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| == Geographical features == | == Geographical features == | ||
| The pond covers a surface area of about {{cvt|10|dunum|m2|0}}, with the surrounding area encompassing around {{cvt|32|km2|acre|0}}. Its depth is estimated to be {{cvt|50|m|ft|0}}, with a maximum depth of {{cvt|60|m|ft|0}}.<ref name=":DOS3" /> The primary source of water for Al-Arayes Pond is ], and it is utilized for irrigating nearby agricultural lands.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Birkat Al-Arayes - Al-Hamma Al-Jordanian |url=https://www.arabiaweather.com/en/content/birkat-alarayes-alhamma-aljordanian |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=www.arabiaweather.com |language=en}}</ref> The ] states that Birket Al Arayes occupies a unique ecological location and preserves numerous wildlife species (both animal and plant) that have become endangered due to the advancement of human civilization. Its significance is also heightened by the fact that it remains filled with water year-round, thanks to a spring at its bottom.<ref name=":almamlaka2" /> | The pond covers a surface area of about {{cvt|10|dunum|m2|0}}, with the surrounding area encompassing around {{cvt|32|km2|acre|0}}. Its depth is estimated to be {{cvt|50|m|ft|0}}, with a maximum depth of {{cvt|60|m|ft|0}}.<ref name=":DOS3" /> The primary source of water for Al-Arayes Pond is ], and it is utilized for irrigating nearby agricultural lands.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Birkat Al-Arayes - Al-Hamma Al-Jordanian |url=https://www.arabiaweather.com/en/content/birkat-alarayes-alhamma-aljordanian |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=www.arabiaweather.com |language=en}}</ref> The ] states that Birket Al Arayes occupies a unique ecological location and preserves numerous wildlife species (both animal and plant) that have become endangered due to the advancement of human civilization. Its significance is also heightened by the fact that it remains filled with water year-round, thanks to a spring at its bottom.<ref name=":almamlaka2" /> | ||
| === Significance === | |||
| Al-Arayes Pond is renowned for its rich biodiversity. It hosts several rare and endangered species. Notably, it provides habitat for the endangered ], a species of freshwater turtle. The site is a popular destination for numerous waterfowl species, although it faces various environmental pressures. It is not part of the Yarmouk Forest Reserve, and it is recommended that the site be incorporated into the reserve or, at the very least, included within its buffer zone.<ref name=":unep">{{Cite web |title=UNEPFP Jordan Annex 6A ESIA and ESMP |url=https://open.unep.org/docs/gcf/UNEPFP_Jordan_Annex_6A_ESIA_and_ESMP_May%2024_English.pdf |website=www.open.unep.org |publisher=] |page=67}}</ref> Also, the area is also a haven for various bird species, including ] that traverse the ] during their seasonal migrations between Europe and Africa. Bird species observed in the vicinity include the grey heron, little egret, and several types of kingfishers. | |||
| == Notes == | == Notes == | ||
Revision as of 01:25, 21 December 2024
| Al-Arayes Pond | |
|---|---|
.png) View of the lake | |
  Al-Arayes PondShow map of Jordan Al-Arayes PondShow map of Middle East | |
| Coordinates | 32°40′35″N 35°52′15″E / 32.67639°N 35.87083°E / 32.67639; 35.87083 |
| Type | Natural Pond |
| Primary inflows | Major inflow sources — rainfall and underground aquifers. |
| Basin countries | Jordan |
| Max. length | 10 dunums (10,000 m) |
| Max. width | 0.1 km (0 mi) (Approx. 100 meters) |
| Surface area | 32 km (7,907 acres) (Approx. 7,915.2 acres) |
| Average depth | 50 m (164 ft) |
| Max. depth | 60 m (197 ft) |
| Water volume | 200,000 m (0 km) |
| Shore length | 300 m (984 ft) |
| Frozen | Never |
| Islands | None |
| Sections/sub-basins | Overview |
| Settlements | Malka, Irbid Governorate, Jordan. |
| References | |
| Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Al-Arayes Pond or Al-ʿAra'is Pond (Arabic: بركة العرايس, romanized: Birket Al-ʿAra'is, lit. 'Bride's Lake') is a natural water body located in the village of Malka, within the Bani Kinanah district of Irbid Governorate in northern Jordan. Situated approximately 500 meters south of the Yarmouk River and near the Jordanian Hamma and Al-Wehda Dam, the pond lies opposite the Golan Heights, with the Yarmouk River serving as the boundary.
