Dr. Mohammad Al Farajat

my Ph.D thesis in Germany
Supervised by
Prof. Dr. Dr. Peter Udluft, uni. Wuerzburg
Prof. Dr. Elias Salameh, Uni. Jordan

Hydrogeo-Ecosystems in Aqaba ?Coasts and Region; Natural Settings, Impacts of Land Use, Spatial Vulnerability to Pollution and Sustainable Management
Abstract
The coast of Aqaba and the Aqaba region (Jordan) were investigated on their hydrogeo-ecosystem. The results of the research were translated into digits to build a geo-spatial data base. The fillings of the graben aquifer receive indirect type of recharge through the side wadis which drain the highlands. Surface water balance was modeled for a period of 20 years of daily climate records using MODBIL programme which attributes direct recharge to wet years only. The hydrodynamic fresh water/seawater interface in the coastal zones was investigated by applying vertical geoelectric surveys and modeles of several methods to confirm its coincidence with the aquifer?s flow amounts, where human impacts in terms of over-pumping allowed more encroachment of seawater into land, and unintended recharge which led to seaward interface migration. A groundwater balance and solute transport were approached by developing a flow model from the hydrogeological and hydrochemical data. The nature of soil cover and aquifer whose physical properties enhance human impacts indicated the vulnerability of groundwater to pollution. This certainly threatens the marine ecology which forms the sink where the in-excess flow ends. The constructed digital background was exported into GIS to sub-zone the study area in terms of the aquifer?s vulnerability to pollution risks using DRASTIC index. However, it was unable to meet all geo-spatial factors that proved to have significant impacts on the vulnerability. Consequently, a comprehensive index -SALUFT- was developed. This suggests the suitable land use units for each zone in the light of vulnerability grades aiming at protecting the Eco-systems.
Abstract
In the northern part of Jordan; northwest of Irbid Governorate, karstification is prevalent within the rocks of the Al-Rijam (B4), Chalky, Marl-Limeston Unit, of the Tertiary period. Here it forms a local shallow unconfined aquifer. Villages and settelments in that part posses no sewerage system. Dug and natural holes are used to dispose of the wastewater and in some areas even the solid wastes. Underground karst channels and cavities allowed the wastewater and solid wastes leachates to reach the groundwater bodies and springs used for drinking to become chemically and biologically polluted. Self-purification processes within the aquifer matrix are very limited because of the karstic nature of the aquifer and the high velocity of the water in flow.
In the course of this study variuos investigation methods were used:

Water quality analyses on different items, hydrogeological investigations on the springs, palaeohydrology, spelaeology and imprints of ancient civilizations inside caves and karst features and their effects on constructions.
Many karst features were also newly discovered and studied.
Geoelectric surveis revealed subsurface extension of cavities. Mineralogical, geochemical, petrological studies and water analyses showed that the aquifer matrix is prone to karstification. Input and out put waters (water end members) were exposed to anlyses and calculations on their saturation states in respect to the rock matrix composing minerals (that were studied using x-ray diffraction), and also modeled in some mixing ratios in agreement with the study area nature of climate and water types.
The results show that the input water (rain water, waste water, soil water) is agressive to the rock matrix, but the output water (end member water or springs water) was found generally over saturated in respect to it.
Inflow of the input water types within the aquifer enhances the dissolutional processes of the aquifer matrix. It is also concluded that a strong trend is prevalent between pollution sources and the quality of springs water, and the karstification processes are still taking place, and causing accerelated dissolution of the aquifer matrices.
My Master stage
KARSTIFICATION IN (B4) UNIT NORTHWEST OF IRBID & ITS ROLE IN ENHANCING HUMAN IMPACTS ON THE LOCAL GROUNDWATER RESOURCES

Supervisor
Prof. Dr. Elias Salameh
Visit the Aqaba Special Economic Zone
ASEZA
Many chances of investment
To view some maps from my Ph.D.
Address
Mohammad Al Farajat
Aqaba-Jordan
P.O Box 845
Tel. ++962-(0)796712700
E.mail
alfarajat@aabu.edu.jo
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Ideas towards finding...
AL HUSSEIN ECOLOGICAL CENTER
in Aqaba...more about the ideas
Go to the full version of my Ph.D. thesis.
Geophysical models from my Ph.D.
Be water smart