Indicators and Aspects of Hydrological Drought in Lebanon

Abstract

Change in climate conditions has become a global issue that has given a serious concern by many researchers. However, the availability of data in this regard is considered as a major element for optimum comparative analysis. The Mediterranean region is influenced by climate change, which is reflected mainly by its impact on water sources supply and flow regime. In Lebanon, these water sources are witnessing obvious quantitative decrease, thus affected the supply side, the socalled "hydrologic drought". Therefore, many studies have been made to figure out a comprehensive understanding on water resources in Lebanon and their interrelation with climatic trends, but they often analyze one component of the water cycle. This study involves different indices of surface and subsurface water, thus, followed a comparative analysis of different hydrologic records. This was achieved by applying graphical illustrations of the numerical values adopted from available records. In this regard, different tools of analysis were used, and more certainly remotely sensed data were helpful for monitoring approaches. Therefore, results of the obtained comparative analysis revealed a clear regression in the amount of available water from different sources in Lebanon. These sources, which are under the impact of human like rivers and groundwater, showed a 23-29% decrease in the amounts of water since the last four decades. While sources, with less human interference, like snow cover and precipitation have been decreased by 12-16%. However, in both cases, the status is quite alarming and needs immediate water management plans to conserve water resources in Lebanon.

Environmental impact of quarries on natural resources in Lebanon

“…Given the torrential nature of rainfall in the Country reaching 30 mm h −1 (Shaban, 2008) and the absence of water diverting structures and sedimentation ponds in the vicinity of abandoned quarries, the risk of surface soil erosion and sedimentation in lowland areas and surface water streams is high on disturbed slopes, especially where plant cover was removed or intensively degraded. In the absence of adequate rehabilitation measures, the risk of runoff and erosion increases which multiplies the risk of sedimentation on arable lands and potential surface water contamination.…”

“…It has rich biological diversity comprising of 2486 identified animal species (fauna) and 2600 plant species (flora), with 92 endemic species mostly located on mountainous areas (Abi Saleh et al ., 1996). Nearly 2000 springs were identified that feed into 60 major intermittent streams and permanent rivers (Shaban, 2008).…”

Drought Analysis in the Awash River Basin, Ethiopia

“…rivers and groundwater) are two times more vulnerable than sources with less human interference, (eg. snow cover and precipitation) (Shaban 2009). A number of draught monitoring indices have been used over the years, like the Reconnaissance Drought Index (RDI) (Tsakiris et al 2007), the Draught Severity Index (DSIe) (Pandey et al 2008), the Streamflow Draught Index (SDI) (Nalbantis and Tsakiris 2009), etc.…”

Temporal Variability of Annual Rainfall in the Macta and Tafna Catchments, Northwestern Algeria

“…There is little study on the African and Asian sides (e.g. Ellouze and Abiba 2008;Knippertz et al 2003a, b;Shaban 2009).…”