In the vast, arid expanse of the Arabian Peninsula, where freshwater is a precious commodity, a new study has uncovered an unexpected ally in the fight against aquifer depletion: tropical cyclones. Research led by Hassan Saleh from the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences at Western Michigan University has revealed that these powerful storms are playing a crucial role in replenishing groundwater resources in the region.
The study, published in the journal ‘Communications Earth & Environment’ (translated from English as ‘Communications Earth & Environment’), analyzed data from 2002 to 2021, using satellite-based total water storage and hydrodynamic modeling to quantify cyclone-driven groundwater recharge. The findings were striking: cyclones contributed up to 60% of total precipitation in the southern Arabian Peninsula. “This is a significant discovery,” said Saleh. “It challenges our traditional understanding of groundwater recharge in arid regions and highlights the importance of considering extreme weather events in water resource management.”
The research focused on the impact of Cyclone Mekunu in 2018, which delivered an astonishing 30 cubic kilometers of precipitation inland. This resulted in a net groundwater recharge of 3.2 ± 1.2 cubic kilometers in the Najd subbasin. The implications for the energy sector are substantial, as groundwater is a vital resource for both industrial processes and the communities that support energy infrastructure.
“Understanding the role of tropical cyclones in groundwater recharge can help energy companies and policymakers make more informed decisions about water resource management,” Saleh explained. “This is particularly important in arid regions where water scarcity is a growing concern.”
The study provides a framework for quantifying recharge in ungauged arid basins worldwide, offering valuable insights for climate-resilient water resource management. As climate change continues to intensify tropical cyclones, this research could shape future developments in the field, prompting a reevaluation of water management strategies and infrastructure planning.
For the energy sector, this means a potential shift in how water resources are allocated and managed, with a greater emphasis on capturing and storing water from extreme weather events. It also underscores the need for robust data collection and analysis to better understand and predict the impacts of these events on groundwater resources.
As Saleh noted, “This research is just the beginning. There is still much to learn about the complex interplay between climate change, tropical cyclones, and groundwater recharge. But one thing is clear: we can no longer afford to overlook the role of extreme weather events in our water resource management strategies.”