Monitoring subsidence due to groundwater pumping in central Arabia

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Project Description

Excessive pumping and use of groundwater aquifers in the Middle East is a seriousproblem, leading to aquifer depletion, permanent compaction and shortage of usablewater. One effective way of monitoring the aquifer usage is satellite radar mapping of cm-levelsubsidence due to groundwater pressure decrease in the aquifer systems. In thisproject, we plan to use such satellite radar observations of areas in central Arabia to mapout the extent and magnitude of ongoing subsidence. The results will provide an overviewof the problem of groundwater overuse and may help the authorities to take the necessaryactions.​​​​
Program - Earth Science and Engineering
Division - Physical Sciences and Engineering
Field of Study - ​Earth Science, Environmental science and engineering

About the
Researcher

Sigurjon Jonsson

Sigurjon Jonsson

Desired Project Deliverables

The student(s) will learn how to process satellite radar data using Linux/shell based program routines. Theywill also need to learn how to work with the outcome (e.g. in Matlab), display the results, and to providequantitative assessment of the level of subsidence and extent of the groundwater over use problem. Theresults should be summarized in a short report at the end of the internship.