Water logging problems in Egypt’s Deserts: Case study Abu Mena archaeological site using geospatial techniques

Abstract

Groundwater table rise below cultivated, industrial and urban areas, and archaeological sites is a worldwide environmental phenomenon. Groundwater level rise can cause damages to the foundations of the archaeological monuments due to water logging and salt accumulation. Several factors contribute to the groundwater rise. Important factors are those related to hydrological and hydrogeological conditions as well as the inadequate sewerage, excessive irrigation and poor drainage systems. Reclamation projects in West Al-Nubaria area, including Abu Mena archaeological site in Burg Al-Arab to the southwest of Alexandria lead to urban and agricultural sprawl. The groundwater table has risen remarkably and reached mostly the ground surface causing the problems of water logging. Intense groundwater exploitation carried out without careful planning has however brought about a severe deterioration of land and water resources. Water logging, salt accumulation and the deterioration of land and water resources can be prevented, or at least mitigated, through implementation of some guidelines that control irrigation, drainage and sewage processes. The current work aims at investigating the groundwater table rise and its related problems at the Abu Mena archaeological and cultural site and to explore the reason(s) behind this problem. According to the results of study, some measures for the management of water irrigation, drainage and sewage systems will be recommended.