Azraq Basin Research Articles

Lithic Procurement and Provisioning at the Lower Palaeolithic Site of Shishan Marsh 1 in the Azraq Basin, Jordan

Considerations of the landscape, the distribution and quality of resources, distances to outcrops, and proximity to other resources factor into the procurement decision-making by prehistoric foragers. However, the patterns of resource exploitation and utilisation are likely to vary by region, and those exhibited in marginal environments are not fully explored. This report focuses on the nature of lithic procurement and provisioning at the Lower Palaeolithic site of Shishan Marsh 1 in the Azraq Basin, Jordan. It draws upon several lines of evidence, including provenance and use-wear analyses performed on the biface assemblage. The results indicate raw material exploitation occurred at local and non-local distances to the site and the lithics were used for a variety of activities on medium-hard materials. Foragers moved toward the wetlands from significant distances on the surrounding landscape, likely bringing finished tools and, after use, discarding them in relatively good condition. The accumulation over time of ready-to-use tools at Shishan Marsh 1 points to a provisioning of the wetland margins for future needs.

Analysis of the Morphometric Characteristics of Wadi Rajil in the Azraq Basin using Geographic Information Systems

The study aimed to Analyse the Hydrometric Characteristics of Wadi Rajil basin and assess the flood hazards in the basin using Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems Techniques. The study used Models of Digital Visualizations of the basin and processed them using ARC GIS 10.5 and ARC HYDRO TOOLS. The result was that the Hypsometric Coefficient reached (21.4%) of the valley area that was exposed to erosion and (78.6%) of it is still waiting for its turn to erosion, indicating that the valley has reached the stage of youth. The analysis of Hot Spots in the GIS program resulted in negative values for internal Drainage Basins greater than -0.5 extending to the northern and northwestern parts of the basin. It also showed that the flow coefficient exceeds the internal Drainage Coefficient or Leakage. As for the positive values, they are distributed in the southern and southeastern parts, where the (Hot) values prevail and where the leakage coefficient exceeds the Flow Coefficient. We find that the Hot Spots are concentrated in the southeastern parts, which are mostly extended. The Rift and thus the most suitable areas for Groundwater Charging through it.

Geochemical characterization of Upper Cretaceous organic-rich deposits: Insights from the Azraq Basin in Jordan

Cretaceous sedimentary successions in Jordan are among the most promising unconventional global petroleum resources. The Upper Cretaceous deposits in the Azraq Basin in Jordan were analyzed using Rock-Eval pyrolysis, stable carbon isotopes, vitrinite reflectance, and biomarkers, as well as 1D basin modeling. This study aims to evaluate source input, depositional environment, burial history and potential for hydrocarbon generation of the Upper Cretaceous organic-rich deposits in Jordan. The Upper Cretaceous samples exhibit variable source rock potential. Maastrichtian samples are very good, primarily oil-prone, while Campanian and Cenomanian samples range from fair to poor, with Turonian samples showing good petroleum generation potential. Thermal maturity analysis of Cretaceous samples reveals higher maturity in Turonian and Cenomanian samples compared to the thermally immature Maastrichtian and Campanian samples based on the maximum temperature of pyrolytic hydrocarbons generation, vitrinite reflectance, production index and biomarker indicators. The molecular fossils data suggest that the organic matter of these source rocks was primarily of marine phytoplankton origin, with considerable contributions from microbial biomass, and deposited under oxygen-depleted bottom water conditions. Additionally, the resemblance in molecular composition between Cretaceous source rocks and crude oil samples suggests a common origin for the hydrocarbons. The highest contents of organic matter have been recorded at the top of the Maastrichtian and at the bottom of the Turonian sections. These findings correspond with Maastrichtian upwelling deposits in North Africa and the Middle East, as well as with deposits from the Cenomanian-Turonian Oceanic Anoxic Event (OAE2).

