubic meter from the dam capacity cost one Jordan

dinar and the each meter that collected from by harvesting project cost one Jordan dinar

either,(madoneh project for water harvesting,2007 , Alwahda Dam construction project,

2009) while the harvesting project can implemented by local employees and by local funding.

So according to the above and by economical value the Water harvesting is much benefit.



32(39)

21. Acknowledgements

After praising God

Firstly, I would like to express my deepest thanks and gratitude to the Sweden International

Development Agency (SIDA) for giving me this opportunity to carry out this study and for all

of them assistant to me.

I am thankful and I appreciate the support of Sweden Metrology and Hydrology Institute

(SMHI) and am very thankful all the members of the Institute lecturer and administrators

people.

I am thankful for Dr. Lars Marklund for giving me valuable suggestions and constructive

criticism. I appreciate his sharing of concepts and giving me his valuable time.

I also appreciate the efforts of all of Ministry of Water and Irrigation, Water Authority of

Jordan members for their assistant and constructive suggestions which provided insight and

clarity.

I wish to thank all of my friends and colleagues for their assistance and encouragement.

I am very appreciating all of my colleagues in (MENA) team for the very nice and useful time

that we spend to gather.

Last but not least, I am grateful to my parents, my wife, daughters, sons, brothers and sisters

for their patience and encouragement.

22. List of used definitions and abbreviations

MWI Ministry of Water and Irrigation of Jordan

WAJ Water Authority of Jordan

AZB Amman Zarqa Basin

UFC Uncounted of Cost

B2/A7 The second layer of balqa /the seventh layer of ajloun group

MCM/Y Million Cubic Meter /Year

EC Electrical Conductivity

T Trasmissivity

ARD Associates in Rural Development

H5 Safawy station

MASL Meter Above Sea Level

P Precipitation volume

R Runoff volume

I Initial Extraction volume

E Evaporation volume

AZ Azraq basin

TDS Total dissolves solid



33(39)

23. References

1- Abed, A. K. (1982). Geology of Jordan. Al- Nahda Al-Islamiah Library, Amman –

Jordan.

2- Abu- Awwad, A.M. and Shatanawi, M.R. (1997). Water harvesting and infiltration

in arid areas affected by surface: examples from

3- Bender, F., U.S.G.S. (1975). Geology of the Arabian Peninsula, Jordan, Prof Paper

560-I.

4- Chahata M., Livnat A. Thorpe R. (1997). Water Quality Improvement and

Conservation Project, Feasibility Study of Artificial Recharge in Jordan Case of

Wadi Madoneh and Wadi Butum. Amman - Jordan.

5- Dradekah, A. Kh. (2000) Groundwater hydrology, Published by ALBalqa University

support. Amman – Jordan.

6- Dhakal, B. (2007).Devlopment of design criteria for the construction of retention

dams in wadi Madoneh, Jordan, MSC thesis submitted to the UNESCO –IHE,

Delft–Netherlands.

7- Nonner, J. (2007 ),Artificial Recharge ,Internal Research Paper and Lecture Note

. UNESCO-IHE, Delft - Netherlands .

8- Zomorodi, K. (2005), Simplified Solutions For groundwater Mounding Under

Storm water Infiltration facilities, Annual Water Resources Conference , Seattle

Washington . 71Studies and Reports

9- Germany Geological Institute(B.G.R ), ( 1996 ), Model simulations of the

Muwaqqar well field Report ,Amman – Jordan.

10- Japan International Cooperation Agency(JAICA), Ministry of Water and Irrigation –

Jordan, (2001).The Study on Water Resources Management in The Hashemite

Kingdom of Jordan, 11- Final Report Volume 1, Main Report Part-A Water Resources Management

Master Plan .2009 jordan

12- Ministry of Water and Irrigation (MWI), (2007), Data Bank.

13- Project Staff, (1989)Amman Zarqa Basin, Water Resources Study, Draft Final

Report. North Jordan Water Resources

14- United States Development Project UNDP, (1970), The hydrology of the Mesozooic

- Cainozoic Aquifers of the Western Highlands and Plateau of East Jordan,

USA.United States Geological Survey, Application of Borehole Geophysics To

Water-Resources Investigations., Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations ,

Book 2, Chapter E1, 1987 USA.

15- USAID, (1997), Feasibility Study of Artificial Recharge in Jordan Case of Wadi

Madoneh & Wadi Butum, Amman – Jordan .

16- Water Authority of Jordan, (2007), Drilling Data for Madoneh Wells Field files,

Drilling Directorate . Amman-Jordan.

17- Water Authority of Jordan,(2007), Drilling Data for Tamween Wells Field files,

Drilling Directorate ,Amman-Jordan .

18- Water Authority of Jordan,(2007), Drilling Data for Muaqurre Wells Field Files ,


19- Water Authority of Jordan,(2007), Drilling Data for Phosphate Wells Field Files ,


20- Water Authority of Jordan ,(2007), Pumping Test Analysis for Madonen ,

Tamween, Muaqurre, and Phosphate Wells Field, Drilling Directorate, Amman-

Jordan .



