Author(s): Ali Al-Maktoumi; Mohammed Mahdi Rajabi; Slim Zekri; Mohammad Mahdi Aghayi; Fatemeh Rezaiezadeh Roukerd
Linked Author(s): Slim Zekri, Ali Al-Maktoumi
Keywords: Coastal Aquifer Karst Aquifer Aquifer Storage and Recovery Numerical Modelling Monet Carlo Simulation Inverse Modelling
Abstract: This study investigated an Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) system in North-East Qatar, a region characterized by karst limestone aquifers with highly heterogeneous hydraulic conductivity and varying salinity levels. Utilizing a density-dependent 3D groundwater flow model (SEAWAT), the research addresses the challenges posed by the aquifer's complex and saline nature, particularly the risk of seawater intrusion. The model, calibrated against historical data, projects the system's performance over 50 years, revealing its capability to maintain groundwater levels and quality despite uncertainties in precipitation and hydraulic conductivity. The findings indicate that the area has significant potential as an ASR site with considerable storage capacity. However, the simulations of various ASR location scenarios highlight the critical importance of site selection to prevent the injected freshwater from being lost due to mixing with seawater and submarine groundwater discharge.
Year: 2025