Large-scale modelling of groundwater resources in an arid region

In arid regions, the available water resources are largely restricted to groundwater. Therefore, a precise quantification of the available groundwater resources, including groundwater recharge, is essential for the management of the limited water resources. For a consistent assessment and the analysis of future exploitation scenarios, numerical modelling is a helpful tool. Our approach is to combine information and process knowledge from various backgrounds to simulate the development of the current situation during the last millennia and account for complex boundaries and spatial variability. The model represents the Upper Mega aquifer system in the eastern part of Saudi Arabia, which consists of several coupled aquifers, as first data analyses results indicate. Due to the size of the model region and the required model precision, sophisticated modelling systems and large computational resources are required. The model may serve as a prognostic tool for an Integrated Water Resources Management.