Mathematical Modelling of Ground Water / Training Course / in ACSAD
The Arab Center for Studies of Arid Zones and Drylands “ACSAD” held today a regional training course on “Mathematical Modeling of Groundwater” via “video conference” technology, with the participation of 60 trainees from 17 Arab countries in the framework of cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNESCO
The ACSAD’s Director-General, His Excellency Dr Nasr Edin Obaid, said in a speech during the course opening that this course came in order to enhance Arab capabilities in the field of using modern technologies, to find effective solutions to the groundwater issue, on which the stresses are expected to increase in the future, especially those related to population growth, and the effects of climate change, which is sweeping the region dramatically
He explained that organizing this course, in cooperation with UNESCO, came within the framework of the task that ACSAD had always been keen to accomplish since its establishment. He also stressed that achieving Arab water security is the guarantor of achieving food security and reaching the common Arab development goals, which the Arab Strategy for Water Security emphasized in the Arab region. And to face the challenges and future requirements of sustainable development (2010-2030) and its implementation plan
Dr Obaid indicated that the ACSAD centre has worked and is still working to enhance the capabilities of Arab countries in facing the stresses and challenges facing Arab waters. So, it has achieved many studies and research within this frame, conducted several conferences, symposiums, and workshops; implemented dozen of water projects, plenty of studies on mathematical modelling of groundwater in many Arab countries, the most important of which are Egypt, Syria, Morocco, Tunisia, Kuwait, and Sudan
During the ten-day course, ACSAD experts and researchers will give theoretical and practical lectures on hydrogeological modelling and learn about the environment of the (ModelMuse) system and its capabilities in building MODFLOW models. The training aims to construct the workers’ capabilities in groundwater modelling and prepare technical cadres contributing to the development of the management of groundwater resources in Arab countries
The course program includes studying and evaluating the current situation of groundwater basins in light of the recent investments, knowing of water levels and their changes, the interrelationship between adjacent basins, forecasting the future water situation that depending on the quantities of recharge and drainage. In addition to identifying promising areas for groundwater investment, studying groundwater pollution, Seawater intrusion, then develop recommendations to treat it
The course program also includes discussing groundwater investment scenarios in light of the increased demand for it, discussing the scenarios of how climatic changes influence groundwater, and calculating groundwater budgets, with the aim of proper planning for its investment and developing optimal investment plans that ensure the sustainable use of groundwater
