Assessing the fresh-saline groundwater distribution in the Nile delta aquifer using a 3D variable-density groundwater flow model

Journal article (2019)

Authors

Marmar Mabrouk Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, IHE Delft Institute for Water Education
Andreja Jonoski IHE Delft Institute for Water Education
Gualbert H.P. Oude Essink Universiteit Utrecht, Deltares
S. Uhlenbrook Water Resources - CEG , IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, UNESCO World Water Assessment Program
Research Group
Water Resources (CEG) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2019 Marmar Mabrouk, Andreja Jonoski, Gualbert H.P.Oude Essink, S. Uhlenbrook
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/w11091946
More Info
expand_more

Published Date

01-09-2019

Language

English

Faculty

Civil Engineering & Geosciences

Department

Water Management

Research Group

Water Resources

Abstract

The Nile Delta Aquifer (NDA) is threatened by salt water intrusion (SWI). This article demonstrates an approach for identifying critical salinity concentration zones using a three-dimensional (3D) variable-density groundwater flow model in the NDA. An innovative procedure is presented for the delineation of salinity concentration in 2010 by testing different simulation periods. The results confirm the presence of saline groundwater caused by SWI in the north of the NDA. In addition, certain regions in the east and southwest of the NDA show increased salinity concentration levels, possibly due to excessive groundwater extraction and dissolution of marine fractured limestone and shale that form the bedrock underlying the aquifer. The research shows that the NDA is still not in a state of dynamic equilibrium. The modeling instrument can be used for simulating future scenarios of SWI to provide a sustainable adaptation plan for groundwater resource.