
Hydro-geodesy of the Arabian Peninsula
Hydro-geodesy is an interdisciplinary scientific discipline that employs geodetic methodologies, primarily satellite-based techniques, to investigate the dynamics of water movement and the resultant land surface oscillations. The Arabian Peninsula is classified as a water-scarce region, characterized by limited precipitation, elevated evaporation rates, and excessive groundwater extraction. Additionally, it is surrounded by oceanic bodies that exhibit both seasonal fluctuations and long-term secular trends. These hydrological motions induce variations in stress on the Earth’s crust, potentially leading to both short-term seasonal movements and long-term subsidence. Our recent research findings indicate that winter atmospheric loading also contributes significantly to the seasonal crustal movements. Such crustal deformations can pose significant challenges to the sustainability of human settlements and infrastructure. In the context of climate change, increasing water demand, and sea level rise scenarios, a comprehensive understanding of hydro-geodesy within the Arabian Peninsula becomes crucial. Such knowledge is instrumental in addressing regional hydrological and infra-structural issues and in fostering sustainable development trajectories. In my talk, I will present our research results based on Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) and its Follow-On, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), Non-Tidal Atmospheric Loading (NTAL), and satellite altimetry datasets, and discuss the groundwater decline rates, sea level variability, and the associated crustal movement in the Arabian Peninsula Region.

