Development of a 3D groundwater model based on scarce data: the Wadi Kafrein catchment/Jordan

In this work, a 3D groundwater flow model integrating all important geological features of the hydrogeological system is developed to investigate hydrological processes in the Wadi Kafrein area of Jordan. A large amount of available geological and hydrological data is integrated to construct a 3D groundwater flow model for the Wadi Kafrein area. Using the newly developed mapping approach, the translation of the highly detailed geological formations to an unstructured finite element grids, can be accomplished with high precision. The existing data set for model calibration is scarce, which is a typical situation for many hydrogeological case studies. At first, the steady state calibration of the groundwater model is carried out based on the observation wells. Then, the time and space-dependent recharge from precipitation are applied at the top surface of the finite element model. The transient simulation is conducted during the period of 1996–2008 considering the abstraction rates of the production wells and discharge of the springs. The calculated water levels are close to the observed values. The difference is partly caused by return flows from irrigation and the groundwater inflow from the adjacent aquifers which are not taken into consideration so far. Since the Wadi Kafrein area is an important agricultural area in the semiarid region of the Lower Jordan Valley, the model developed in this study can be regarded as a useful tool for analyzing the hydrological processes and improving groundwater management practices elsewhere affected by similar geological and hydrogeological conditions.     

Hydrogeochemical modeling of the shallow groundwater in the northern Jordan Valley

The reasons for the rapid degradation and salination of the shallow aquifer in the northern Jordan Valley were investigated. Shallow groundwater, surface water and thermal water were sampled from the study area for this purpose. The geochemical mass-balance technique was used to quantify the contribution of different sources, geochemical processes and rock types to the final water composition, applying the NETPATH software package. The isotopic compositions of the water were also investigated. The results suggest three potential recharge sources: the Yarmouk River, the Jordan River, and the Mukheibah thermal water. Evaporation significantly contributes to the current chemistry of the shallow water, as is indicated by the geochemical models and the isotopic results. Tritium analyses indicate that the water is clearly new (less than 50 years). The relatively high values of nitrate in some wells may be of anthropogenic origin.     

Vulnerability mapping of shallow groundwater aquifer using SINTACS model in the Jordan Valley area, Jordan

Jordan Valley is one of the important areas in Jordan that involves dense agricultural activities, which depend on groundwater resources. The groundwater is exploited from an unconfined shallow aquifer which is mainly composed of alluvial deposits. In the vicinity of the Kafrein and South Shunah, the shallow aquifer shows signs of contamination from a wide variety of non-point sources. In this study, a vulnerability map was created as a tool to determine areas where groundwater is most vulnerable to contamination. One of the most widely used groundwater vulnerability mapping methods is SINTACS, which is a point count system model for the assessment of groundwater pollution hazards. SINTACS model is an adaptation for Mediterranean conditions of the well-known DRASTIC model. The model takes into account several environmental factors: these include topography, hydrology, geology, hydrogeology, and pedology. Spatial knowledge of all these factors and their mutual relationships is needed in order to properly model aquifer vulnerability using this model. Geographic information system was used to express each of SINTACS parameters as a spatial thematic layer with a specific weight and score. The final SINTACS thematic layer (intrinsic vulnerability index) was produced by taking the summation of each score parameter multiplied by its specific weight. The resultant SINTACS vulnerability map of the study area indicates that the highest potential sites for contamination are along the area between Er Ramah and Kafrein area. To the north of the study area there is a small, circular area which shows fairly high potential. Elsewhere, very low to low SINTACS index values are observed, indicating areas of low vulnerability potential.     

