Randolf Rausch - Water ResourcesManagement - University of Applied Forest Sciences Schadenweilerhof D-72108 Rottenburg am Neckar / Germany
Heidi Megerle - Water ResourcesManagement - University of Applied Forest Sciences Schadenweilerhof D-72108 Rottenburg am Neckar / Germany

Arid environments are characterized by low rainfall, high evapotranspiration and rarely perennial surface water bodies. Groundwater is often the only important water resource. Therefore the knowledge of hydrogeology is a prerequisite for the sustainable use and management of the groundwater resources inthese regions. However, almost all hydrogeological investigation and modeling tools had been primarily developed for application in humid areas. As the hydrological situation of arid areas differs significantly from humid regions the investigation methods must be adapted to local circumstances. More than twelveyears of field research and consulting in the Middle East using the latest technologies showed clearly the importance of hydrogeology for IWRM in arid regions. The publication points out different approaches and methods with examples from the Middle East especially from the Arabian Peninsula.

Arid environments, integrated water resources management, groundwater resources assessment, groundwater management, Middle East