Monitoring annual and inter-annual snow cover fluctuations in the summit areas of Kfardebiane and Afka LEBA/PCA2023624/PD20231059-amd/3

Description :

The research project, initiated in 2017 on drought modeling, extended in 2019 to monitor snow cover fluctuations in the summit areas of Kfardebiane, and again in 2022 to add Afqa area, has progressed significantly, shedding light on the critical relationship between snowmelt, hydrological processes, and groundwater recharge in Mount Lebanon. The project's rationale stems from the vital role of snowmelt infiltration in groundwater recharge in the karstified limestone mountain chain. The objectives encompass long-term water resource observation, involving springs and snow monitoring, remote sensing with the newly acquired equipment (New drone and new OTT MF Pro flow sensor), and correlative analysis to provide decision-makers with early warnings. The results have been promising, revealing insights into geomorphology, snow volume dynamics, and spring discharge. The correlative analysis highlighted the distinct responses of Laban, Assal and Afqa springs to snowmelt, emphasizing the significance of karstification levels and altitude variations. The findings contributed valuable data for sustainable water management and enhance our understanding of snow's role in the complex hydrological system of Mount Lebanon. The results obtained in this project, showed that the knowledge of snow cover and residual volumes help in assessing the length of melting season and determination of Mount Lebanon major springs flows. However, an early warning showing the predicted flows at these springs could provide few months ahead for a better planning. Thus, why the project shall be extended once more for continuous and frequent monitoring visits over the project area increasing accuracy.