تقييم مخاطر انجراف التربة في حوض الأزرق باستخدام نموذج تقييم التربة والمياه ونظم المعلومات الجغرافية والاستشعار عن بعد

The study aims at evaluating soil erosion in Azraq Basin using soil and water assessment model, GIS and remote sensing. The soil erosion has important negative effects on the ground resources In the basin. As other basins in Jordan, Azraq Basin suffers extremely from soil erosion that resulted from the decrease of soil productivity before being eroded. Soil erosion is related to many environmental problems such as sedimentation in the river channels and dams, and deterioration water quality, so strategies for managing water basins and protecting soil from Erosion are needed. The results of the study showed that Azraq Basin has annually an average of 99.8 Mm of rainfall; the majority lost by evaporation process, and 73.8% of the total precipitation is wasted because of the actual evaporation process, whereas surface runoff has 8.9% of the total precipitation of the Basin. The study reveals that about 24.5% of Azraq Basin area suffers from severe soil erosion mainly In Wadi Al-Ghadf and Modaisisat. The Study also reveals that Wadi Modaissat is the largest basin in Azraq Basins, it Produces 58.4% of the total eroded materials. تهدف هذه الدراسة إلى تقييم مخاطر انجراف التربة لحوض الأزرق باستخدام نموذج تقييم التربة والمياه والتقنيات ونظم المعلومات الجغرافية والاستشعار عن بعد؛ وذلك لما له من آثار سلبية على الموارد الأرضيَّة في الحوض، حيث يعاني حوض الأزرق كغيره من الأحواض المائية في الأردن من مشكلة انجراف التربة، والناتجة عن انخفاض إنتاجية التربة في المنطقة قبل تعرضها للانجراف. كما يرتبط انجراف التربة بالعديد من المشكلات البيئية الأخرى، مثل: تموضع الرواسب في مجاري الأودية ، والسدود المائية وتدهور نوعيه المياه، مما يتطلب وضع استراتيجيات لإدارة الأحواض المائية وحماية تربتها من الانجراف. وتوصَّلت الدراسة إلى أن حوض الأزرق يتلقى معدل مطري يبلغ 99.8 ملم / سنويًا، يفقد الجزء الأعظم منها بواسطة عملية التبخر، حيث إن 73.8% من مجمل الهطول المطري يذهب نتيجة عملية التبخر الفعلي، في حين إن الجريان السطحي يستأثر بـ 8.9% من إجمالي الهطول المطري على حوض الأزرق، كما أوضحت الدراسة أن 24.5% من مساحة حوض الأزرق تصنَّف بأنها ذات معدل انجراف شديد جدًا للتربة، وتتمثل هذه المساحة في: حوضي واديي الغدف والمديدسسات. وأظهرت الدراسة أن حوض وادي المديدسسات هو أكثر الأحواض الفرعية لحوض الأزرق في معدل العائد الرسوبي المتوقع والذي يشكل ما نسبته 58.4% من أصل المواد المنجرفة فيه.

Combination of Metaheuristic Optimization Algorithms and Machine Learning Methods for Groundwater Potential Mapping

The groundwater contained in aquifers is among the most important water supply resources, especially in semi-arid and arid regions worldwide. This study aims to evaluate and compare the prediction capability of two well–known models, support vector machine (SVM) and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), combined with a genetic algorithm (GA), invasive weed optimization (IWO), and teaching–learning-based optimization (TLBO) algorithms in groundwater potential mapping (GPM) the Azraq Basin in Jordan. The hybridization of the SVM and ANFIS models with the GA, IWO, and TLBO algorithms results in six models: SVM–GA, SVM–IWO, SVM–TLBO, ANFIS–GA, ANFIS–IWO, and ANFIS–TLBO. A database consisting of well data containing 464 wells with 12 predictive factors was developed for the groundwater potential mapping (GPM) of the study area. Of the 464 well locations, 70% (325 locations) were assigned for the training set and the rest (139 locations) for the validation set. The correlation between the 12 predictive factors and the well locations is analyzed using the frequency ratio (FR) statistical model. An area under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve was used to evaluate and compare the models. According to the results, the SVM-based hybrid models outperformed other ANFIS hybrid models in the learning (training) and validation phases. The SVM–GA and SVM–TLBO hybrid models showed AUROC values of 0.984 and 0.971, respectively, in the training and validation phases. Moreover, the ANFIS–GA and ANFIS–TLBO hybrid models showed an AUROC of 0.979 and 0.984 in the training phase and an AUROC of 0.973 and 0.984 in the validation phase, respectively. The SVM–IWO and ANFIS–IWO hybrid models showed the lowest AUROC. This study demonstrated the more efficient results of the SVM-based hybrid models in comparison with the ANFIS-based hybrid models in terms of accuracy and modeling speed.

