Case studies on the hydrogeology of the cenozoic aquifer systems in the Arabian Peninsula

This chapter presents a study that focuses on the Cenozoic system, because this highly transmissive aquifer is the most productive in the area and underlies the entire Eastern Arabian basin. The Cenozoic hydrogeological system can be divided into two distinct systems: (1) multilayer system and (2) fresh-water lenses system. The Arabian Peninsula hydrogeological basin has been divided into depleting or recharging aquifer, and nondepleting or charging aquifers. This classification was modified using the piezometric data for the entire aquifer system. In 1979, FAO established two distinct sets of piezometry (1) Wasia–Biyadh (Cretaceous) aquifer that maintains an extremely low-gradient and high-hydraulic head from its recharge area to the coastline and (2) the Umm er Radhuma, Alat, and Khobar Members of Dammam Formation and Neogenecomplex (Cenozoic) that show regionally similar gradients, and nearly identical artesian heads. Anomalies in one aquifer are reflected in the others.