Paleohydrogeology
of southern Sinai, Egypt
Amin M. AbdAllah, M. F. El Kiki, A.
Abou Khadrah and A. El Refeai1
Geology Dept., Fac. Sciences, Cairo Univ., Giza, 1Sinai
Development Authority, Egypt |
Geological and geophysical evidences (in
particular thermal and gravity anomalies) suggest the presence of hot mantle material
below zones of continental rifting. A thermal subsidence sedimentary basin model and its
application to Abu ElGharadig basin indicates that:
The groundwater resources of southern Sinai are a reflection of the ancient to recent
hydrogeologic cycles. These are manifested by different depositional regimes (continental.
lagoonal, fluvio-marine or marine) and structural patterns with variability of the
paleo-to-recent climatic conditions. The general structural framework delineates the
closed, semi-closed or open basins and their ability to transmit groundwater flows. All
these clarify the hydrogeologic conditions in the area.
Gradual transgression and regression of the Tethys sea during the various
paleohydrogeologic cycles resulted in differences in aquifer characteristics. Gradual
uplifting of the Quaternary gave rise to the flushing of marine water entrapped in shallow
aquifers by meteoric water percolations. The present climatic conditions govern the
groundwater quality and the safe yield of the Quaternary aquifer.
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