Raw material characterization and lithic provenance from Shishan Marsh 1, a Middle Pleistocene site in the central Azraq Basin, Jordan

Provenance analyses have been utilized to cast light on the nature of lithic procurement and the mobility strategies of prehistoric foragers. Recently, scholars have applied them to chert formations of the Levant with noted success. However, the Azraq Basin in the eastern desert of Jordan is a region of the Levant where characterization of the lithology is on-going. This study evaluates additional chert sources from the central Azraq Basin, Jordan through LA-ICP-MS. These geochemical data contribute to an expanding regional dataset, particularly on the Umm Rijam Chert-Limestone formation. Furthermore, their profiles are used to investigate the provenance of a sample of lithic artifacts from the Middle Pleistocene site of Shishan Marsh 1 located within the Azraq wetlands. The evaluated stone tools are most consistent with certain profiles of the URC formation. The results indicate that raw material was procured from sources on-site and in distant areas to the west and northeast of the wetlands. Foragers remained mobile throughout the region and moved lithics over local and non-local distances into the wetlands before discarding them at Shishan Marsh 1. The utility of geochemistry for provenance in the Azraq Basin is recognized, but a future incorporation of petrography is suggested.

Leaving home: Technological and landscape knowledge as resilience at pre-Holocene Kharaneh IV, Azraq Basin, Jordan

Humanity’s relationship with the environment during the Holocene, and into the Anthropocene, is structured around our dependance on agricultural production, which has resulted in risk mitigation strategies that include intensive landscape modifications, among other tactics. However, to understand broader patterns of human resilience and the shifts in human/environment relationships, we need to look further back in time. Through this paper, we explore cultural strategies of risk management and resilience in pre-Holocene communities and how these practices allowed hunter-gatherer communities to adapt to a changing environment. For over 1000 years, the Epipalaeolithic site of Kharaneh IV was a focal point on the landscape for hunter-gatherer groups, acting as an aggregation site for Early and Middle Epipalaeolithic peoples. Located in the eastern desert of Jordan, at the time of occupation the site was a lush wetland surrounded by a rich grassland environment, providing abundant food and other resources for the site’s occupants. However, over time the wetland began to dry up and by 18,600 cal BP Kharaneh IV was abandoned. In this paper, we discuss the final occupation of Kharaneh IV, linking the site’s abandonment to the increasing aridification of eastern Jordan. Environmental change led to the eventual abandonment of Kharaneh IV and other nearby sites, as people relocated within the Azraq Basin in search of new water resources during the Holocene. Flexible technological strategies and knowledge of the landscape created resilient cultural practices that allowed these communities to use population movement as a risk management strategy.

Study the Change in Hydrological Conditions for the Azraq Basin using Incremental Climate Change Scenarios: A Soil and Water Assessment Model and Geospatial Techniques

The study aims to Demonstrate the effect of the change in the Hydrological Conditions for the Azraq basin using the incremental scenarios method,the soil and water assessment mode,and geospatial technologies to support the water management plans for the basin, making the most of the available water resources in the basin, building it as a hydrological database through the availability of climatic and hydrological data available by the jordanian meteorological department and the ministry of water and irrigation. in addition to facing future challenges in light of potential climate change, whether positive towards increasing rates of height and the prevail of wet conditions, or negative towards decreasing precipitation rates and thus, prevail dry conditions. Study results show that the Azraq basin receives an average of 99.8 mm / year rainfall, which loses the greater part of through evaporation process, as 73.8% of the total precipitation is wasted as a result of the actual evaporation process, while the surface runoff accounts for 8.9% of the total rainfall on the Azraq basin. as the study showed, 11.4% of the amounts of precipitation received by the Azraq basin go to what is known as the water yield (blue water). The recommendations were; focusing on the necessity of intensifying the reliance on the model of soil and water assessment and geospatial techniques in surface hydrological modeling processes for basins; as it has proven the effectiveness and efficiency of the results given in the water management of water basins, whether in the current or future reality.