Comparison of GRACE data and groundwater levels for the assessment of groundwater depletion in Jordan

Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) derived groundwater storage (GWS) data are compared with in-situ groundwater levels from five groundwater basins in Jordan, using newly gridded GRACE GRCTellus land data. It is shown that (1) the time series for GRACE-derived GWS data and in-situ groundwater-level measurements can be correlated, with R ² from 0.55 to 0.74, (2) the correlation can be widely ascribed to the seasonal and trend component, since the detrended and deseasonalized time series show no significant correlation for most cases, implying that anomalous signals that deviate from the trend or seasonal behaviour are overlaid by noise, (3) estimates for water losses in Jordan based on the trend of GRACE data from 2003 to 2013 could be up to four times higher than previously assumed using estimated recharge and abstraction rates, and (4) a significant time-lagged cross correlation of the monthly changes in GRACE-derived groundwater storage and precipitation data was found, suggesting that the conventional method for deriving GWS from GRACE data probably does not account for the typical conditions in the study basins. Furthermore, a new method for deriving plausible specific yields from GRACE data and groundwater levels is demonstrated.     

Assessing the impacts of uncontrolled artesian flows on the management of groundwater resources in the Jordan Valley

The deep wells drilled along the eastern escarpment of the Jordan Valley penetrate confined aquifers that produce thermal and mineralized artesian water. Uncontrolled flows from poorly constructed and uncapped artesian wells over the last 30 years have caused the deterioration of the quality of shallow groundwater and surface water. They also have been accelerating the discharge of saline water from deep aquifers and have caused the loss of shallow fresh groundwater resources through the downward percolation of fresh water to replace the extracted deep salty groundwater. A lack of adequate controls on the construction and maintenance of artesian wells is leading to widespread water quality problems in the region, which limits the ability of future generations to access high-quality water, a clear breach of the principle of intergenerational equity.     

The Triassic of the southern margin of the Tethys in the Levant and its correlation across the Jordan Rift Valley

The Triassic of the Levantine region consists of four sedimentary cycles: I. Scythian — Lower Anisian; II. Early Upper Anisian; III. Late Upper Anisian — Carnian; IV. Late Carnian — Norian.Regional biofacial affinities point to the existance of a western Tethyan Werfen facies (cycle I), a sephardic biofacies (cycles II and III) and a rather alpinotype platform facies (cycle IV). A correlation across the Jordan Rift Valley is suggested, primarily based on bio- and lithostratigraphic evidence of the Permo-Triassic rocks. The stratigraphic implications of this correlation support the existance of a left lateral strike slip along the Jordan Rift Valley.

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Zusammenfassung Die Trias im Levant ist in vier Sedimentationszyklen gegliedert: I. Skythian — Unteres Anisian; II. Oberes Anisian; III. Oberes Anisian — Karnian; IV. Oberes Karman — Norian.Die regionalen Faziesbeziehungen deuten auf das Vorhandensein einer Westtethyalen Werfener Fazies (Zyklus I), einer West- und Südtethyalen Sephardischen Fazies (Zyklen II und III) und einer eher alpinotypischen Plattformfazies (Zyklus IV).Eine Korrelation der permisehen und untertriadischen Gesteine auf beiden Seiten des Jordantales wird vorgeschlagen. Die stratigraphischen Folgerungen dieser Korrelation unterstützen die Existenz einer linken Transversalverschiebung entlang des Jordantal Rifts.

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Résumé Le Trias du Levant comprend quatre cycles sédimentaires: I. Scythien-Anisien inférieur; II. Anisien supérieur; III. Anisien supérieur — Carnien; IV. Carnien supérieur — Norien.La succession des biofaciès débute par le faciès Werfénien, qui englobait pratiquement la Téthys occidentale éotriasique toute entière (cycle I). Dans le courant du Mésotrias, le faciès Sépharade s'étend aux marges méridionales et occidentales de la Téthys (cycles II et III), tandis qu'un faciès de plateforme d'affinité plutôt alpine représente le Trias terminal (cycle IV).Une corrélation des séries Permo-Eotriasiques du Néguev et de Transjordanie est proposée. Les implications stratigraphiques de cette corrélation appuient l'existence d'un coulissage sénestre tout au long du Rift de la vallée du Jourdain.

