West EL Minia area is considered one of promising areas for future development plans in Egypt. The current research provides an integrated remote sensing data, microfacies analysis, field studies and geochemical approach to investigate the groundwater resources in West El Minia area. Three aquifers were investigated; Oligocene sandstone, Middle Eocene limestone and Nubian sandstone aquifer. New data about two aquifers (Nubian sandstone and Oligocene) are presented in the current study extracted from well logging interpretation and wells rock samples. The groundwater of the Oligocene sandstone and Middle Eocene limestone aquifers are recorded under unconfined conditions, while the Nubian sandstone is recorded as confined aquifer. The total thicknesses of the three aquifers were identified through interpretation of the well logging data (180 m for Oligocene aquifer, 445 m for the Middle Eocene aquifer, and 145 m for Nubian sandstone aquifer). The present study discusses the groundwater levels, the geological controls and groundwater chemistry of the recorded aquifers. The low salinity values (560-916 mg/l) and water table map as well as the obtained stable isotopes data reveal that the Middle Eocene aquifer is recharged from the Nile River where it has isotopic signature of the modern Nile water with slightly contribution of paleo-water of the Nubian sandstone. The area is affected by sets of faults associated with fractures and joints and facilitates the groundwater recharge. Based on multi GIS data layers, remote sensing data, geologic investigation as well as geophysical data, a future groundwater strategy were presented.
Perched groundwater resources on the northwestern coast of Egypt have thus far been little studied. However, if replenished by rainwater, they can provide a considerable amount of renewable water, i.e., for sustainable irrigation. These resources are limited, show different salinity contents and are endangered by overuse, pollution and by the sea level rising in the context of global warming. This paper presents new climatic data, geomorphologic, geologic, geochemical and hydrological researches in combination with remote sensing and GIS applications from Fuka Basin. Fuka constitutes a special synclinal basin where the interbedded limestone and clays have been folded into gentle synclinal structures. Fractured Middle Miocene limestone represents the bearing formation for the perched groundwater. According to the hydrogeochemical analysis and the PHREEQC model, the aquifer is recharged during the winter season by rainwater from the surrounding tableland and the chemical evolution of the perched water is attributed to water-rock interaction and mixing of fresh water with sea water. The salinity of the perched water ranges from 2,126 to 2,644 mg/L whereas for the deep groundwater it reaches 9,800 mg/L. The study explores origin and potential of the perched groundwater of Fuka Basin and gives recommendations for a future sustainable use and further investigations.
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