Modelling of potential groundwater artificial recharge in the transboundary Algero‐Tunisian Basin (Tebessa‐Gafsa): The application of stable isotopes and hydroinformatics tools*

Abstract

AbstractWater resource overuse is a considerable challenge in areas with diverse activities and mixed climate. An area with deteriorated water quality (salinity higher than 5 g/L), typical of the transboundary Algero‐Tunisian area of the Tebessa‐Gafsa Basin in North Africa, was selected to investigate the spatial distribution of groundwater recharge and the water resources management. Several data including soil type, hydrogeologic characteristics, geomorphologic parameters, and climatic settings were used. Seasonal and early groundwater recharge and evapotranspiration were evaluated by applying the physical WetSpass model (Water and Energy Transfer between Soil, Plants, and Atmosphere Under quasi‐Steady State) model‐based geographic information system during 44 years. Results indicate spatio‐temporal changes in the recharge values. The highest values (13.3 mm) were recorded to the north of the study area during the wet season, while the lowest values, which reached −0.5 mm, were recorded to the south during the dry season. The recharge period of these transboundary aquifers, dated using isotopic tools (3H, 2H, and 18O), coincides with the Late Pleistocene and the Early Holocene humid periods. This Pleistocene and Holocene period could be responsible for the groundwater recharge in the Middle East and North Africa regions. Then, management and geovalorization of unconventional water processes promoting better water resource use have been proposed by applying artificial groundwater recharge.