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Geochemical indicators of interbasin groundwater flow within the southern Rio Grande Valley, southwestern USA

Increased groundwater withdrawals for the growing population in the Rio Grande Valley and likely alteration of recharge to local aquifers with climate change necessitates an understanding of the groundwater connection between the Jornada del Muerto Basin and the adjoining and more heavily used aquifer in the Mesilla Basin. Separating the Jornada and Mesilla aquifers is a buried bedrock high from Tertiary intrusions. This bedrock high or divide restricts and/or retards interbasin flow from the Jornada aquifer into the Mesilla aquifer. The potentiometric surface of the southern Jornada aquifer near part of the bedrock high indicates a flow direction away from the divide because of a previously identified damming effect, but a groundwater outlet from the southern Jornada aquifer is necessary to balance inputs from the overall Jornada aquifer. Differences in geochemical constituents (major ions, δD, δ¹⁸O, δ³⁴S, and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr) indicate a deeper connection between the two aquifers through the Tertiary intrusions where Jornada water is geochemically altered because of a geothermal influence. Jornada groundwater likely is migrating through the bedrock high in deeper pathways formed by faults of the Jornada Fault Zone, in addition to Jornada water that overtops the bedrock high as previously identified as the only connection between the two aquifers. Increased groundwater withdrawals and lowering of the potentiometric surface of the Jornada aquifer may alter this contribution ratio with less overtopping of the bedrock high and a continued deeper flowpath contribution that could potentially increase salinity values in the Mesilla Basin near the divide.     

Hydrochemistry of aquifers in the southern Dead Sea area,southern Jordan

 The demand for water resources in the area south of the Dead Sea due to continued development, especially at the Arab Potash Company (APC) works necessitates that water quality in the area be monitored and evaluated based on the local geology and hydrogeology. The objective of this paper is to provide information on the past and present status of the main aquifers under exploitation or planned for future development. Two main aquifers are discussed: the Safi water field, presently being operated, and the Dhiraa water field, which is being developed. The aquifer developed in the Safi water field is shallow and fed by the Hasa fault system, which drains a significant portion of the Karak mountains. This aquifer seems to be well replenished within the core, where no obvious long-term degradation in water quality can be identified. However, in the low recharge areas within the distal portions of the alluvial fan, there has been a degradation in water quality with time. The degradation is caused by the dissolution of the Lisan Marl, which is present at the outskirts of the fan system, based on hydrochemistry of water in the wells. The Dhiraa field is a deep (800–950 m) aquifer drilled specifically for the extraction of brackish water present in the Kurnub aquifer. Available data indicate that there are at least three distinct water types within this field. These water types are variable in quality, and there may be potential for mixing of these waters, thus affecting the quality of the freshest waters presently available. Tritium and oxygen isotope analysis indicate that the water is old and possibly nonrenewable. Received: 24 July 1995 · Accepted: 26 September 1995     

Estimation of unrecorded groundwater abstractions in Jordan through regional groundwater modelling

Jordan suffers from water scarcity and groundwater covers the majority of Jordan’s water supply. Therefore, there is an urgent need to manage this resource conscientiously. A regional numerical groundwater flow model, developed as part of a decision support system for the country of Jordan, allows for quantification of the overexploitation of groundwater resources and enables determination of the extent of unrecorded agricultural groundwater abstraction. Groundwater in Jordan is abstracted from three main aquifers partly separated by aquitards. With updated geological, structural, and hydrogeological data available in the country, a regional numerical groundwater flow model for the whole of Jordan and the southernmost part of Syria was developed using MODFLOW. It was first calibrated for a steady-state condition using data from the 1960s, when groundwater abstraction was negligible. After transient calibration using groundwater level measurements from all aquifers, model results reproduce the large groundwater-level declines experienced in the last decades, which have led to the drying out of numerous springs. They show a reversal of groundwater flow directions in some regions, due to over-abstraction, and demonstrate that documented abstractions are not sufficient to cause the observed groundwater-level decline. Only after considering irrigation water demand derived from remote sensing data, the model is able to simulate these declines. Illegal abstractions can be quantified and predictive scenarios show the potential impact of different management strategies on future groundwater resources.

