Water In Desert Areas Research Articles

Collection and protection of water in desert areas and ways to prevent its progress

Collection and protection of water in desert areas and ways to prevent its progress

Mapping Groundwater Prospective Zones Using Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System Techniques in Wadi Fatima, Western Saudi Arabia

Integration of remote sensing (RS) and GIS methods has allowed for the identification of potential water resource zones. Here, climatic, ecological, hydrologic, and topographic data have been integrated with microwave and multispectral data. Sentinel-2, SRTM, and TRMM data were developed to characterize the climatic, hydrologic, and topographic landscapes of Wadi Fatima, a portion of western Saudi Arabia that drains to the Red Sea. The physical characteristics of Wadi Fatima’s catchment area that are essential for mapping groundwater potential zones were derived from topographic data, rainfall zones, lineaments, and soil maps through RS data and GIS techniques. Twelve thematic factors were merged with a GIS-based knowledge-driven approach after providing a weight for every factor. Processing of recent Sentinel-2 data acquired on 4 August 2023 verified the existence of a zone of vegetation belonging to promising areas of groundwater potential zones (GPZs). The output map is categorized into six zones: excellent (10.98%), very high (21.98%), high (24.99%), moderate (21.44%), low (14.70%), and very low (5.91%). SAR CCD derived from Sentinel-1 from 2022 to 2023 showed that the parts of no unity are in high-activity areas in agricultural and anthropogenic activities. The model predictions were proven with the ROC curves with ground data, existing wells’ locations, and the water-bearing formations’ thickness inferred from geophysical data. Their performance was accepted (AUC: 0.73). The outcomes of the applied methodologies were excellent and important for exploring, planning, managing, and sustainable development of resources of water in desert areas. The present study successfully provided insights into the watershed’s hydrologic, climatic, vegetated variation, and terrain database information using radar, optical, and multi-temporal InSAR data. Furthermore, the applied multi-criteria overlay technique revealed promising areas for groundwater abstraction, which can be applied elsewhere in various environmental situations.

Distribution of selenium in surface waters of Tibet and environmental impact factors that determine its concentration

Selenium (Se) is essential for human health. Its concentration in surface water is determined by diverse environmental factors. However, few studies have discussed the distribution of the surface water Se concentration in Tibet; quantitative analysis of how multiple environmental impact factors affect the distribution of surface water Se concentration is also lacking. In this study, the relationship between surface water Se concentration and environmental indicators is investigated in a broad scope by chemical examination, and the spatial distribution of 702 surface water samples across 66 counties in Tibet is comprehensively analyze. The principle of spatial stratified heterogeneity is used not only to measure the individual or interactive influences of 10 potential environmental impact factors, but also to identify the highest potential impact types or ranges of each factor. Results show that the surface water Se concentrations in Tibet are very low, with a mean value of 0.519 ± 0.551 μg/L (range of 0–3.944 μg/L). Spatially, surface water Se concentrations exhibited a reducing trend toward the central and southeast parts of Tibet. In general, surface water in desert areas with low precipitation, which feature alkaline soil environments and magmatic rock outcrops, had higher Se concentration, while overall, the temperature and geographical environment showed little impact on surface water Se concentration. This study contributes to a better understanding of the spatial distribution and environmental impact mechanism of surface water Se concentration in Tibet, and provides baseline indicators for the establishment of a prediction model for the distribution of Se in surface water based on spatial characteristics.

Numerical simulation of underground seasonal cold energy storage for a 10 MW solar thermal power plant in north-western China using TRNSYS

This paper aims to explore an efficient, cost-effective, and water-saving seasonal cold energy storage technique based on borehole heat exchangers to cool the condenser water in a 10 MW solar thermal power plant. The proposed seasonal cooling mechanism is designed for the areas under typical weather conditions to utilize the low ambient temperature during the winter season and to store cold energy. The main objective of this paper is to utilize the storage unit in the peak summer months to cool the condenser water and to replace the dry cooling system. Using the simulation platform transient system simulation program (TRNSYS), the borehole thermal energy storage (BTES) system model has been developed and the dynamic capacity of the system in the charging and discharging mode of cold energy for one-year operation is studied. The typical meteorological year (TMY) data of Dunhuang, Gansu province, in north-western China, is utilized to determine the lowest ambient temperature and operation time of the system to store cold energy. The proposed seasonal cooling system is capable of enhancing the efficiency of a solar thermal power plant up to 1.54% and 2.74% in comparison with the water-cooled condenser system and air-cooled condenser system respectively. The techno-economic assessment of the proposed technique also supports its integration with the condenser unit in the solar thermal power plant. This technique has also a great potential to save the water in desert areas.

