Hydrological Evaluation of Groundwater Resources in Ain Al-Tamr District Using GIS and Remote Sensing Techniques

Abstract

The aim of this study is to analyze and evaluate groundwater in the study area from a hydrological perspective and to determine its qualitative characteristics, as well as to assess its investment potential. The study focused on the role of natural factors, including geology, climate, slope, and topography, in driving variations in the physical and chemical properties of groundwater. The results revealed that the main upper aquifers in the area are represented by the Euphrates, Dammam, Umm er Radhuma, and Tayarat formations, which underscores the pivotal role of geology in determining water quality. Groundwater was found to be predominantly chloridic in the north and northeast of the region, sulfuric in most parts, with bicarbonatic waters appearing in the west. Climatic water balance results obtained using the Penman–Monteith equation and the FAO CROPWAT 8.0 model, indicated the absence of water surplus in the winter months and the presence of a significant water deficit. Hydrological analysis of groundwater was conducted through natural mapping and by determining its flow directions and levels using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) techniques. The study concluded that groundwater in the area is unsuitable for human consumption, but it is suitable for livestock drinking and agriculture of salt-tolerant crops, as well as for use in construction and certain industrial applications.