     

Modelling the impact of a subsurface barrier on groundwater flow in the lower Palar River basin, southern India

Groundwater modelling is widely used as a management tool to understand the behaviour of aquifer systems under different hydrological stresses, whether induced naturally or by humans. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of a subsurface barrier on groundwater flow in the Palar River basin, Tamil Nadu, southern India. Groundwater is supplied to a nearby nuclear power plant and groundwater also supplies irrigation, industrial and domestic needs. In order to meet the increasing demand for groundwater for the nuclear power station, a subsurface barrier/dam was proposed across Palar River to increase the groundwater heads and to minimise the subsurface discharge of groundwater into the sea. The groundwater model used in this study predicted that groundwater levels would increase by about 0.1?C0.3?m extending out a distance of about 1.5?C2?km from the upstream side of the barrier, while on the downstream side, the groundwater head would lower by about 0.1?C0.2?m. The model also predicted that with the subsurface barrier in place the additional groundwater requirement of approximately 13,600?m³/day (3 million gallons (UK)/day) can be met with minimum decline in regional groundwater head.     

Pleistocene stratigraphy in the southern Lower Mississippi Valley

Scientific inquiry into Pleistocene stratigraphy of the Lower Mississippi Valley (LMV) dates to early writings of European naturalists in the late 19th century. By the early 20th century, landscape evolution concepts, stratigraphic models, and regional syntheses had developed for most areas. The 1944 monograph of H.N. Fisk marks the advent of a predictive stratigraphic and landscape evolution model that links form and process to a predominantly glacioeustatic mechanism. The Fiskian model gained widespread acceptance, and decades passed before significant alternate models began to emerge. Revised stratigraphic and geomorphic concepts are presently developing from newly acquired environmental and engineering data. Present scenarios classify Pleistocene outcrop areas into erosional and constructional landscapes, and veneers of eolian, colluvial, fluvial, coastal, and marine origin can drape both types of surfaces.

The southern LMV and adjacent Gulf Coastal Plain (GCP) experienced significant landscape change during the Pleistocene. Late Tertiary (Pliocene?) to Early Pleistocene deposition of the Upland Complex was by streams with a high sand and gravel load relative to its mud load. The regional drainage network and fluvial system behavior was probably significantly different from the modern. Braided stream alluvial fan complexes received sediment from highland source areas adjacent to the LMV and the glaciated mid-continent. It is plausible that part of Upland Complex deposition predates initial glacial advances.

From Early to Middle Pleistocene, an erosional landscape formed during a dissection period that chiefly postdates soil formation on stable landscape positions of the Upland Complex. Slope evolution truncated a regionally extensive geosol in multiple phases, and parts of the erosion surface complex are graded to the oldest preserved constructional alluvial plains in present valleys. Toe and foot slope positions of the erosion surface complex and its correlative alluvial plains are presently delineated as the Intermediate Complex. Constructional landscapes formed at this time are sparsely preserved; Fisk's Montgomery Terrace in the Lower Red River Valley (LRRV) is the best preserved example. Influences on the development of erosion surfaces in the LMV are not well understood; however interactions of relative sea level fall, climate change, and epirogenic crustal movement are plausible factors.

From the latter part of Middle Pleistocene to the Holocene, there was widespread evolution of modern constructional landscapes. Constructional alluviation preserved lithofacies of mixed load, laterally accreting, meandering streams that developed over large areas of the southern LMV to form parts of the Prairie Complex. Lateral planation in valleys and stable rates of upland sediment generation were dominant processes during Prairie Complex deposition.

Pleistocene stratigraphic examples considered important by Fisk are still considered relevant to modern stratigraphic investigators. Presently, Pleistocene units of the southern LMV, the adjacent LRRV, and central GCP can be correlated only by relative stratigraphic relationships. Refined chronostratigraphic and paleoenvironmental models for these areas would help improve the understanding of the geomorphic influences on Quaternary landscape evolution in the region.     

Causes and consequences of long-term groundwater overabstraction in Jordan

Hydrogeology Journal - In 2017, a comprehensive review of groundwater resources in Jordan was carried out for the first time since 1995. The change in groundwater levels between 1995 and 2017 was...     

