Status: Ongoing
Project Period: 12 Months (May 1, 2026 – April 30, 2027)
Funding Source: Deanship of Scientific Research, German Jordanian University (GJU)
Project Description
The project investigates long-term human–environment interactions in the cultural landscape of Umm al-Rasas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site continuously inhabited since the Bronze Age. The primary goal is to document, analyze, and interpret ancient terrace-based water harvesting systems, dams, and cisterns to evaluate their role in agricultural sustainability, landscape resilience, and climate adaptation in arid and semi-arid environments.
Using an integrated, multi-scalar methodology, the project combines high-resolution spatial mapping (GIS and remote sensing), catchment area analysis, geoarchaeological field surveys, soil geochemistry, and micro-botanical (phytolith and isotopic) analyses. By assessing how historical populations captured runoff, controlled soil erosion, and adapted to severe water scarcity, the project translates ancient water-intelligence practices into low-cost, gravity-based, nature-based solutions for contemporary dryland agriculture and climate adaptation.
Alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This research contributes directly to six UN Sustainable Development Goals:
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Enhances water knowledge and informs modern dryland water-use efficiency through ancient runoff harvesting models.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Supports research capacity, academic exchanges, and heritage-informed sustainable livelihoods.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Guides sustainable human-environment resilience and cultural heritage landscape preservation.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Provides long-term, climate-responsive land-use models and nature-based adaptation strategies for water-stressed regions.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – Promotes soil conservation, prevents land degradation/desertification, and advances sustainable land management.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Fosters interdisciplinary collaboration across geology, archaeology, hydrology, and heritage management.
Key Beneficiaries
- Department of Antiquities (DoA) and Heritage Professionals: Receives detailed GIS documentation, baseline condition maps, and management frameworks for preserving fragile hydraulic structures.
- Local Agricultural and Environmental Planners: Gains access to practical, low-cost runoff control and soil conservation models applicable to water-scarce regions.
- Academic and Scientific Community: Benefits from localized paleoclimate datasets, soil geochemistry insights, and peer-reviewed studies linking environmental archaeology to climate adaptation.
- GJU Research Ecosystem and Students: Expands the university's capacity and reputation as a regional center of excellence in heritage science and sustainable resource management.
Expected Outcomes
- Comprehensive Spatial Database: Complete mapping and classification of ancient terrace networks, dams, and cistern systems in the wadi catchment surrounding Umm al-Rasas.
- Paleoclimate and Hydrological Models: Empirical data on historical water sources, runoff efficiency, and vegetation responses during past climate fluctuations.
- Best-Practice Practical Manual: Actionable guidance outlining methods for terrace construction, maintenance, and soil-water management for heritage practitioners and planners.
- Academic and High-Impact Output: Synthesis of field and laboratory findings targeted for publication in a Q1-ranked international peer-reviewed journal.