Variation of moisture contents at selected sand dune in Saudi Arabia

Journal Article

Al-Othman, Abdulaziz A. . 2012

مستخلص المنشور

Arid regions are facing constant threat to the sustainability of fresh water
resources. This has prompted the need of replenishment of groundwater
resources and quantification. In the present study moisture variability and soil
characteristics of a sand dune in Al-Qassim region were investigated. Soil
samples were collected from four locations in a sand dune area. The temporal
moisture contents at these locations were also measured at variable depths
down to 3.5 m from the surface. The occurrence of rainfall was also recorded
near to the sampling sites. Spatial variability of moisture contents within the
top few meters reaching the bottom of the dunes was also analyzed. The
distribution of the moisture contents within the sand dune and its implication
on recharge has been discussed.