Evaluation of alternatives for lowering the groundwater table in a village in upper Egypt affected by the construction of the New Naga Hammadi barrage

The Egyptian government is replacing the existing Naga Hammadi barrage, located across the Nile River some 450 km south of Cairo, with the New Naga Hammadi barrage (NNHB) to incorporate a hydropower plant and to improve conditions for river traffic. The new structure will lead to an increase in river water levels, both locally near the new barrage and upstream. The rise in river water levels will in turn result in changes in groundwater levels in the aquifer system up and downstream of the barrages. In this paper, an area is chosen, which is expected to suffer from a high groundwater table after the construction of the NNHB, to investigate the problem and propose alternatives for lowering the groundwater levels. The study area is a village called Bakhaness, with an area of 588 ha. It is located some 1.5 km upstream of the NNHB. A computer model (MicroFEM) has been used to simulate the groundwater conditions before and after construction of the NNHB. Alternatives for lowering the groundwater table are proposed, simulated and evaluated. The systems, which are assessed are a municipal sewer system, a system of perforated pipes in urban areas, and tile drainage with different values of efficiency in agricultural areas.     

A sedimentary facies model for stepped,fluvial tufa systems in the Iberian Range (Spain): the Quaternary Piedra and Mesa valleys

Stratigraphic and sedimentological analyses of the Quaternary tufa and associated deposits in the Piedra and Mesa river valleys allowed a number of stages of their sedimentary evolution to be characterized, and a depositional sedimentary model for this north‐central sector of the Iberian Range (Spain) to be established. The proposed sedimentary facies model may explain tufa arrangements in other medium to high gradient, stepped, fluvial tufa systems with narrow transverse profiles occurring in temperate, semi‐arid areas, in both recent and past scenarios. There are several tufa deposits within the Piedra and Mesa river valleys that, over a maximum thickness of about 90 m, record one or more stages of tufa deposition produced following the fluvial incision of the bedrock or previous tufa deposits. Each depositional stage begins with coarse detrital sedimentation. Six fundamental, vertical sequences of tufa facies with small amounts of detrital material reveal the sedimentary processes that occurred in different fluvial environments: channel areas with: (i) free‐flowing water; (ii) barrages and/or cascades; and (iii) dammed water and palustrine floodplains. The proposed sedimentary model involves narrow, stepped, fluvial valleys in which tufa cascades were common. Alternating intervals of bryophyte and stromatolite facies commonly formed at some cascades. Many of these represented barrage‐cascade structures that consisted of phytoclast rudstones, thick phytoherms of mosses and associated stromatolites, and curtain‐shaped phytoherms of stems. Upstream of these structures, dammed areas with bioclastic sands and silts developed and palustrine vegetation grew. The channel stretches between barrages and/or cascades were loci for extensive stromatolite growth in fast flowing water. The palustrine floodplain was home to pools and drainage channels. The model also explains the growth of some barrages in the River Piedra that surpassed the height of the divide, with the diffluence of the main channel into a secondary course forming other tufa deposits in the area. The distribution and abundance of certain types of tufa facies in fluvial basins may be an indicator of differences in their gradients. The facies studied in this work suggest that the gradient of the ancient River Piedra was steeper than that of the ancient River Mesa. Assuming similar scenarios for climate and hydrology, the depositional settings mentioned above and their dimensions would have been determined mainly by the gradient and width of the associated river valleys. This sedimentary model may also be useful for inferring variations in other river basin slopes, as well as accounting for the presence of tufas in areas that normally have no permanent water input.     

Causality analysis of the groundwater response in a delta plain of the lower Nakdong River,Republic of Korea

The salinity of groundwater in an estuarine delta plain is sometimes related to the presence of an estuarine dam. To understand groundwater processes and salinity variation, time series data on the river water level, groundwater level, and groundwater electrical conductivity were collected for the Nakdong River in southeastern Republic of Korea. Sampling was undertaken upstream of the estuarine barrage system, which is opened and closed depending on upstream flow and seawater level. Comprehensive correlation analysis was performed between the groundwater and river water levels using bubble plots between groundwater electrical conductivity and the hydrological variables. Comparative analysis between the correlations and the field measurements of the hydrological variables indicated a negligible flux connection between the river and groundwater. Oscillatory pressure wave propagation from the river boundary explains the response patterns of the groundwater level. There were different response times for the rising and falling of the river water. Electrical conductivity in groundwater is not directly associated with that of the river except in one well close to the river boundary. The response patterns of groundwater electrical conductivity were explained by potential anthropogenic activity. Further transfer modeling results also indicate a spatial explanatory response pattern for the groundwater level. No spatial patterns in the models of electrical conductivity indicate that the hydrological processes are different with respect to the groundwater level and electrical conductivity.

