The Aquifer Recharge Potential by Infiltration Tests in Arid Region, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates

Water flow through soil layers (infiltration) encompasses the key element of the hydrologic cycle, where it characterizes the pathway of contribution to the groundwater aquifers. Infiltration tests are carried out in the field to measure the soil layers' infiltration rate and their corresponding hydraulic conductivity. The investigation site, Wadi Al Bih dam, represents one of the significant locations for water harvesting and storing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The dam plays essential role in preventing and mitigating the flash flooding and assist the infiltration process to recharge the shallow groundwater aquifer. This study targets to measure the infiltration rate on both sides of the dam and emphasize the relationships between the precipitation and water percolation downwards as well as the dam ability to accumulate and store the surface water especially during the intensive water storm events. The results reveal a remarkable variability of the infiltration and the hydraulic conductivity values in both the upstream and downstream of the dam. The average infiltration rate varies from 23.9 to 27.71 cm/h and the average hydraulic conductivity ranges between 9.82 and 39.67 cm/s. This shows the noticeable changeability of the soil cover to absorb the surface water and push it down to recharge the shallow aquifer.