In the hydrological classification of the Qatar Peninsula, why are northern groundwater aquifers characterized by lower salinity and higher recharge rates than southern groundwater basins?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Greater rainfall incidence and permeable karstified Rus Formation limestone
- Step 1: Northern Qatar receives higher average annual precipitation (80-100 mm/year) compared to the arid south (<50 mm/year).
- Step 2: The surface geology of the north is dominated by karstified, porous Dammam and Rus Formation limestones with numerous depression features (rawdhas).
- Step 3: These sinkholes funnel surface runoff directly into shallow freshwater lenses floating above saline water, giving northern basins superior recharge rates.
Answer
Greater rainfall incidence and permeable karstified Rus Formation limestone.
Why not the others: Wadi Batin drains toward Kuwait and Iraq, not Qatar; the Gulf separates Qatar from Ghawar; clay layers hold little water and do not recharge aquifers.
Practise more Qatar Peninsula, Coastlines and Relief Features.
Free questions with an explanation for every one, and full timed General Knowledge (Qatar) mock tests.
More Qatar Peninsula, Coastlines and Relief Features questions
- Which sovereign state shares Qatar's only terrestrial international land border to the south?
- What is the highest natural topographic elevation in the State of Qatar, rising approximately 103 meters above sea level?
- Which unique geographical body of water in southeastern Qatar is known as the 'Inland Sea', where high sand dunes meet tidal marine waters?
- What is the approximate total land surface area of the Qatar peninsula?
- Which offshore Qatari island, located approximately 80 kilometers northeast of Doha, serves as a primary storage, blending, and marine tanke…
- What was the outcome of the landmark March 2001 International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling regarding the territorial dispute between Qatar…