Reconstructing the ‘Arja water system in Oman through hydraulic and hydrological modelling

In the hinterland of the port of Sohar, Oman, the ‘Arja copper mine area can be regarded as a small niche of human activity in an arid region. The mining activities were supported by a water system consisting of a canal with water mill, a reservoir and several field areas. Based on the available archaeological evidence from the late 1980s, the potential functioning of this water system has been studied. Water flows through the system were modelled, to estimate possible flow variations which would have been available to the field downstream. The buffer functioning of the reservoir has been studied in particular. Although small in size, the analysis suggests that the reservoir may have been important to overcome short term dry periods. Timing of the water gifts from the reservoir appears to have been a major factor determining its potential benefit.

کلیدواژه ها:

Oman ، water system ، modelling ، water use