Among the geologic formations traversed by Wadi Ar‐Rumah in north central Saudi Arabia, is the Saq Sandstone, an extensive and vitally important aquifer. However, the aquifer contains highly saline water in the area where Wadi Ar‐Rumah intersects the outcrop of the aquifer. The area is agriculturally important, but the saline water has caused, and is likely to continue to cause problems due to its intrusion into other parts of the aquifer as a result of heavy pumping. The geology, hydrogeology, and hydrochemistry of the area were examined in this study. Pertinent field data were used to explain the likely way in which the saline water was formed. At the end of the last pluvial period, the ephemeral runoff in the wadi decreased and a clay layer was deposited on its floor. Ground water was near the surface and its evaporation by capillary draw led to a concentration of solutes. A shallow clay layer prevented wadi flows from flushing out the saline ground water.

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With the increasing sense of awareness about our environment and the recognition of the need for its protection, the study of solute transport related to groundwater contamination has become the focus of numerous researchers. Different investigators approached the problem from many view points, and the resulting achievements are so extensive and scattered that it seems essential to inventory the completed works. This paper presents a systematic study of the available theoretical and experimental works. A complete picture of the present status of the problem is also provided. Issues that remain obscure or unaddressed by the current day investigators are pointed out to facilitate future research directions and/or alternatives to advance technology for a greater understanding and more comprehensive analyses of the solute transport phenomena related to groundwater contamination.

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