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12 - The hydrology of the Wadi Faynan

from Part III - Hydrological studies of the Jordan Valley

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 April 2011

By
Andrew Wade ,
Paul Holmes ,
Mohammed El Bastawesy ,
Sam Smith ,
Emily Black  and
Steven Mithen
Edited by
Steven Mithen  and
Emily Black
Andrew Wade
Affiliation:
University of Reading
Paul Holmes
Affiliation:
University of Reading
Mohammed El Bastawesy
Affiliation:
National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Sciences
Sam Smith
Affiliation:
Oxford Brookes University
Emily Black
Affiliation:
University of Reading
Steven Mithen
Affiliation:
University of Reading
Steven Mithen
Affiliation:
University of Reading
Emily Black
Affiliation:
University of Reading
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Summary

ABSTRACT

This chapter describes the hydrology of the Wadi Faynan and the potential changes to the hydrology that may occur under rainfall and vegetation change scenarios. The Wadi Faynan is a meso-scale (241 km2), semi-arid catchment in southern Jordan, considered internationally important because of its rich archaeological heritage spanning the Pleistocene and Holocene. This is the first study to describe the hydrological functioning of the catchment, setting it within the framework of contemporary archaeological investigations. Historic climate records were collated and supplemented with new hydrological and water quality data. These data were analysed in relation to catchment geology and used to build a conceptual hydrological model. The analysis established the importance of the geology in determining the hydrological functioning of the catchment and suggested probable reasons for the initial settlement of the catchment. The potential impacts of rainfall and vegetation change were simulated using an application of the Pitman model. Results suggest that increased rainfall in the catchment where there is sparse vegetation can lead to increased flood magnitude and frequency. Increased rainfall alone does not necessarily imply better conditions for farming. The simulations also demonstrate that increased vegetation enhances infiltration, and a dense vegetation cover, when coupled with higher rainfall, leads to a more secure water resource characterised by a higher base flow and reduced flood frequency.

Type
Chapter
Information
Water, Life and Civilisation
Climate, Environment and Society in the Jordan Valley
 , pp. 157 - 174
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2011

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