Middle to Late Quaternary palaeolandscapes of the central Azraq Basin, Jordan: Deciphering discontinuous records of human-environment dynamics at the arid margin of the Levant

The Azraq oasis in the Eastern Desert of Jordan has produced considerable stone artefacts attributed to the early Palaeolithic, yet relatively few data are available regarding the chronology and palaeoenvironmental contexts of the remains. In this study, we present stratigraphic, sedimentological, and micropalaeontological analyses of the Late Acheulean site SM1 located within the former Shishan Marsh, which we combine with geochronological and sedimentological data from 13 neighbouring geological exposures to reconstruct landscape evolution at the western margin of the Shishan Marsh. We then discuss the Late Quaternary palaeolandscapes of the Greater Azraq Oasis Area over the past c. 350 ka. Our work demonstrates that the central Azraq Basin experienced three local wetting-drying cycles since the late Middle Pleistocene that would have dramatically shifted the quantity and distribution of freshwater resources, ranging from expansive wetland landscapes to desert refugia characterised by isolated spring pools—changes that would have significantly impacted the mobility decisions and settlement patterns of Palaeolithic inhabitants. Our study highlights that developing long-term records of human-environment dynamics in arid environments requires a mosaic approach to palaeoenvironmental reconstruction that is nested within a well-developed understanding of landscape evolution.

A Novel Method to Assess the Impact of a Government’s Water Strategy on Research: A Case Study of Azraq Basin, Jordan

Water scarcity drives governments in arid and semi-arid regions to promote strategies for improving water use efficiency. Water-related research generally also plays an important role in the same countries and for the same reason. However, it remains unclear how to link the implementation of new government strategies and water-related research. This article’s principal objective is to present a novel approach that defines water-related research gaps from the point of view of a government strategy. The proposed methodology is based on an extensive literature review, followed by a systematic evaluation of the topics covered both in grey and peer-reviewed literature. Finally, we assess if and how the different literature sources contribute to the goals of the water strategy. The methodology was tested by investigating the impact of the water strategy of Jordan’s government (2008–2022) on the research conducted in the Azraq Basin, considering 99 grey and peer-reviewed documents. The results showed an increase in the number of water-related research documents from 37 published between 1985 and 2007 to 62 published between 2008 and 2018. This increase should not, however, be seen as a positive impact of increased research activity from the development of Jordan’s water strategy. In fact, the increase in water-related research activity matches the increasing trend in research production in Jordan generally. Moreover, the results showed that only about 80% of the documents align with the goals identified in the water strategy. In addition, the distribution of the documents among the different goals of the strategy is heterogeneous; hence, research gaps can be identified, i.e., goals of the water-strategy that are not addressed by any of the documents sourced. To foster innovative and demand-based research in the future, a matrix was developed that linked basin-specific research focus areas (RFAs) with the MWI strategy topics. In doing so, the goals that are not covered by a particular RFA are highlighted. This analysis can inspire researchers to develop and apply new topics in the Azraq Basin to address the research gaps and strengthen the connection between the RFAs and the strategy topics and goals. Moreover, the application of the proposed methodology can motivate future research to become demand-driven, innovative, and contribute to solving societal challenges.

Plant gathering and people-environment interactions at Epipalaeolithic Kharaneh IV, Jordan

This paper presents the first archaeobotanical results on plant macroremains other than charcoal from the Early and Middle Epipalaeolithic site of Kharaneh IV in the Azraq basin, one of the largest Epipalaeolithic sites in the southern Levant and one of the few with evidence for multiple phases of occupation. The analysis of the substantial archaeobotanical assemblage from the site provides new insights into the local environmental conditions and how these changed throughout occupation, potentially affecting the use of the site, and it further contributes to debates about hunter-gatherer lifeways during the earlier Epipalaeolithic. A variety of potential food plant resources was identified, including several starch-rich seeds and tissues, fruits and various other wild seeds and grains. Comparison of the Kharaneh IV archaeobotanical assemblage with those from other Epipalaeolithic sites in the southern Levant reveals a number of similarities and differences. These comparisons, and especially with the contemporary nearby site of Wadi Jilat 6, support the emerging picture of an ecological mosaic within the Epipalaeolithic Azraq basin, and a general pattern of local resource use across the wider region.

