Mapping optimal recharge and extraction locations for groundwater resources in Southern Sinai, Egypt: Modelling and geophysical constraints

Date

2023-08

Authors

Elshalkany, Muhamed

ORCID

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

DOI

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/1969.6/97713

Abstract

Groundwater resources are the only long-term solution for the local Bedouin community who live in southern Sinai. However, the Bedouin community as a whole lacks a basic understanding of how these resources are developed, recharged, distributed, and how to use them sustainably. The present study addresses this issue by utilizing publicly available remote sensing data and techniques to model potential groundwater recharge and extraction locations. Furthermore, the study investigates the influence of structural elements, including faults and shear zones, on the spatial distribution of these locations. To calibrate and validate remote sensing-derived results, near-surface geophysical surveys such as Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES), Seismic Refraction (SR), and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) were employed. The findings of this study are as follows: (1) The study area comprises 15% high potential recharge regions, 37% moderate potential recharge regions, and 47% low potential recharge regions; (2) A total of 334 locations were identified at the intersections of two or more fault/shear zone systems, representing optimal sites for drilling sustainable groundwater wells; (3) Two trends of structural elements, namely NW-SE and NE-SW, were identified in southern Sinai. The spatial distribution of these structural elements, along with surface gradient, predominantly controls groundwater accumulation by providing preferred pathways for groundwater flow; and (4) Geophysical surveys indicated that areas where two or more faults and shear zones intersected exhibited thicker and shallower saturated zones (thickness 18-23.5 m; depth 5.5-12.5 m) compared to other areas (thickness 5.5-16 m; depth 7-13 m). The comprehensive findings of this study provide valuable insights into the potential recharge and extraction locations for sustainable groundwater use in southern Sinai. Moreover, the study highlights the significance of structural elements and their spatial distribution in controlling groundwater availability. The methodologies employed in this research can be utilized as a framework for similar studies in other regions with highly fractured basement terrains.

Description

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Environmental Science

Keywords

basement terrains, electrical resistivity, GPR, groundwater, remote sensing, seismic refraction

Sponsorship

Rights:

This material is made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. The user assumes full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used should be fully credited with its source. All rights are reserved and retained regardless of current or future development or laws that may apply to fair use standards. Permission for publication of this material, in part or in full, must be secured with the author and/or publisher., This material is made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. The user assumes full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used should be fully credited with its source. All rights are reserved and retained regardless of current or future development or laws that may apply to fair use standards. Permission for publication of this material, in part or in full, must be secured with the author and/or publisher.

Citation

Collections

College of Science Theses and Dissertations