Direct groundwater recharge by rainfall in a region with a semiarid Mediterranean type climate

Direct groundwater recharge by rainfall affects groundwater development and its potential contamination with agricultural chemicals and/or wastes disposed on or into the ground. Such recharge can be simulated using the conservation of mass concept. Application to a region with a semiarid Mediterranean type climate indicated a seasonal recharge of no more than 12% of total seasonal rain on gently sloping land. Initial soil moisture and rainfall depth were found to be the most important factors affecting direct groundwater recharge from single storm events in the region.