تقدير كفأة مفهوم المياه الافتراضية وتقنيات الجغرافيا المكانية في تحديد فاتورة الاستهلاك المائي للزراعة المروية في حوض الازرق

The study aims to use Geospatial Techniques to estimate water consumption in the irrigated agriculture of Azraq Basin in Water year 2016-2017 Through concept virtual water, based on Satellite data from the Landsat 8 satellite Image for August, 2017 and climate data, through the use of the necessary cartographic standards to correct Satellite data, process it and analyze it to produce Digital maps to express the true reality of irrigated agriculture in Azraq Basin in terms of its spatial distribution, types and areas. The study concluded that the irrigated areas in the Azraq Basin are concentrated in two main regions: (Safawi - East Mafraq) and (Azraq depression), the accumulation of evapotranspiration ΣETo 1338 mm. The Accumulated Crop Evapotranspiration ΣETc 3414 mm. Field crops most in need of water among the classified crops each hectare needs 1244 m3 of water. The Virtual water for crops was as follows: (olive trees 110 m3/ton, fruit trees 86 m3/ton, field crops (clover) 27m3/ton, and summer vegetables 16 m3/ton). The study recommends the necessity of using geospatial techniques in studying the spatial and temporal changes of crops in irrigated areas, and adopting the concept of virtual water as a wiser tool for determining the water consumption bill in irrigated agriculture. تهدف الدراسة الى توظيف تقنيات الجغرافيا المكانية لتقدير الاستهلاك المائي في الزراعة المروية لحوض الأزرق السنة المائية2016 -2017 من خلال مفهوم المياه الافتراضية، بناءا على البيانات الفضائية الملتقطة من القمر الصناعي لاندسات 8 لشهر آب/2017 والبيانات المناخية، من خلال استخدام المعايير الكارتوجرافية اللازمة لتصحيح البيانات الفضائية ومعالجتها وتحليلها لانتاج خرائط رقمية للتعبير عن الواقع الحقيقي للزراعة المروية في حوض الأزرق من حيث توزعها المكاني، أنواعها ومساحاتها. توصلت الدِراســــة إلى أن المناطق المَرْوية في حوض الأزرق تتركز في مَنْطِقتين رئيسيتين: (الصفاوي – شرق المفرق)، (منخفض الأزرق)، بلغ تراكم التبخر نتح المرجعي ΣETo للسنة المائية (2016-2017) 1338ملم. والاحتياجات المائية CWR على شكل تراكم التبخر نتح المحصوليETc Σ للسنة المائية (2016-2017) 3414 ملم. ظهر أن المَحاصيل الحقلية الأكثر احتياجاً للمياه من بين المَحاصيل المصنفة للسنة 2016/2017 ويحتاج كل هكتار إلى 1244 م3 مياه. وقدرت المياه الافتراضية للمحاصيل كالتالي: (أشجار الزيتون 94، أشجار الفاكهة 59، المَحاصيل الحقلية (البرسيم) 19، والخضراوت الصيفية 10) م3/طن. توصي الدراسة بضرورة استخدام تِقْنيات الجَغْرفيا المكانية في دِراسة التغييرات المكانية والزمانية للمَحاصيل في المناطق المَرْوية، واعتماد مفهوم المياه الافتراضية كأداة أكثر حكمة لتحديد فاتورة الاستهلاك المائي في الزراعة المروية.

HYDROCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF THE AZRAQ UNCONFINED AQUIFER, JORDAN

The groundwater hydrochemical characteristics of the Azraq Basin were investigated and evaluated statistically. The presence of an underground saline water body in the Qa’ Al-Azraq area has made this specific part of the basin.  38 samples from 38 GW wells were collected to understand the GW hydrochemistry of the Azraq unconfined aquifer that is mainly composed of marl, evaporites, limestone and clay formations. The PCA analysis indicates that Na, Mg, Cl, Ca, and K contribute the variance in the chemical composition of the GW samples. Piper, Durov and Wilcox diagrams indicated that the water types are mainly earth alkaline with prevailing SO4 and Cl, and alkaline water with prevailing SO4 and Cl. The main processes in the basin are dissolution or mixing and reverse ion exchange in which Na and Cl are prevailing. The GW is mainly oversaturated concerning aragonite, calcite and dolomite as indicated by the excess input of Mg and Ca ions from the rock-water interactions, while anhydrite (CaSO4), halite (NaCl), and gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O) are generally undersaturated. The effect of the agricultural activities in the study area is reflected by the positive correlation between NO3 and PC2. Wilcox diagram indicates that the samples are in the medium to very high salinity slots with the majority in the high salinity slot and in the low and medium alkali hazard zone, while few samples show high to very high alkali hazards. The simulated salinity for the next 30 years shows alarming danger and requires immediate attention as the Qa’ area is expected to become saline with TDS values of 2500 to 4600 mg/l, unsuitable to use for domestic and/or agricultural purposes.  