Development of groundwater modeling for the Azraq Basin, Jordan

 The three-dimensional groundwater flow model MODFLOW was applied to simulate water level change in the complex multi-aquifer systems (the Upper and Middle Aquifers) of the Azraq basin. The model was calibrated by matching observed and simulated drawdown for steady and transient states over the period 1970–1992. Drawdown data for the period 1993–1997 were used to test the model's ability to predict the response of the aquifers. The model performed well in representing the water level contours of the Upper and Middle Aquifers for steady state calibration. Agreement between the observed and simulated drawdowns was obtained for transient state calibration. To predict the aquifer system responses for the period of 1997–2025, four different pumping schemes (scenarios) have been investigated. The first scenario (present pumping rate) reveals that there will be approximately a 25 m drop in the water level at the well-field area in 2025. However, the worst scenario (pumping rate at 1.5 times the present rate) reveals an approximate 39 m drop in the water level at the well-field area in 2025. The safe yield for the Upper Aquifer System was found to be about 25 million cubic meters (MCM) yearly. Received: 24 June 1999 · Accepted: 30 November 1999     

Radiochemistry of sediments from the southern Dead Sea, Jordan

 A sediment core from the southern Dead Sea was analyzed using gamma spectroscopy as well as ²¹⁰Pb dating in order to ascertain if any radioactive contamination could be detected and to determine the sedimentation rates in the area. Results of this study show no presence of man-made radionuclides in the area. Sedimentation rates were determined to be between 0.25 and 0.4 g/cm²/year. (∼0.5 cm/year), which is in line with what would be expected assuming carbonate layers are annual varves. Received: 31 January 1997 · Accepted: 11 March 1997     

Groundwater recharge zones mapping using GIS: a case study in Southern part of Jordan Valley,Jordan

This paper aims at mapping the potential groundwater recharge zones in the southern part of Jordan Valley (JV). This area is considered as the most important part for agricultural production in Jordan. The methodology adopted in this study is based on utilizing the open ended SLUGGER-DQL score model, which was developed by Raymond et al (2009). Geographic information systems were used in this study to build up the different layers of this model and to create the potential groundwater recharge zones. Based on the generated SLUGGER-DQL potential map, it was found that about 70.8 % of the investigated area was categorized as high potential for groundwater recharge, 18.7 % as moderate, and 10.5 % as low potential for groundwater recharge. To validate the model results, sensitivity analysis was carried out to assess the influence of each model parameter on the obtained results. Based on this analysis, it was found that the slope parameter (S) is the most sensitive parameter among SLUGGER-DQL model parameters, followed by water level in summer (L), well density (D), water quality (Q), runoff availability (R), land use/land cover, geology (GE), whereas the lowest sensitive parameter is the geology parameter (GE). Moreover, the parameters R, D, and Q show the lowest effective weights. The effective weight for each parameter was found to differ from the assigned theoretical weight by SLUGGER-DQL index model.     

北京平原区域地下水流模拟

为深入研究北京平原地下水资源的现状及未来的变化趋势,探讨地下水资源可持续开发方案,文章建立了北京平原三维地下水流非稳定流模型。在充分分析北京平原区水文地质条件的基础上,建立了三维数字水文地质概念模型。从区域上将北京平原含水层系统划分为5个含水层和4个弱透水层互层的多层系统。在此基础上利用GMS模型软件建立了三维地下水稳定流模拟模型和非稳定流模拟模型。首先利用1995年丰水年的地下水均衡量建立和校正了稳定流模型。之后在稳定流模型的基础上建立和校正了非稳定流模型,非稳定流模型的模拟期为1995～2005年。最后用模型分析了北京平原区地下水流场的变化趋势。与20世纪60年代天然流场相比,北京市平原区区域地下水流场发生了巨大变化。除了区域地下水位整体下降外,在不同深度的含水层形成了规模不等的地下水位降落漏斗。自1999年以来的连续干旱,导致河流基本干枯,地下水补给量减少,加之应急水源地的投入运行,使地下水贮存量被持续地大量消耗,地下水位快速下降。长期以往,必将造成含水层地下水疏干。控制和减少地下水开采势在必行。     

