The Arab Peninsula, this scorching desert, is almost the driest place on earth. Saudi Arabia is located in it, with scorching heat day after day, the temperature is around 35°C all year round, and the annual precipitation is pitiful – less than 150 mm! Can you imagine that such a country has almost no natural water sources such as lakes and rivers? Faced with such a harsh natural environment, Saudi Arabia can only rely on desalination and non-renewable fossil water to meet the growing water demand. But is this the only way out? Recent research has given people a glimmer of hope under the desert – there is a “lost waterway” hidden, and the ancient underground water system may be the fountain of life in this barren land.
Hidden “ancient rivers” under the desert
If you have ever imagined what a desert looks like, you will definitely think of endless yellow sand and vast sand dunes. However, under the desert, there may be secrets hidden that you cannot imagine. Through high-tech satellite imaging, scientists have discovered some strange patterns that are almost imperceptible on the ground. They are like “invisible rivers” in the desert. These patterns seem to tell a story about an ancient waterway. For a long time, researchers have been wondering whether the existence of these ancient waterways means that the desert once had an oasis-like prosperity, and whether those rivers and streams swallowed by time have ever provided water for humans?
Dr. Mashaal bint Mohammed Al Saud, a talented geomorphologist and hydrologist, began her journey of exploration. Combining satellite images with field research, she discovered these underground “ancient water systems”, which were once active rivers. After thousands of years of wind and sand erosion and landform changes, they were eventually swallowed up by the desert. Have you ever wondered if these ancient waterways covered by sand and dust still have undiscovered water sources? If so, how will their discovery change the future of desert areas?
“Lost River”: More than just a historical site
This is not just a historical site! Through further research, scientists have discovered that these ancient water systems are not just in the past. Some underground waterways may still be delivering water to the depths of the desert. They once nourished vast areas and witnessed the changes of the earth. And today, they may still be channels for groundwater flow, which is crucial to the future water security of Saudi Arabia and surrounding areas. This discovery can’t help but raise the question: Perhaps these ancient rivers have already become part of the future water source of this arid country, waiting to be developed and used?
Their presence also forces us to re-examine Saudi Arabia’s water management and historical heritage. Did the ancient civilizations that once grew near these waters also flourish next to these water systems? Today, can these water systems once again provide the “source of life” for modern desert cities?
Hidden ancient water flows: water veins under the desert
What are the characteristics of these “invisible rivers”? Scientists have discovered that the ancient water systems underground in the desert do not exist in isolation, and they have many common features in their composition. Most of these waterways are made up of porous rocks and sediments, allowing water to flow slowly and not easily drain away. The most surprising thing is that these ancient water systems are not deep from the surface, and modern technology can detect them at a depth of only a few meters. Through satellite image analysis, scientists can accurately depict the scale and shape of these water systems, and then infer their previous water flow and possible water resources.
However, the existence and flow of these water systems make people wonder: How can they be preserved for so long? Can the sustainability of these water sources really bring a turnaround to the desert areas? Can these ancient water veins buried deep in the desert regain vitality and provide a steady supply of water resources for mankind?
The future of the ancient water system: Does the water source still exist?
This may be one of our biggest concerns – is there still water in these “lost water systems”? According to scientists’ speculation, some ancient waterways may still contain water. Because these ancient water systems are composed of porous sediments, they can retain a certain amount of water during the water cycle and may even become natural underground reservoirs. If these water systems can be effectively used, they will provide a valuable supplement to Saudi Arabia’s water resources. Imagine if these ancient rivers can still store water, then they will become an important source of water for modern desert societies and save this dry land.
Huge underground reservoirs: Can they solve the water crisis?
Groundwater resources across North Africa, not just Saudi Arabia, are also full of potential. For example, the Nubian Sandstone Aquifer (NSAS) is one of the largest and oldest groundwater systems in the world, spanning countries such as Libya, Egypt, Chad and Sudan. Although these groundwater resources are abundant, they are “fossil waters”, which means that they are no longer replenished by the natural hydrological cycle. Their reserves are limited and cannot be restored. This means that they are a one-time resource – once used up, they can never be regenerated.
You may ask, in this case, how can these water sources provide enough water for the growing population? How to manage these groundwater sources to prevent them from drying up? If we don’t use them carefully, will we fall into a deeper water crisis in the future? These questions still need us to continue to explore and respond.
Challenges and future hopes
Although these groundwater resources bring hope to desert areas, they also face huge challenges. As the population continues to grow, the demand for water resources continues to rise, and the amount of groundwater exploitation is also intensifying. We cannot ignore the fact that these groundwater sources will eventually dry up, especially when they begin to be exploited in large quantities. How to scientifically and effectively manage these water sources to ensure that they can still be supplied and used in the next few decades has become a top priority.
The IAEA is collaborating with various countries to gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics of these water sources and predict their future changes through techniques such as isotope hydrology. This will not only help us make more reasonable water resource management decisions, but also provide valuable experience for water source protection in other arid regions .