Inadequate groundwater recharge

Changes in seasonal distribution of aquifer recharge due to climate change may have a significant effect of low flows in rivers supported by baseflow from rapidly responding aquifers, while rivers supported by slowly responding aquifers may show a significant delay in response.

Groundwater resources in West Asia in general and on the Arabian Peninsula in particular are in a critical condition because the volumes withdrawn far exceed natural recharge rates, threatening water distribution systems that have been used for thousands of years.