Experimental and Numerical Investigations of Soil-Water Balance in Ash Sharqiah High Sands For Groundwater Recharge Estimation

The Wahiba Sands (Ash Sharqiah high sands) in Oman is a unique natural laboratory for studying sand dunes, flora and fauna. While multidisciplinary research has been conducted on the origin, geology, mineralogy, and sedimentology of the dunes, there is still limited knowledge on the hydrology, ecohydrology, and hydrogeology of the region. A detailed analysis of the vadose zone and topsoil is necessary to understand the arid dune eco-hydrology. Sand stability has been recognized as a key influence on vegetation distribution in sandy desert environments, and hydroecological studies of desert vegetation are required for understanding the impact of the edaphic factor on moisture patterns in the subsurface. The proposed research aims to contribute to the understanding of the soil-water balance in Ash Sharqiah high sands and will be useful for water managers, policy-makers, and researchers working in the field of arid zone hydrology and groundwater management.