Application of a physically-based distributed parameter model for arid-zone surface-groundwater management

Abstract

A conjunctive use study was conducted for the management of surface- and groundwater in the coastal aquifers of the Red Sea coast in Saudi Arabia. The objective of this study was to investigate the conceptual feasibility of implementing a good development strategy of surface- and groundwater in the region. The arid hydrology of the region and the agronomic practices and traditions of water allocation unique to the region required the design and development of a special model. A previous paper presented the analytical and numerical procedures that were used in the design and development of this model. This paper discusses the application of the developed model to conduct a case study in the Wadi Jizan aquifer in Saudi Arabia. Four development strategies based on three surface-water development schemes and two groundwater development schemes were designed. The model was used to simulate the physical and operational behavior of the system for a 17-yr. study period. The strategies were evaluated with respect to their effects on the surface-water system which consists of the wadi, distribution canals and farms, the groundwater system which consists of the unsaturated and saturated zones of the aquifers, and the agronomic system which includes all the components which deals with the use of water for crop production. The study results show that properly designed conjunctive management strategies which make use of the aquifer for storage of excess flood water could be effectively used to conserve and develop the limited freshwater supplies in the region to increase agricultural production.