Arab deserts have untapped groundwater reserves, says expert

But images from outer space reveal there may well be large groundwater reserves under some of the driest places on Earth, said an expert, invited to speak at the sixth community lecture organised by Emirates Environmental Group (EEG).

Dr. Farouk El-Baz, a veteran of the Apollo Programme, who is presently Research Professor and Director of the Center for Remote Sensing at Boston University, delivered his lecture on Groundwater Environment in Arab Deserts. EEG's Sixth Community Lecture was held on June 26, 7.30pm onwards, at Emarat Atrium, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. The lecture as usual was open to all.

"Space images reveal that the Arabian Desert resulted from the alternation of wet and dry climate cycles; with the last wet cycle having ended 5,000 years ago. Radar images of Arab deserts have revealed numerous courses of rivers and streams that led to depressions where lakes formed. Water seepage in the substrate caused groundwater accumulation beneath lake basins and fracture zones,"

he said.

Speaking on the eve of the lecture, Ms.Habiba Al Marashi, chairperson of EEG, said that the groundwater occurring in the eastern Sahara of North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula is a valuable resource whose use should be regulated to assure environmental sustainability. "But it should be remembered that these are non-renewable aquifers, hence we have to be careful in how this resource is managed. Many natural springs in our region have already dried up, and the unmonitored use of agricultural chemicals has turned the water of most aquifers brackish," she said.

Dr. El-Baz is renowned for pioneering work in the application of space photography to the fields of archaeology, geography and geology, with particular emphasis on the location of groundwater resources in desert regions. He is Life Member of the National Geographic Society and wrote many articles and book chapters in its publications. He has received numerous honours and awards, including NASA's Apollo Achievement Award, the Nevada Medal, and the Egyptian Order of Merit - First Class. He is a member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering, chairman of the U.S National Committee on Geological Sciences, and a Fellow of the Explorer's Club.

This was EEG's last community lecture before the summer break. The lectures, and a host of other community programmes, will resume in September. The objective is to facilitate community awareness and foster a pro-active environmental culture among people. EEG has been conducting these free lectures since 1991 with speakers being qualified and experienced professionals, academics, and thought leaders.

EEG Chairperson, Ms.Habiba Al Marashi, also stressed on the importance of finding innovative solutions to the challenge of fighting the Middle East region's natural water scarcity. "The Middle East does not have abundant water reserves, and hence the discovery of these groundwater reserves in the desert is welcome news. However, it is of utmost importance and in the best interests of our region to minimise and rationalise water consumption."