Exploring Mid-Late Pleistocene lithic procurement strategies at Shishan Marsh 1: Preliminary geochemical characterization of chert sources around the Greater Azraq Oasis Area, Jordan

Recent excavations at the site of Shishan Marsh 1 in the Azraq basin, Jordan have uncovered several artifact-bearing layers that date within the Middle (266 ± 40 kya) and Late (125 ± 12 kya) Pleistocene. A paleoecological assessment of sediments from this period indicates predominantly warm and dry conditions in the region, similar to those of the present. Hominins living under these hot and dry conditions contracted around a receding spring- and wadi-fed water source for subsistence. As such, they were limited to the distances they could venture to acquire raw material resources. Consequently, Shishan Marsh 1 presents an opportunity to investigate lithic procurement strategies practiced by Paleolithic hominins in an arid environment. This paper presents the preliminary results of an on-going provenance study of lithic sources in the region and a sample of chert artifacts using LA-ICP-MS. The preliminary results indicate that predominantly local procurement was practiced. However, some artifacts were geochemically more consistent with distant sources and still others did not correlate with any sampled source. This latter group indicates that more sources need to be included, as there is greater variability within the Azraq basin than what is documented in this study.

The lithic landscape around Kharaneh IV (Azraq Basin, Jordan): Petrographical and geochemical characterization of geological cherts

As part of a current archaeological project focusing on the Azraq Basin, through notably the excavation of the Early-Middle Epipalaeolithic site of Kharaneh IV, a geoarchaeological analysis was started to ultimately characterize the chert types exploited by the inhabitants of the site and to assess their geographical origins. In order to examine prehistoric lithic procurement strategies, a detailed study of the geological literature and maps of a 3000 km2 area surrounding the site was completed. This study revealed the presence of three chert-bearing formations dated to the Late Cretaceous and Early Tertiary in that territory: Muwaqqar Chalk-Marl Formation, Umm Rijam Chert-Limestone Formation, and Wadi Shallala Chalk Formation. A geo-archaeological survey followed. This survey comprised detailed observations about these silicifications in their sedimentary context and the collection of chert samples in both primary and secondary deposits.This contribution presents the main results of this work. The multiplicity of outcrops and the conditions of embeddedness of the siliceous horizons, on the one hand, and the characteristics of these silicifications (size, shape, quality, etc.), on the other hand, all contribute to illustrate the rich lithic potential of this region. Thus the Kharaneh IV inhabitants had access to a wide range of cherts from which to choose their stone tool kit. Given that the Epipalaeolithic tool kit of the Kharaneh IV inhabitants was based on small size tools, quite small nodules would have been sufficient for these populations to develop their lithic industry, so chert outcrops with both small and large nodules were taken into account in this study. Furthermore we present some observations on the textural, micropalaeontological, petrographical and geochemical characterization of some 104 samples of geological siliceous rocks. Such a dataset will constitute the most reliable reference in the comparison with the archaeological lithic assemblages exhumed at the site.We may already mention that the diversity of chert types documented in the geological reference collection is also present in the archaeological assemblages. Most of these lithic types are thus present in the local environment (<15 km away). Moreover differences in raw material selection, procurement and exploitation are already noticeable between the Early and Middle Epipalaeolithic occupations that will need to be further documented and quantified.

Solar energy farming as a development innovation for vulnerable water basins

ABSTRACT In vulnerable water basins, unregulated access to solar energy and groundwater can threaten water security through increased abstractions. Public and development agencies are therefore exploring options to provide farmers with additional income from solar farming while protecting groundwater resources. Solar energy farming is combined with attractive purchase guarantees in order to encourage farmers to efficiently use solar energy on-farm and sell the energy excess. This article evaluates a project from the Azraq Basin in Jordan, and presents similar international experiences, particularly from India. It assesses solar energy farming as an innovation from a water-energy-food nexus perspective.

