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. 2023 Oct 25;13(1):18245.
doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-44737-9.

Assessment of groundwater aquifer using geophysical and remote sensing data on the area of Central Sinai, Egypt

Sultan A S Araffa  1 , Hamed G Hamed  2 , Alaa Nayef  3 , Hassan S Sabet  4 , Mostafa M AbuBakr  4 , Mohamed El Mebed  2
Affiliations

Assessment of groundwater aquifer using geophysical and remote sensing data on the area of Central Sinai, Egypt

Sultan A S Araffa et al. Sci Rep. .

Abstract

The study aims to assess groundwater resources in Sinai's central area using remote sensing, geoelectric, and well-logging data, utilising techniques for modelling hydrogeological frameworks and evaluating desert regions' groundwater potential. Its utilized satellite image sources, soil maps, and geological maps to map the effects of various factors on groundwater potentiality recharge, dividing it into five zones. Eighteen deep VES stations were used to examine the upper part of the groundwater aquifer in Central Sinai, Egypt, comparing it with available borehole information (Well-1, and JICA-1) to establish subsurface geology and hydro-geology positioning. Borehole data, VES interpretation results, hydro-geophysical maps, and four geoelectrical cross-sections were used to visualize the rearward expansion of eight lithological units, groundwater-bearing sections, and aquifer-filled thicknesses. From interpretation data output reveal three zones with significant recharge and storage potential, including two groundwater aquifers. The shallow aquifer has a saturation thickness of the fractured limestone of 35-250 m, while the deep aquifer Nubian sandstone is detected at depths ranging from 660-1030 m. NW-SE and NE-SW faults likely recharge conduits connecting shallow and deep aquifers, providing sites with acceptable groundwater potential for living, agriculture, and development in Sinai.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Landsat image and research area location map.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Geological map of the study area (modified after,).
Figure 3
Figure 3
(a) Jica Well No. 2 lithostratigraphic sequence, (b) Nakhl Well-1 lithostratigraphic sequence.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Thematic maps of the research area. (a) LULC classification. (b) Lineament buffer. (c) Drainage density. (d) The slope. (e) The soil types. (f) The rainfall rate.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Map representing the potential groundwater zones.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Locations of station points for measurements of gravity, locations of wells, VESes, and cross sections of electrical resistivity.
Figure 7
Figure 7
(a) Bouguer anomaly map, (b) power spectrum curve, (c) low pass (regional) gravity anomaly map, and (d) Fault elements dissecting residual gravity anomaly map with rose diagram.
Figure 8
Figure 8
Calibration of the 1D model at VES-9 using the well JICA-1’s lithological log.
Figure 9
Figure 9
Interpretation of VES stations no. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 (Using IPI2win software).
Figure 10
Figure 10
Geoelectrical cross-section along profiles A–A′
Figure 11
Figure 11
Geoelectrical cross-section along profiles B–B′
Figure 12
Figure 12
Geoelectrical cross-section along profiles C–C′
Figure 13
Figure 13
Geoelectrical cross-section along profiles D–D′
Figure 14
Figure 14
(a) True resistivity map for the eighth geoelectrical unit (Nubian S.S. aquifer), (b) Depth Contour Map, (c) Iso-Pach Contour Map.
Figure 15
Figure 15
Priorities map for the upcoming drilling planned.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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