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Submitted to: International Conference on Water and Irrigation
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 3/2/2000 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Oman receives about 3 inches of rain/yr. Three areas for potential research in arid lands are presented: a storm/weather generator, a flow-measuring device and a method for estimating ground-water recharge. The weather and storm generators are useful where no weather data exist, or where the records are too short for practical purposes. The generators are able to synthesize long records (including seasonal variations) that have the same statistical characteristics as actual records for a given location. The flow-measuring device discussed is called the drop-box weir and is able to measure sediment-laden flows and can be used in steep channels. These conditions often preclude accurate measurements of runoff with traditional measuring devices. The ground-water recharge method discussed is called the Glugla method and is not well known, but has potential utility for easily estimating long-term average ground-water recharge. For all three topics, the current status, immediate research plans and needed research are presented. The information is useful to those researchers and practitioners in arid areas who deal with water-resources planning and management issues, such as government officials in Oman, US government, state, and university scientists and consultants. Technical Abstract: Three potential areas for research in arid areas are presented: weather simulation, measuring flow rates under extreme conditions, and a simple method for evaluating ground-water resources. The weather generator is available but requires parameterization. An independent storm generator is under development and testing, but is operational in certain modes of application. The storm generator also requires parameterization. A drop-box weir is presented that is useful for measuring sediment-laden flows and flows from steep channels and skewed approaches. A method for estimating long-term average annual ground-water recharge using simple inputs is described. This model requires research to determine its applicability and limitations under arid conditions. Current status of each topic and suggestions for further research are presented. |