Modelling coupled heat and contaminant transport in groundwater

This paper presents the results of a research programme conducted on the geotechnical centrifuge at The University of Western Australia to investigate coupled heat and contaminant transport in the soil surrounding a buried waste source. The phenomena which govern heat and contaminant transport through porous media are discussed, the principles of geotechnical centrifuge modelling are outlined, and relevant scaling laws that govern the relationship between a centrifuge model and the prototype, with respect to the problem of coupled waste transport, are presented. A model test, simulating two-dimensional migration from a buried heat and contaminant source, is described, and the results from four model tests are presented. The experimental data show that hydraulic instability is responsible for the transport of contaminant in the soil around the source and that the mode of instability is determined by the magnitude of the effective Rayleigh number.     

Participatory groundwater management in Jordan: Development and analysis of options

Groundwater over-exploitation has been on the rise in Jordan. Competing demands have grown in the face of perennial water shortages, a situation which has been exacerbated by drought conditions in the past decade. This paper reports findings of a project in which management options to address over-exploitation were developed for one of Jordans principal aquifer systems, the Amman-Zarqa Basin. Options for addressing the situation were developed through a participatory approach that involved government officials and various public and private sector interest groups. Particular efforts were made to involve well irrigators, who are likely to be heavily impacted by the changes required to reduce groundwater pumping to a sustainable level. With information obtained from a rapid appraisal survey as well as from interviews with farmers, community groups, government officials, and technical experts, an extensive set of options was identified for evaluation. Based on integrated hydrogeologic, social, and economic analysis, five complementary management options were recommended for implementation. These included the establishment of an Irrigation Advisory Service, buying out farm wells, placing firm limits on well abstraction and irrigated crop areas, exchanging treated wastewater for groundwater, and measures to increase the efficiency of municipal and industrial water use. Various combinations and levels of these options were grouped in scenarios, representing possible implementation strategies. The scenarios were designed to assist decision makers, well owners and other stakeholders in moving gradually towards a sustainable abstraction regime. Social and economic aspects of each option and scenario were analyzed and presented to stakeholders, together with a summary of legal, institutional and environmental ramifications. Combining scientific analysis with a participatory approach in the Amman Zarqa Basin groundwater management was devised as a prototype to be used in the management of other groundwater basins in Jordan. This participatory management approach would also be useful in other parts of the world that are experiencing similar groundwater over-exploitation problems.Résumé La surexploitation des eaux souterraines prend de limportance en Jordanie. Les demandes en concurrence ont augmenté face à des déficits permanents deau, situation qui a été exacerbée par la sécheresse de la dernière décennie. Cet article rend compte de laboutissement dun projet dans lequel des options de gestion portant sur la surexploitation ont été développées pour lun des principaux systèmes aquifères de Jordanie, le bassin dAmman Zarqa. Des options pour aborder cette situation ont été développées grâce à une approche participative qui implique des fonctionnaires du gouvernement et des groupes dintérêts variés des secteurs public et privé. Des efforts particuliers ont été faits pour impliquer les irrigants utilisant des puits, qui sont probablement ceux qui ont le plus fort impact sur les changements attendus permettant de remettre le système en équilibre. À partir des informations obtenues de campagnes rapides dévaluation, telles que des réunions de communautés et des entrevues avec des experts techniques du gouvernement, un large jeu doptions a été identifié pour lévaluation. Basées sur une analyse hydrogéologique, sociale et économique, cinq options complémentaires de gestion ont été recommandées pour la réalisation. Ce sont la création dun Service Consultatif dIrrigation, achetant les