on the Contribution of Hydrogeology to the Integrated Water Resources Management of Arid Environments based on Studies from the Middle East

Arid environments are characterized by low rainfall, high evapotranspiration and rarely perennial surface water bodies. Groundwater is often the only important water resource. Therefore the knowledge of hydrogeology is a prerequisite for the sustainable use and management of the groundwater resources in these regions. However, almost all hydrogeological investigation and modeling tools had been primarily developed for application in humid areas. As the hydrological situation of arid areas differs significantly from humid regions the investigation methods must be adapted to local circumstances. More than twelve years of field research and consulting in the Middle East using the latest technologies showed clearly the importance of hydrogeology for IWRM in arid regions. The publication points out different approaches and methods with examples from the Middle East especially from the Arabian Peninsula.