Identification of suitable sites for managed aquifer recharge under semi-arid conditions employing a combination of numerical and analytical techniques

Abstract Overpumping or overexploitation of groundwater is one the major threats for aquifer systems in arid and semi-arid areas. Managed recharge (MAR) has been suggested by many researchers as a sustainable effective method to alleviate negative impacts overpumping. Optimizing artificial considers selection suitable MAR sites terms surface subsurface characteristics. While characteristics at potential could be modified (e.g. slope, soil texture, etc.), cannot changed through engineering work. Characteristics aquifer, such depth groundwater, play an important role determining capability store specific volume infiltrated water. Currently, only limited number quoted researches are available that consider factors related range these identify optimal sites. In this study, new approach presented, employs numerical modeling generate suitability maps considering sub-surface characteristics, depth-to-groundwater, transmissivity yield. Multiple model-runs conducted simulate table response with respect Simulation results used calibrate mound empirical equation calculates level increase function water given value aquifer’ yield, vertical hydraulic conductivities design operation conditions system. The employed GIS spatially calculate height beneath hypothetical site generate, based on that, implementation. Assuming structures capture median monthly runoff rates respective wadi (catchment area), generated different configurations/scenarios conductivity parameter study. highlight importance integrating (geometry parameters) expected magnitudes fluxes infiltration delineating MAR.