A fast and simplified method using non-linear translation of operating points for PV modules energy output and daily pumped water to predict the performance of a stand-alone photovoltaic pumping system at different heads

Abstract Predicting stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) pumping system performances at different heads is a key issue for designers and installers. The previous studies show that the head of well has a big effect on the performance of PV pumping system (PVPS). In this paper, a new practical model is proposed, in order to predict the daily pumped water quantity (Qd) and motor-pump efficiency for a given daily PV array energy output (EPV) and any head (H). This model based on the no-linear translation of operating points for PV array energy output and daily pumped water quantity. This makes practical translation procedure much easier; only four EPV-Qd operating points measured at any EPV and H can be used as the reference EPV-Qd operating points. For the validation, the test and measurement campaign carried out on the PVPS (model PS150) installed in the city of Adrar in the south of Algeria (Latitude 27° 53′ N, Longitude 0° 17′ W) has provided the necessary experimental data. The calculation of Qd over a wide range of EPV and H well agree with experimental results of PVPS. This model can be used to investigate the reliability of the system to supply water in desert areas or isolated sites where no electricity supply is available depending on the required water demand. It is found that the optimum value of motor-pump efficiency can be obtained from PVPS fed by array PV with a nominal 300 Wp and installed in a well of 13.5 m head. We indicate that the translation of the EPV-Qd operating points based on this method is effective for estimating the performance of the PVPS installed at any head and/or in any region.

Experimental and Numerical Simulation of Solar Still for the Production of Drinking Water in Desert Areas of Southern Algeria

Solar distillation is a simple method used for the production of drinking water from saline or brackish water. This method proposes a solution for the production of fresh water in arid and desert areas, where a large solar field is available and also the existence of underground sources of saline water. A solar distiller with a single basin and double slopes is theoretically examined. The theoretical model is based on the resolution of equations of heat and mass transfer dependent on time for glazing cover, water film and absorber basin. For validating the results of the theoretical model, a comparison with the experimental results was carried out. A series of experimental tests on a solar distiller with double slopes in the climatic conditions of Ouargla in Algeria were performed. The tests were carried out on 19th February 2009. The amount of water distilled was 2.7 liters, after a day’s work. The results show that the cooling of the glazing cover leads to increase in the amount of distilled water of about 17% in comparison with the reference case. In addition, we found a good agreement between the results of the theoretical model and the experimental data.

Deep soil water recharge response to precipitation in Mu Us Sandy Land of China

Soil water is the main form of water in desert areas, and its primary source is precipitation, which has a vital impact on the changes in soil moisture and plays an important role in deep soil water recharge (DSWR) in sandy areas. This study investigated the soil water response of mobile sand dunes to precipitation in a semi-arid sandy area of China. Precipitation and soil moisture sensors were used to simultaneously monitor the precipitation and the soil water content (SWC) dynamics of the upper 200-cm soil layer of mobile sand dunes located at the northeastern edge of the Mu Us Sandy Land of China in 2013. The data were used to analyze the characteristics of SWC, infiltration, and eventually DSWR. The results show that the accumulated precipitation (494 mm) from April 1 to November 1 of 2013 significantly influenced SWC at soil depths of 0–200 cm. When SWC in the upper 200-cm soil layer was relatively low (6.49%), the wetting front associated with 53.8 mm of accumulated precipitation could reach the 200-cm deep soil layer. When the SWC of the upper 200-cm soil layer was relatively high (10.22%), the wetting front associated with the 24.2 mm of accumulated precipitation could reach the upper 200-cm deep soil layer. Of the accumulated 494-mm precipitation in 2013, 103.2 mm of precipitation eventually became DSWR, accounting for 20.9% of the precipitation of that year. The annual soil moisture increase was 54.26 mm in 2013. Accurate calculation of DSWR will have important theoretical and practical significance for desert water resources assessment and ecological construction.

The politics of accessing desert land in Jordan

With the dramatic increase of the population in Jordan, the value of land has rocketed up. Urban sprawl into semi-desert or desert areas, initially not surveyed or settled by the British and considered as state land, has brought to the surface the problematic status of those lands. Likewise, the profitability of irrigated agriculture based on groundwater has generated a demand for land in the Mafraq, Zarqa and Amman governorates. These trends have spurred tensions between local tribes and the state. This study focuses on land tenure and conflicts in the semi-desert and desert areas of Jordan, with a focus on the expansion of irrigated agriculture within the Azraq basin. It is based on field work and interviews with different stakeholders at various levels. We first provide a summary of the main historical developments regarding land tenure in Jordan, with a focus on the status of semi-desert and desert land. We move on to examining the different ways by which state land can be privatized and then review instances of conflicts around rights to desert land in the past 30 years, further taking the Azraq water basin as a case study to shed light on the particular case of groundwater-based agricultural expansion. We then articulate our discussion through the lens of legal pluralism, look at the interplay between state and tribal power, and analyze the twin strategies of accessing land and water in desert areas. We conclude by showing the historical continuity of the land tenure relationships, while singling out Jordan's state land management regime.