puits agricoles, fixant des limites fermes aux prélèvements des puits et aux zones irriguées, échangeant les eaux usées traitées avec des eaux souterraines, et la mise en place de mesures pour accroître lefficacité des usages collectifs et industriels. Des combinaisons et des niveaux variés de ces options ont été regroupés en scénarios, présentant les stratégies possibles de mise en uvre. Les scénarios ont été mis au point pour assister les décideurs, les propriétaires de puits et les autres acteurs pour atteindre progressivement un régime de prélèvement durable. Les aspects sociaux et économiques de chaque option et de chaque scénario ont été analysés et présentés aux acteurs, en même temps quun résumé des ramifications légales, institutionnelles et environnementales. En combinant une analyse scientifique à une approche participative du bassin dAmman Zarqa, la gestion des eaux souterraines a été imaginée comme un prototype pouvant être utilisé pour la gestion dautres bassins aquifères de Jordanie. Il peut également être utile à dautres régions du monde qui sont concernées par des problèmes similaires de surexploitation des eaux souterraines.Resumen La sobreexplotación de las aguas subterráneas ha ido en aumento en Jordania, donde las demandas en competición han crecido frente a una escasez perenne de agua, situación que ha sido agravada por el estado de sequía de la última década. Este artículo presenta los hallazgos de un proyecto en el que se han desarrollado opciones de gestión para hacer frente a la sobreexplotación en uno de los principales sistemas acuíferos de Jordania: la cuenca de Ammán-Zarga. Se ha elaborado opciones para afrontar la situación mediante un enfoque participativo que incluye a personal del gobierno y a diversos grupos de interés de los sectores público y privado. En particular, se ha intentado involucrar a los regantes que se sirven de aguas subterráneas, quienes tienen más probabilidad de ser directamente afectados por los cambios requeridos para devolver el sistema a un balance equilibrado. A partir de la información obtenida en rápidas campañas de valoración, así como de encuentros con la comunidad y entrevistas con los expertos técnicos del gobierno, se ha identificado un amplio conjunto de opciones para su evaluación. Basándose en un análisis integrado de los aspectos hidrogeológicos, sociales y económicos, se ha recomendado la implementación de cinco opciones complementarias de gestión: establecimiento de un Servicio Asesor de Riego; adquisición de pozos de granjas; imposición de límites estrictos en las extracciones de pozos y superficies de riego; substitución de las aguas subterráneas con aguas residuales depuradas; y medidas para incrementar la eficiencia de los usos municipales e industriales del agua. Se ha agrupado varias combinaciones y niveles de dichas opciones en escenarios, representando estrategias posibles de implementación. Los escenarios han sido diseñados para ayudar a los gestores en la toma de decisiones, a los propietarios de pozos y a otros agentes para que se vaya consiguiendo de forma gradual un régimen de extracciones sustentable. Se ha analizado los aspectos sociales y económicos de cada opción y de cada escenario, presentándolos a los diversos agentes, además de generar un resumen de ramificaciones legales, institucionales y medioambientales. Se ha concebido la combinación de un análisis científico con un enfoque participativo en la cuenca de Ammán-Zarga como un prototipo de gestión de las aguas subterráneas que puede ser aplicado a la gestión de otras cuencas en Jordania. También sería útil en otros lugares del mundo que estén experimentando problemas similares de sobreexplotación de los recursos hídricos subterráneos.Abbreviations and acronyms AED Academy for Educational Development - ARD Associates in Rural Development - AZB Amman–Zarqa Basin - ECC Economic Consultative Council - GMCC Groundwater Management Consultative Committee - GMF Groundwater Management Fund - GIS Geographic Information System - HDH Hashmiya–Dulayl–Hallabat - IAS Irrigation Advisory Service - JICA Japanese International Cooperation Agency - M&I Municipal and Industrial - MOA Ministry of Agriculture - MWI Ministry of Water and Irrigation - NCARTT National Center for Agricultural Research and Technology Transfer - NGO Non-governmental Organization - O&M Operations and Maintenance - RA Rapid Appraisal - RS Remote Sensing - UFW Unaccounted for Water - USAID United States Agency for International Development - WAJ Water Authority of Jordan - WEPIA Water Education & Public Information Activity - WRPS Water Resource Policy Support