The Actual Value of Rain and Water Balance in the Sirte Region

Abstract

The study of actual rainfall value and the water balance in the study area is of significant importance due to the strong correlation between monthly rainfall distribution during the rainy season and the actual rainfall value (or aridity index). This relationship weakens considerably during the dry summer months when rainfall becomes ineffective.
The region experiences high evapotranspiration influenced by elevated humidity during winter, primarily due to its proximity to the sea. This results in a positive water balance during winter owing to increased precipitation and lower temperatures. Conversely, the dry summer season suffers from a water deficit due to the cessation of rainfall and the rise in temperatures, rendering rain-fed agriculture largely unfeasible without irrigation.
This challenge is further intensified in areas with shallow soils or unfavorable physical conditions that prevent the retention of water accumulated during the rainy season. Therefore, sustainable irrigation strategies and precise water balance assessments are essential for effective agricultural planning in such environments.