UV-Resistant Bacteria with Multiple-Stress Tolerance Isolated from Desert Areas in Iran

ABSTRACTThe high UV radiation and scarcity of liquid water in desert areas make these regions among the most challenging environments for life. Here we studied the multitolerant microbial communities of deserts in Iran. Three bacterial strains were isolated and identified as Microbacterium phyllosphaerae MG3, Kocuria flava MG5 and Exiguobacterium acetylicum MG7. UV resistance and desiccation tolerance in MG7 and MG5 strains were comparable to multiresistant Deinococcus radiodurans. Also, resistance to mitomycin C and hydrogen peroxide in all isolated strains were significant. The strain MG3 showed moderate to poor salt tolerance but strains MG5 and MG7 showed high NaCl tolerance.

A simplified but accurate prevision method for along the sun PV pumping systems

Supplying water in desert areas or isolated sites is the perfect job for along sun pumping systems. However, due to their relatively high cost, the sizing of these systems implies the use of an accurate tool. This paper presents a method that could be used for the sizing of an along the sun pumping system based on energetic considerations, simple modeling and fitting methods. The model described allows to predict the flow rate hour per hour for a given daily solar irradiance profile. It uses a three-phase induction machine, a voltage inverter and a centrifugal pump. Some experimental results are also confronted with the calculated ones in order to show the accuracy of the model. The accuracy of the model is shown to be good and essentially depends on the precision used to model each element in the overall system.

Camel Husbandry among Pastoralists in Darfur, Western Sudan

Introduction A summary is given of a study conducted during 2003 in the Darfur states of western Sudan. The study presents information about mainly nomadic camel owners, types of camels and other animals reared, camel herd structure, purpose of camel rearing, movement during the year, feeding, management and the economic aspects of camel husbandry. The camel (Camelus dromedaries, one-humped camel) in Darfur originated in Arab countries and was introduced to the Sudan. These camels are kept in nomadic systems in the semi-desert and savanna belt of Darfur, in association with sheep and goats. Camels produce milk, meat, wool, hair and hides and are used for riding, transport and cultivation. Nomadic Sudanese Arab tribes that own camels include Maalia, Mahria, Umm Jallol, Awlad Zaid and Bani Haiba. Other tribes of the Midob and Zaghwa also own camels. Nomadic Arab tribes and other tribes owning camels have entered Sudan through the west and north-western borders via northern Chad or southern Libya, reaching their ultimate destination at the River Nile. The problems facing camel production in Darfur states include shortage of water in desert areas, complicated inter-ethnic grazing access and diseases and parasites. In recent years these areas have been affected by drought and some areas of grazing land have been partially desertified; hence migratory herds of camels have penetrated southwards into the savannah zone for dry-season grazing. Moreover, the extension of crop farms has meant a reduction of available grazing land, which has led to serious problems culminating in the Darfur war starting in mid-2003. Arabian camels have become fully adapted to the desert and semi-desert regions of Sudan. The number of camels in the Sudan was 3.20 million (FAO 1999). The total number of camels in the three Darfur states is estimated as 759,000 of which 397,000 were in Northern Darfur, 287,000 in Western Darfur and 75,000 in South Darfur (Central Bureau of Statistics 2003). The Sudan famine of the mid-1980s caused social dislocation; many farmers and pastoralists were displaced and driven from the western provinces into urban feeding stations (Werner 1994). Similarly, the Darfur wars in 1989 and mid-2003 caused social dislocation in which most pastoralists were displaced and moved to urban areas. Hence the objectives of the present study were to estimate the socioeconomic performance of camel owners and to obtain information on camel management among the nomadic tribes of Darfur. Study Area and Methods The study was conducted from January to December 2003, mainly in South Darfur State in the extreme south-west of Sudan, an area of 139,800 sq. km between latitude 8[degrees]: 30-17[degrees]: 30 N and longitude 23[degrees]: 15-28[degrees] E. Some data from northern and western Darfur states were also included. The rainy season starts in May and continues until October, with most rain falling in July and August, and an annual mean of 400 mm (Nyala Meteorological Station 1961-2002). Temperatures reach a maximum of 42 [degrees] C in May and a minimum of 15[degrees]C in January. The rangeland is semi-desert in the north to treed savannah in the south. In recent years the area of rangeland has decreased, while the area under crops and non-agricultural activities has progressively increased. A questionnaire was used for discussions with groups of three to five camel owners, visiting Nyala livestock market at monthly intervals. Some owners were visited in their camps outside Nyala city. Records were also obtained from the towns of El Fasher and Kebkabiya (Northern Darfur State) and Sarf Umra (northern and western Darfur). Characteristics of Camel Owning Families Most of the camel owners were nomadic (77%). Due to the lack of mobile schools and the need for families to migrate, 79% of them were uneducated. Forty percent of the household heads had more than one wife, with an average household size of nine. …