Hydrogeology of the Saq Aquifer Northwest of Tabuk,

Abstract. Groundwater resources are precious commodity in general and for arid regions in particular. Their exploration, exploitation, protection and management play significant role in societal activities. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, extensive aquifers are available in the Arabian Shelf. The Saq aquifer is one of the most important aquifers in the northwestern part of Saudi Arabia. It is made up of a Cambro-Ordovician sandstone formation, which extends over 1200 km in Saudi Arabia and northwards in Jordan. Groundwater occurs under unconfined conditions in the southwestern part and changes to confined conditions northward. The study area is located at about 50 km northwest of Tabuk, where many agricultural projects have been established depending on groundwater of the Saq aquifer for irrigation. The present study deals essentially with the hydrogeology of the Saq aquifer and the impact of extensive pumping on both groundwater levels and groundwater quality. Pumping and recover