Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) through Surface Infiltration in the Azraq Basin / Jordan

Abstract

Until the early 1990s the Azraq basin in Jordan was covered by a huge wetland in the central parts representing a source of fresh water for all purposes. The presence of such wetland in the desert created a natural pathway for migratory birds. Man made and natural impacts caused severe depletion of this basin and the oasis disappeared in the early 1990s. Under a GIS environment MAR layers were prepared for the Azraq basin. MAR mapping showed a very high and high potentials over 20.55% and 61.63% of the total basin area respectively; while the low potential areas represent only 4.03% of the total area.