Hydro-climatic Dynamics and Water Resource Vulnerability: The Case of Nabatieh Governorate, Lebanon |Chapter 8 | Current Research on Geography, Earth Science and Environment Vol. 5

 

Climate variability and ongoing warming in the eastern Mediterranean are increasingly reshaping water availability and demand in Lebanon. This study aims to assess how key climatic elements (precipitation regime, snow cover, temperature, wind, solar radiation, and cloudiness) influence water-resource vulnerability in Nabatieh Governorate, and to identify priority vulnerability hotspots and feasible adaptation options. Methods and materials combined (i) high-resolution observations from a digital meteorological station, (ii) analysis of historical station rainfall records and spatial precipitation classes to estimate annual precipitation volumes, (iii) field questionnaire data on household water consumption by season and elevation, and (iv) evaporation measurements, alongside standard climatic indices (e.g., Gaussen) to delineate dry months and examine daily wind temperature interactions relevant to irrigation timing. Results show that although the governorate receives an average annual precipitation volume of about 969.6 million m³ (semi-humid conditions), water security is undermined by a long dry season, strong interannual variability, and rising temperatures that intensify evaporation and evapotranspiration, producing annual losses of roughly 414 million m³ (≈43% of precipitation). Warming also increases demand: per-capita daily consumption rises from winter to summer and is projected to increase by ~5% under a ~2°C warming scenario, while higher temperatures accelerate snowmelt on Mount Hermon, shifting runoff toward winter and reducing summer water availability. Wind and solar radiation exacerbate dry-season evaporation but also offer operational opportunities: economically viable wind speeds (~6 m/s) occur for several continuous hours midday, and the lowest combined wind temperature window (about 5:00–7:00 AM) minimises irrigation losses. Conclusions indicate that scarcity is driven less by absolute rainfall shortage than by warming-amplified losses, seasonal supply demand mismatch, and limited adaptive infrastructure. Prioritise integrated adaptation, optimise irrigation scheduling (early morning), expand storage/ recharge and demand management, and pilot renewable energy-supported pumping with carefully conditioned cloud-enhancement assessments where meteorologically justified.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Nasser Farhat
The Lebanese Center for Water and Environment (LCWE), Beirut, Lebanon.

 

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/crgese/v5/6948

A Basic Understanding of Integrating Geophysical Hydrological and GIS Approach in Delineation of Artificial Recharge Site - Case Studies from Indian Sub-Continent | Chapter 6 | Geography, Earth Science and Environment: Research Highlights Vol. 8

The present study explores about recharge Site Delineation through Integrated Geophysical Hydrological and GIS Approach. Numerous government schemes are implemented in the recent times towards sustainable groundwater development and quality management through water harvesting and artificial recharge strategy development. Artificial recharge strategy has been adapted largely in such situations to augment the ground water reserves by transferring the surface water to the aquifers during the monsoon months and using this water in lean period. In groundwater studies, several geophysical methods have been deployed since late 1915, of which the electrical method has shown a wider approach and better applicability. Basically, there are two types of procedures involved in electrical resistivity survey, of which resistivity profiling is adopted to understand qualitatively the nature of subsurface, were as vertical resistivity sounding (VES) quantifies the resistivity variation with depth and thickness. All the case studies discussed in this paper, pertains to different geological terrain, where the integrated approach of geophysical, hydro-geological and GIS studies have been implemented. The outcome of the integrated approach resulted in groundwater quality enhancement and sustenance. Similar strategy can be adopted at any given site in India as well as other countries to achieve effective outcome in enhancing the groundwater recharge and its sustenance.

 

Author (s) Details

 

Rolland Andrade
Central Water and Power Research Station, Pune, 411 024, India.

 

Balamurugan Guru
Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, 400 088, India.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/geserh/v8/4831

Floodwater Harvesting for Groundwater Recharge: Techniques, Challenges and Applications | Chapter 4 | Geography, Earth Science and Environment: Research Highlights Vol. 6

Climate change, rapid urbanization, and population growth have intensified global water scarcity, increasing reliance on groundwater resources. One of the most effective solutions to this crisis is artificial groundwater recharge through floodwater harvesting, which captures surface runoff and facilitates controlled infiltration into aquifers. Floodwater harvesting techniques, such as check dams, recharge basins, and injection wells, are designed to capture and store excess runoff, allowing controlled percolation and groundwater replenishment. This study provides a comprehensive review of artificial groundwater recharge techniques, categorizing them into surface (spreading), sub-surface, and indirect methods. A total of eleven techniques were analyzed, including recharge basins, check dams, injection wells, and induced recharge methods, which have been successfully implemented in various regions. The review highlights the benefits of artificial recharge, such as improved groundwater storage, reduced soil erosion, and enhanced water quality. However, challenges such as aquifer contamination, sediment clogging, and inefficient recharge structures remain significant barriers to implementation. The study also examines the environmental impacts of artificial recharge, addressing both positive aspects (such as ecological restoration and energy savings) and potential drawbacks (including land subsidence and aquifer pollution risks). A special focus is given to Egypt, where floodwater harvesting has been implemented in Sinai using check dams and surface recharge techniques. Despite its potential, groundwater recharge in Egypt remains underutilized, necessitating further research into sub-surface recharge methods and alternative energy solutions such as solar-powered recharge systems. The findings emphasize the need for integrating hybrid recharge methods, optimizing energy efficient approaches, and assessing long-term environmental impacts to enhance recharge sustainability and support global water security efforts.

 

Author (s) Details

 

Hesham Ezz
Civil Engineering Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt and Al Madinah High Institute for Engineering & Technology, Egypt.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/geserh/v6/4476