Groundwater flow systems in the arid crystalline province of Southern Sinai

ABSTRACT

A hydrogeological research project was conducted in the arid crystalline province of the Southern Sinai. To gain a better understanding of regional groundwater flow patterns, Landsat images as well as air photos were used. Three main flow systems were investigated: (1) The flow system occurring along longitudinal regional crustal fractures with the direction parallel to the Gulf of Elat Rift; this system captures the flow in the main wadi beds draining eastwards. (2) The flow system found in shallow fractured rocks, capturing the flow in small tributaries in the upper part of the drainage basin. (3) The system of dikes governing the flow regime in wadi beds draining westwards. The preliminary estimate of the recharge into the fractured crystalline aquifers and the interconnected gravel bed aquifers is in the order of magnitude of 10–15% of the total precipitation.