Ground water in the Aden sector of Southern Arabia

A reconnaissance of parts of the former West Aden Protectorate enables a characterization of the dominant hydrologic elements to be made. In this desert environment intermittent streams from the east‐west range of mountains provide considerable water for flood irrigation and groundwater recharge of alluvial fans along the Gulf of Aden. High yield wells are developed in the coastal area and in at least one alluvial area on the back slope facing the Empty Quarter. Ground water in the interior is generally restricted to areas where wadi flow provides occasional recharge. Relatively few rock wells have been drilled in the area. Many wells in the alluvium yield silty water leading to clogging of the wells and undue pump wear.