Exploration, Assessment and Management of the Metamorphic Basement Shallow Water and Possible Groundwater Aquifers of Yafa Region.
The greatest portion of Yafa Region (Upper and Lower Yafa) is composed of metamorphic basement complexes to which shallow water aquifers are related. Such shallow aquifers (10-50 m) are considered to be of local and very limited significance from the hydrogeological point of view, however, nevertheless provide water supply for hundreds of thousands of people in high mountainous areas of subtropical climate in the south part of the Arabian Peninsula.
Although, the development of possible groundwater resources in these solid and mostly compact and massive terrains is very complicated and difficult, particularly since such areas have not been given any attention by the competent authorities. Therefore, Ajham Company has encouraged expert geologists as well as hydrogeologists to commence investigations by sharing their knowledge and long experiences. However, on the other hand there are several factors and a number of important constraints affecting the exploration and development of metamorphic basement aquifers in Yafa Region. The main constraints amongst others are given as follows:
-The lack of experience in exploring metamorphic basement high mountainous terrain.
– Association of proposed metamorphic basement aquifers with areas of relatively low
-medium rainfall and high evaporation, which in turn minimize the recharge potential.
– Massive lithological units (mostly compact igneous and metamorphic rocks) almost prevent storage capacity.
– Sensitivity of recharge to the increase of population as well as land-use changes.
