Hydrogeologic Investigation on Beni Suef Area, Nile Valley, Egypt
Amin M. Abdallah, Ezzat A. Korany1, Gamal
M. Abd ElMageed2
Geol. Dept., Fac. Sciences, Cairo Univ.,Egypt; 1Geol. Dept., Fac. Sciences, Ain
Shams Univ.,Cairo, Egypt, 2ElSewedy Cement Factory, Beni Suef, Egypt |
The hydrogeologic features visualized in the BeniSuef area, Egypt, are defined by
functions of the investigated hydrogeologic elements comprising: local climatic
conditions, geomorphologic and geologic setting, hydrographic patterns of surface water
courses, hydrologic characteristics of the Quaternary water-bearing formation and
hydrogeochemical characteristics of the groundwater.
The alluvial plain of the Nile Valley has a characteristic hydrographic net of surface
water courses. It is built up of the Nile and two main irrigation parallel canals
(lbrahimya and Bahr Yousef) running from SW to NE. Numerous branches of the canals of
different trends and extensions are also constructed. They represent the main water
resource for irrigation of the cultivated lands and domestic usage in the main cities. The
sedimentary Quaternary aquifer is of vital importance. It has a wide extension beneath the
entire alluvial plain with a relative great thickness and considerable ability for
transmitting, storing and yielding groundwater. The regional flow direction of the
groundwater in this aquifer runs almost parallel to the flow directions of surface water
and has the same trend of surface slope (SW to NE). Other local flows having different
trends are recognized.
The configuration of flow patterns and hydraulic gradients prove that the contribution is
mainly by:
Direct seepage from the irrigation canals and branches, infiltration of return flow after
irrigation and limited contribution by local rainfall. The Nile and the drains represent
the main direct routes of natural discharge of the groundwater. The hydrogeochemical
characteristics prove the routes of recharge and discharge of the groundwater in this
aquifer.
These hydrogeologic features present the bases for proper recommendation for good
development and investment of groundwater resources in the Quaternary aquifer in
Beni Suef area.
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