Saudi Arabia has long faced severe water scarcity due to its arid climate and limited freshwater resources. With rapid population growth and increasing agricultural and industrial demand, the demand for sustainable groundwater management has never been more substantial. In response, researchers have turned to advanced technologies to identify and evaluate the area’s groundwater potential, providing new hope for water safety.
Mohammed Al Rayaan from Saudi Arabia used satellite technology and map systems to conduct a comprehensive study that used images from space to study the Earth’s surface to hail map groundwater potential areas in Saudi Arabia. The study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Discovery of Water, integrates a decision-making framework, a structured approach that can evaluate different options and use satellite images and geospatial data to select the best course of action to evaluate groundwater resources. “By combining these advanced approaches, we can significantly improve the accuracy of groundwater assessments and ensure more effective water management.”
The study analyzed key factors affecting groundwater availability, including geology, studying the physical structure and material of the earth, slope, angle or inclination of the land, land use, how land is used for agriculture, urban development or conservation, annual rainfall, annual rainfall, soil texture, drainage density, rivers, streams, hierarchies, hierarchies, hierarchies, hierarchies, hierarchies, hierarchies, hierarchies, hierarchies, hierarchies, hierarchies, hierarchies, hierarchies, hierarchies, hierarchies, hierarchies, hierarchies, and hierarchies, hierarchies, and strata that can affect water flows. The results show that the vast majority of study areas exhibit moderate groundwater potential, a finding that is closely consistent with existing groundwater records. “The validation accuracy of our underground water potential areas is very high, which demonstrates the robustness of our approach,” Al Rayaan notes. These insights provide a reliable framework for decision makers and water managers to develop targeted conservation and extraction strategies.
One of the most important findings of the study was to identify specific charging areas, which are areas where rainwater or surface water naturally seeps into the ground to supplement the underground reservoirs within the hail. These areas are characterized by favorable geological and hydrological conditions, and are promising opportunities for sustainable groundwater extraction. “Localizing these charging zones is crucial to maintaining a balanced groundwater system and preventing excess rankings,” Al Rayaan stressed. Taking into account the extreme climate conditions in Saudi Arabia, retaining these natural reservoirs is crucial for long-term water safety.
The implications of this study go beyond groundwater mapping. By leveraging remote sensing and GIS-based approaches that use satellite data and digital mapping to study and manage land and water resources, this study contributes to the broader water retention efforts with Saudi Arabian National Water Strategy in 2030. These findings highlight the potential of integrating advanced technologies into resource management, ensuring groundwater is generated and survived in the future.
Looking ahead, Al Rayaan recommends further research to improve the methodology and combine other environmental variables. “Expanding our data collection and integrating real-time tracking tools will enhance our ability to predict and manage groundwater resources more effectively,” he said. As Saudi Arabia continues to face increasing water challenges, innovative approaches like this study provide a path forward for sustainable and informed decision-making.
Real-time monitoring and spatial resolution data analysis will be key to achieving sustainable water management. At the same time, protecting recharge areas and preventing overextraction are the key to protecting water safety for future generations, thus ensuring the resilient future of the region.
Journal Reference
Mohammed B. Al Rayaan. “Utilize the sustainable potential of Saudi Arabian groundwater through remote sensing.” Discover Water, 2024. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s43832-024-00138-1
About the Author
Mohammed B. Al Rayaan is a professional environmental engineer and hydrologist with more than ten years of experience in the field. Currently, Mohammed is currently the chief hydrologist at Saudi Aramco and has been leading numerous environmental projects. His expertise mainly lies in groundwater surveys, data collection and analysis, environmental assessment and project management. Throughout Saudi Aramco’s tenure, he has been working on important projects, including leading several acquisitions (environmentally related) in different countries (environmentally related) (environmentally related) and conducting comprehensive environmental assessments. He has also led several projects including waste management, including environmental impact assessments in multiple categories, as well as projects including marine protection, air defense, air quality, health hazards, and more.
