Birkat Al-Arais, a natural geological heritage, has been laid to rest.

Arab Weather - Geographical Location: - Birkat Al-Arayes is located in the far northwest of Jordan in Bani Kinanah District - Irbid Governorate, about 4 km east of the Jordanian Hamma site and the village of Al-Mukheiba Al-Fuqa, and 1 km south of the Yarmouk River, and it falls within the jurisdiction of the Jordan Valley Authority.
Geological and geographical characteristics: -
It is the only natural sunken geological pool in Jordan. Its area is about (10) square dunams, its depth is estimated at (50) meters, and its circumference is about 1.5 kilometers.
Water storage in the pond depends on rainwater and a group of water springs such as “Ain Muharib”.
"Birkat Al-Arayes" has natural characteristics and features and a unique diversity of wildlife and aquatic life forms, as it includes about 63% of the plant and animal biodiversity in Jordan, among them unique and rare species of aromatic and medicinal plants, other birds, reptiles, insects and others threatened with extinction such as the "Green Frog", "Toad" and "Greek Turtle". Its greatest feature is its location on the path of migratory birds across the Syrian-African Rift, where more than a million and a half birds pass through it annually, and it is considered a major station for resting, supplying water and food and for breeding.

Climate change impact

Due to the climate changes that have swept the region over the past years, they have directly affected the hydrological supply of the lake, as the amount of rainfall has decreased in the supply areas, which are the lands of the towns of Malka, Mansoura and Umm Qais, which has led to its area shrinking to less than 1,500 square meters so far. In addition to the high temperatures in that area, which is about -150 meters below sea level, and consequently the rate of evaporation has risen to unprecedented levels, and if the situation continues in this manner, it is expected to dry up during the current summer.

Recommendations

1. Immediate action should be taken to rescue wild animals and transfer them to wet places such as dams.
2. Work is underway to pump water from the Yarmouk River into it, with the aim of raising the water level in it to ensure its continuation at a minimum level until the next rainy season 2025/2026 AD.