Rate of seawater intrusion estimated by geophysical methods in an arid area: Al Khabourah, OmanTaux d’intrusion d’eau marine estimé par méthodes géophysiques dans une région aride : Al Khabourah, OmanRitmo de la intrusión de agua salada estimado por métodos geofísicos en un área árida: Al Khabourah, Oman用地球物理方法估算阿曼Al Khabourah某干旱区海水入侵速率Taxa de intrusão salina estimada por métodos geofísicos numa área árida: Al Khabourah, Oman

Seawater intrusion and its spreading rate are the challenging problems in over-pumped coastal aquifers of arid zones like the Batinah region of Oman. The study delineates the saline plume, identifies saline/freshwater zones, and estimates the migration rate of the plume in the Al Khabourah area of the Batinah coast. Time domain electromagnetic surveys, aided by vertical electrical sounding surveys, and seismic refraction methods have defined the locus of the saline/freshwater interface in the area. The current (2007) interface position, when compared with that determined during 2002, indicates a prominent recession in the saline plume and suggests an average annual recession rate of 120 m. This recession may be attributed mainly to the recharging dam of Wadi Al Hawasinah, constructed in 1995, and the enforcement of new water resources legislation. This study reveals the shielding role of the recharging dam to counter advancing saline intrusion.