Renowned as one of the largest ponds in the Arab world, the ِAl-Arayes Pond holds significant ecological and geographical importance within Jordan. It is distinguished by its unique location, which makes it an ideal destination for recreation and eco-tourism. It serves as a vibrant reservoir of biodiversity in Jordan. Situated in the warm region of the Mediterranean biome, the pond lies along the migratory path of various bird species. Nestled among a series of mountains, it is home to diverse and rare wildlife, including many endangered animals and birds.
The surrounding area is rich with dense vegetation, featuring prominent tree species such as oak, hawthorn, serviceberry, and maple. The pond and its environs are also home to over a thousand species of herbaceous plants, representing the rich flora of the Mediterranean region. Additionally, the ِAl-Arayes Pond is a critical habitat for most of the reptile species recorded in Jordan.
Geographical features
The pond covers a surface area of about 10 dunums (10,000 m), with the surrounding area encompassing around 32 km (7,907 acres). Its depth is estimated to be 50 m (164 ft), with a maximum depth of 60 m (197 ft). The primary source of water for Al-Arayes Pond is rainfall, and it is utilized for irrigating nearby agricultural lands. The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature states that Birket Al Arayes occupies a unique ecological location and preserves numerous wildlife species (both animal and plant) that have become endangered due to the advancement of human civilization. Its significance is also heightened by the fact that it remains filled with water year-round, thanks to a spring at its bottom.
Significance
Al-Arayes Pond is renowned for its rich biodiversity. It hosts several rare and endangered species. Notably, it provides habitat for the endangered Mauremys rivulata, a species of freshwater turtle. The site is a popular destination for numerous waterfowl species, although it faces various environmental pressures. It is not part of the Yarmouk Forest Reserve, and it is recommended that the site be incorporated into the reserve or, at the very least, included within its buffer zone. Also, the area is also a haven for various bird species, including migratory birds that traverse the Jordan Rift Valley during their seasonal migrations between Europe and Africa. Bird species observed in the vicinity include the grey heron, little egret, and several types of kingfishers.
Notes
- In the regional dialect, the name is pronounced as (Al-Arayes), while in classical Arabic, it is pronounced as (Al-ʿAra'is).
References
- ^ "January 2018 - Department of Statistics, Jordan - DOS" (PDF). dosweb.dos.gov.jo. The Department of Statistics. p. 87. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2022-07-02. Retrieved 2024-12-20.
- "«بركة العرائس» .. محمية طبيعية قائمة على ثرى الأردن" ["Berket Al-Arais" (The Brides' Lake) ... A natural reserve located in the soil of Jordan]. جريدة الدستور الاردنية (in Arabic). Retrieved 2024-12-20.
- "بركة العرائس "كنز بيئي" شمالي الأردن (صور)". جريدة الغد | مصدرك الأول لأخبار الأردن والعالم (in Arabic). 2019-06-10. Retrieved 2024-12-21.
- Cite error: The named reference
:addustour2was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ""بركة العرائس" تحتضن آلاف الكائنات الحية المائية". قناة المملكة (in Arabic). Retrieved 2024-12-21.
- Cite error: The named reference
:addustour3was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - Cite error: The named reference
:DOS2was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - Cite error: The named reference
:DOS3was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - "Birkat Al-Arayes - Al-Hamma Al-Jordanian". www.arabiaweather.com. Retrieved 2024-12-21.
- Cite error: The named reference
:almamlaka2was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - "UNEPFP Jordan Annex 6A ESIA and ESMP" (PDF). www.open.unep.org. United Nations Environment Programme. p. 67.