Voss, K.A.K.A.VossFamiglietti, J.S.J.S.FamigliettiMIN-HUI LODe Linage, C.C.De LinageRodell, M.M.RodellSwenson, S.C.S.C.Swenson2018-09-102018-09-102013http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84876534283&partnerID=MN8TOARShttp://scholars.lib.ntu.edu.tw/handle/123456789/378400In this study, we use observations from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite mission to evaluate freshwater storage trends in the north-central Middle East, including portions of the Tigris and Euphrates River Basins and western Iran, from January 2003 to December 2009. GRACE data show an alarming rate of decrease in total water storage of approximately -27.2±0.6 mm yr-1 equivalent water height, equal to a volume of 143.6 km3 during the course of the study period. Additional remote-sensing information and output from land surface models were used to identify that groundwater losses are the major source of this trend. The approach used in this study provides an example of best current capabilities in regions like the Middle East, where data access can be severely limited. Results indicate that the region lost 17.3±2.1 mm yr-1 equivalent water height of groundwater during the study period, or 91.3±10.9 km 3 in volume. Furthermore, results raise important issues regarding water use in transboundary river basins and aquifers, including the necessity of international water use treaties and resolving discrepancies in international water law, while amplifying the need for increased monitoring for core components of the water budget. © 2013. American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved.[SDGs]SDG6Aquifers; Budget control; Digital storage; Groundwater resources; Hydrogeology; Remote sensing; Water management; Water supply; Watersheds; Freshwater storages; Gravity recovery and climate experiment satellites; Groundwater depletion; International waters; Land surface models; Remote sensing information; Trans-boundary rivers; Transboundary water; Geodetic satellites; GRACE; groundwater resource; international law; land surface; remote sensing; river basin; satellite mission; water budget; water management; water storage; water use; Euphrates Basin; Middle East; Tigris Basinjournal article10.1002/wrcr.200782-s2.0-84876534283WOS:000317828600017