34(39)

1981/1982

1986/1987

1988/1989

1992/1993

1999/2000

1994/1995

2000/2001

1983/1984

1984/1985

1998/1999

2001/2002

1990/1991

1991/1992

1996/1997

1997/1998

2002/2003

2003/2004

2007/2008

1985/1986

1989/1990

1995/1996

2004/2005

2005/2006

2008/2009

2006/2007

1979/1980

1980/1981

1987/1988

1993/1994

EL HAWAYAH(AL0604) 53665391626565595964636216064667058495569686266634062176

0

20000

40000

60000

80000

100000

120000

140000

Ye

arl

y S

pri

ng

Dis

ch

arg

e V

olu

me

(m

3)

water_year

Yearly Spring Discharge Volume (m3)

EL …

21- Associates in Rural Development (ARD),Hydrogeological Assessment of the

Amman-Zarqa Groundwater Aquifer Using Groundwater Flow and transport

Model. 2001.

22- Mohammed Abdel Mohdi Al-khatib,Develoment of a groundwater model for the

two upper aquifers (shallow and middle) of the azraq basin, 1999 –jordan

university

23- Jihad Saleh Al-Mahamid,Three Dimensional Numerical Model for Groundwater

flow and contamination transport of Dhuleil- Hallaqbat Aquifer system, 1998

Jordan unevirsity .

24- Ministry of water and irrigation,Jordan'sWater Strategy 2008-2022. 2009 jordan

25- Dar al-Handasah,Feasibility Study and ESIA for Zarqa Governorate Water Wells

Rehabilitation ,Main Report,2010 Jordan.

26-

24. Appendices (if relevant)

Appendix A yearly spring discharge volume

Zarqa and Rusaifah well field



35(39)

0

500

1000

1937

1940

1943

1946

1949

1952

1955

1958

1961

1964

1967

1970

1973

1976

1979

1982

1985

1988

1991

1994

1997

2000

2003

2006

Axi

s Ti

tle

Axis Title

jubeiha station rainfall

0100200300400

rain

fall(

mm

)

Axis Title

Sukhna Rainfall Station

0200400

1942

1945

1948

1951

1954

1957

1960

1963

1966

1969

1972

1975

1978

1981

1984

1987

1990

1993

1996

1999

2002

2005

2008

Axi

s Ti

tle

Axis Title

H5 Rainfall Station

0100200300

rain

fall(

mm

)

Axis Title

Qryat Station

050100150200

rain

fall(

MM

)

Axis Title

Azraq Station

Appendix B Rainfall Stations



36(39)

0

100

200

300

1937

1940

1943

1946

1949

1952

1955

1958

1961

1964

1967

1970

1973

1981

1984

1987

1990

1993

1996

1999

2002

2005

2008

Axi

s Ti

tle

Axis Title

zarqa station rainfall

0

200

400

600

800

1956

1959

1962

1952

1950

1953

1956

1959

1962

1965

1968

1971

1974

1977

1980

1983

1986

1989

1992

1995

1998

2001

2004

2007

Axi

s Ti

tle

Axis Title

amman hussein college

0

200

400

600

800

1942

1945

1948

1951

1954

1957

1960

1963

1966

1969

1972

1975

1978

1981

1984

1987

1990

1993

1996

1999

2002

2005

2008

Rai

nfa

ll(m

m)

Axis Title

jarash station rainfall



37(39)

220 240 260 280 300 320 340

2000s

120

140

160

180

220 240 260 280 300 320 340

70s

120

140

160

180

Appendix C Precipitation Distribution for AZB in seventies of twentieth century

And the last decade



38(39)

Appendix D

Geological and hydrogeological classification of the rock units in the central and northern parts of Jordan

ERA PERIOD EPOCH Series Formation Symbol Lithology Hydrogeological

Classification

CE

NO

ZO

IC

Quaternary Holocene Pleistocene

Alluvium

Fuviatile Lacst&Eolian

RC

soil, sand, gravel

tert

iary

Pale

ogene

Eocene

Balqa

W.Shallah

B5

Limestone, chalk, marl

B4/5 Aquifer

Paleocene

Rijam B4 Chert, limestone, chalk, marl

Muwaqar B3 marly limestone

B3 Aquitard

Amman B2

chert, limestone, phosphate

B2/A7 Aquifer

upper

Meastrichtian Campanian Santonian

W.Ghudran B1

chalk, marl, marly limestone

ME

SO

ZO

IC

Cre

taceous

Taronian Cenomanian

Ajloun Wadi Sir A7 Limestone, dolomite, chert

Shuieb A5,6 Limestone, marly limestone

A5/6 Aquitard

Hummar A4 Dolomite, dolomitic limestone

A4 Aquifer

Fuheis

A3

Marl, marly limestone

A3 Aquitard

Naur

A1,2

Limestone, dolomitic limestone

A1/2 A

Low

er

Albian

Kurnub

Subeihi

K2

Sand and shale ,Clay and sandy and Limestone

Kurnub Aquifer

Aptian Neocomian Berriasian

Aarda K1 Sandstone Marl and shale

Jura

ssic

Ma

lm

Tithomian Kimmeridgian Oxfordian



39(39)

Appendix E

climate change effects on water resources in amman … · individual project report climate change...

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