Journal of Environmental Hydrology
ISSN 1058-3912
Electronic journal of the International Association
for Environmental Hydrology
On the World Wide Web at http://www.hydroweb.com
JEH Volume 9 (2001), Paper 20, December 2001
Posted December 7, 2001
HYDROCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE JORDAN AND YARMOUK RIVERS: EFFECTS
OF NATURAL AND HUMAN ACTIVITIES
F. M. Howari
Texas A & M Agricultural Research and Extension Center, El Paso,
Texas, USA
K.M. Banat
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Yarmouk University,
Jordan
ABSTRACT
Water chemistry was used to assist in understanding the effect of
human and natural activities on the Jordan and Yarmouk Rivers. Eighty-eight
water samples were collected from different locations along both rivers
and analyzed for major ions. The Yarmouk River samples were predominantly
alkaline, with prevailing chloride and sodium, and low TDS values. The
Jordan river samples are alkaline earth, with prevailing chloride, increased
alkalies, and high TDS. The sampling took place in different time periods
between April and July 1996 to determine the effect of changing seasons
on the water chemistry. From the upper to lower reaches of both the Jordan
and Yarmouk rivers, a systematic increase of most of the measured major
ions concentrations is reported in July 1996. Strong variations were observed
in the water chemistry between the different locations. As the distance
increased from the mouth of the rivers, so did the salinity of the water.
The study found that the Jordan River is affected by groundwater and the
related anthropogenic activities on both sides of the Jordan Valley. The
saline groundwater is from ancient trapped sea water or brine of
deep seated origin. The water which dilutes the Yarmouk river is a Ca+2
- HCO3 - type. The increase in the ion concentrations
in 1996 compared to 1969 is due to the increase of the anthropogenic effects.
Reference: Howari, F.M. and K. M. Banat; Hydrochemical
Characteristics of the Jordan and Yarmouk Rivers: Effects of Natural and
Human Activities, Journal of Environmental Hydrology, Vol. 9, Paper
20, December 2001.
CONTACT:
F.M. Howari
Texas A&M Agricultural Research and Extension Center
1380 A and M Circle
El Paso, TX
USA
E-Mail: howari@utep.edu
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