An integrated approach for choosing suitable pumping strategies for a semi-arid region in Jordan using a groundwater model coupled with analytical hierarchy techniques

The Azraq basin, Jordan, is characterized by high variability and a heterogeneous spatial distribution of groundwater recharge. Most of the recharge occurs in the north of the basin. The central part of the basin is covered by wetland (Azraq Oasis), characterized by a unique ecosystem and biodiversity. Groundwater abstraction for agricultural and domestic purposes occurs mainly near the oasis and results in a considerable decline of the water table. A groundwater model was developed for the Azraq basin to analyze and predict the groundwater level response to different pumping strategies. The model also enables determination of the safe yield. The extent to which the safe yield and specific pumping strategies are socially and economically acceptable was analyzed. Multi-criteria analysis using an analytic hierarchy process was applied to obtain the abstraction rate that achieves the most suitable trade-off between environmental and socio-economic criteria under two scenarios of future socio-economic development. Based on the calibrated groundwater model the response of the groundwater level until 2045 was simulated, resulting in a 15–25 m decline if current pumping strategies continue. At present, the safe yield of the groundwater resource equals 30% of the overall actual pumping rate, indicating that the aquifer is highly exploited. Results of the multi-criteria analysis show that the ‘safe yield alternative’ is the most suitable for the basin under a scenario of future economic prosperity. For circumstances of poor economy and low social awareness, keeping the current pumping rate was found to be the scenario with the highest priority.

Faunal remains from recent excavations at Shishan Marsh 1 (SM1), a Late Lower Paleolithic open-air site in the Azraq Basin, Jordan

AbstractExcavations from 2013 to 2015 at the site of Shishan Marsh 1 (SM1) in the Azraq Basin of eastern Jordan have yielded substantial late middle Pleistocene lithic assemblages in association with faunal remains. Faunal preservation is poor, but multiple taxa have been identified, including cf.Panthera leo,Gazellasp.,Boscf.primigenius,Camelussp.,Equusspp., cf.Stephanorhinus hemitoechus,Palaeoloxodoncf.recki, andElephascf.hysudricus. The overall Azraq habitat may have been most similar to a savanna ecosystem, with a mixture of open grassland/shrub habitats and more closed vegetation along the wetlands margins. These taxa were drawn to the relatively lush oasis environment, where they were a dietary resource of the hominin groups exploiting the wetlands resources.

Inverse geochemical modeling of groundwater salinization in Azraq Basin, Jordan

The aim is to define the mechanism of chemical reactions that are responsible for the salinization of the Azraq basin along groundwater flow path, using inverse modeling technique by PHREEQC Interactive 2.8 for Windows. The chemical analysis of representative groundwater samples was used to predict the causes of salinization of groundwater. In addition, the saturation indices analysis was used to characterize the geochemical processes that led to the dissolution of mineral constituents within the groundwater aquifer system. According to the modeling results, it was noted that the groundwater at the recharge area was undersaturated with respect to calcite, dolomite, gypsum, anhydrite, and halite. Thus, the water dissolved these minerals during water rock interaction, and therefore, the concentration of Ca, Mg, Na, and SO4 increased along the groundwater flow path. Furthermore, the groundwater at the discharge area was oversaturated with respect to calcite and dolomite. This meant that the water would precipitate these minerals along the flow path, while the water was undersaturated with respect to gypsum and halite throughout the simulated path; this showed the dissolution processes that take place during water-rock interaction. Therefore, the salinity of the groundwater increased significantly along the groundwater flow paths.

Delineating groundwater potential zones within the Azraq Basin of Central Jordan using multi-criteria GIS analysis

The present study was carried out in the central part of the Azraq Basin of Jordan to delineate the various groundwater potential zones within this region. This study includes eight criteria; land use, soil, slope, rainfall, elevation, lithology, lineament density and drainage density. Data and information regarding these criteria were collated and ascertained through the employment and utilisation of satellite imagery and digital mapping. The weighted linear combination (WLC) technique was then employed to integrate these criteria within the GIS so that the area concerned could be evaluated regarding its various hydrogeomorphic characteristics. A review of the literature was then used to assess each of the criteria. Subsequently the criteria were assigned to various parameters per their significance and rating regarding groundwater potentiality.The delineated groundwater potential map was classified into four distinct zones, namely, low, moderate, high, and very high potential zones. From the study findings it can be seen that approximately17% of the area concerned in this study was shown to have very high groundwater potential, while 2.181% has a low potential and 32.612%is categorised as having high groundwater potential; the largest region was that of moderate groundwater potential, with 48.207% of the land being categorised as such. Furthermore, the groundwater potential zones map was verified against a map of existing wells to calculate the percentage of wells in each potential zone. The results showed that approximately 2% of the existing wells were within low potential zones, 66% were within moderate potential zones, 15% were within high potential zones, and only 17% were within very high potential zones.