Abstract
The study area is located in the western extension of the Nile Valley near the boundary with the Western Desert, where the groundwater represents the potential water resource for future land development for both industrial purposes and agricultural reclamation. Historically, geoelectric methods proved prospective and practical in exploring for groundwater resources. In this study, 17 Vertical Electric Sounding (VES) were acquired and processed to reveal the subsurface distribution of the water bearing layers and identify the groundwater potential in West Maghagha area. After routine data analysis and calibration, the preliminary results are interpreted in light of the available geological data and indicated the presence of at least four geoelectric layers with model resistivity values up to 2000 Ω•m. The potential aquifer was encountered down to ~120 m depth with average thickness of 100 m and is made of argillaceous fractured carbonates. Despite the overall poor quality of this aquifer, the integrated geoelectric and hydrogeologic information indicated a possible potential occurrence of potable groundwater at the southern and northeastern parts of the study area. To improve understanding of the groundwater systems in the study area, detailed aquifer characterization is discussed through integration of the available geologic data, maps, and the geoelectric sections constructed from the VES.
Highlights
Due to the enormous overpopulation in Egypt over the past century (11 million in 1907 to ~80 million in 2010) the available resources in the traditionally inhibited lands of the Nile Valley and Delta has undergone sever deterioration and deficiency
To improve understanding of the groundwater systems in the study area, detailed aquifer characterization is discussed through integration of the available geologic data, maps, and the geoelectric sections constructed from the Vertical Electric Sounding (VES)
The present study aims at characterizing the near-surface geological units to reveal the groundwater potential in West Maghagha using VES integrated to the available geologic information
Summary
Due to the enormous overpopulation in Egypt over the past century (11 million in 1907 to ~80 million in 2010) the available resources in the traditionally inhibited lands of the Nile Valley and Delta has undergone sever deterioration and deficiency. The government considered agricultural expansion and urban growth on the desert especially that located at the periphery of traditionally cultivated lands in the Nil Delta and Valley, as an obligation for accommodating the growing population [1]. Water resources represent the fundamental parameter for initiation and sustainability of desert land development for both agricultural such industrial purposes. Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) has proved practical in exploring groundwater resources and useful in investigating hydrological, engineering, and environmental problems [5] [6] [7]. It provides a quick and cost-effective technique to explore subsurface patterns but the success of the method is always dependent to the contrast in electric properties between the targets and hosting environment [9]
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