     

Saturated and unsaturated River Nile/groundwater aquifer interaction systems in the Nile Valley, Egypt

Surface water bodies interact with underlying aquifer systems, creating a complex flow system and flow paths. In general, a surface water body may be classified as gaining, losing, or flow through on the basis of its interaction with the surrounding aquifer. In the Nile Valley, the quaternary aquifer system is in a direct hydraulic interaction with the River Nile, canals, and drains. In this study, a regional numerical model was developed and used to evaluate the interaction between surface water bodies and the quaternary aquifer system in the Nile Valley. The solution is considered for a quasi three-dimensional, steady-state groundwater flow. The model used simulates the interaction between surface water bodies and groundwater for saturated and unsaturated flow conditions. In addition, a hydrodynamic model was used to simulate different extreme (high and low) scenarios for Nile surface water levels along the distance between Old Aswan Dam and Delta Barrages. Model calibration shows close results, and the model was used to simulate surface water levels. Results indicate that the Nile River acts as a drain for the quaternary aquifer (gaining water from the aquifer), although in the reaches upstream of the main barrages, the Nile loses the water, recharging the aquifer. All other main canals are recharging the aquifer system. The seepage rate depends mainly on the difference in piezometric head between the aquifer system and surface water bodies, as well as the hydraulic conductance of the base layer sediments of the surface water body. The model was used to evaluate the regional water balance for the Nile Valley and to estimate the surface water bodies' gains and losses.     

Desert riparian vegetation and groundwater in the lower reaches of the Tarim River basin

The Green Corridor in the lower reaches of Tarim River in northwestern China has an extreme hot and dry climate. Vegetation here, consisting of arbor, shrub and grass, relies on groundwater exceedingly. However, the increasing anthropogenic activities of large-scale agricultural reclamation and unreasonable water utilization in the upper and middle reaches caused the 321-km riverway in the lower reaches to dry up completely in 1972 and resulted in the sharp decline of groundwater, followed by the ruin of desert riparian vegetation on a large scale. The Green Corridor is on the verge of shrinking. Water has a key role in maintaining ecological balance and socioeconomic development. This paper, focused on the relationship between vegetation and groundwater, discusses (1) the change of groundwater table caused by the ecological water delivery carried out in the lower reaches of Tarim River; (2) the appropriate groundwater depth meeting the vegetation’s survival; (3) the minimum ecological flux and ecological water requirement for the growth of natural vegetation. It was shown that (1) based on the analysis of the monitoring data from the groundwater level of ten times water delivery, such an extensive artificial watering takes positive effect on raising the groundwater level along the two sides of the river; (2) a groundwater table depth of 2–4 m is probably the appropriate ecological water table level for the lower reaches of the Tarim River, and 6 m is the threshold for the local vegetation; (3) at the lower Tarim River, 1.157 × 10⁸ m³ of water flow is needed for itself. The longer the duration of water releases, the greater would be the groundwater rise and the larger the range of vegetation influenced. It was found that the duration and volume of water delivery was closely related to restoration of vegetation in the lower reaches of the Tarim River. The goal of this paper is to offer scientific evidences for water delivery in the rigorous areas to maintain an ecological balance.     

Geophysical and hydrological investigations at the west bank of Nile River (Luxor, Egypt)

Luxor, the modern Egyptian city that occupies the site of ancient Thebes, is famed for its magnificent ancient monuments. Since 1967, the Aswan high dam has prevented the annual flooding of the Nile River, resulting in excessive salt accumulation on the Nile floodplains and on exposed monument surfaces. In addition, the expansion of agricultural land within the Luxor study area has resulted in increased salinity and groundwater level. These conditions accelerate the degradation of buried and exposed monuments that were fairly well preserved in the past. To mitigate this problem, it is necessary to first understand the near-surface setting and the groundwater conditions of the Luxor area. A geophysical investigation was carried out using resistivity and electromagnetic surveys. In addition, a chemical analysis was conducted of some surface water samples collected from canals and the sacred lake of Memnon Temple. Based on the results of the geophysical surveys and the chemical analysis of the water samples, the shallow subsurface was characterized into four geoelecterical units. Groundwater flow directions were determined to be from the central area to the west, causing a rise in the groundwater levels and groundwater salinity in the area of monuments.     

Impact of control structures on assimilative capacity of rivers and fish habitat

This research studies the impact of water level control structures on self-assimilative capacity of rivers and on fish habitat. Constructing a water level control structure in a river reach will alter its hydraulics as well as its water quality, thermal regime and fish habitat. A mathematical model is developed to simulate river hydraulics, water quality, temperature and fish habitat. Diurnal dissolved oxygen concentrations are investigated to show their impact on fish. A case of a Nile River reach was studied to investigate the impact of the existence of the Esna barrage on the water quality and fish in its upstream reach. The barrage has negative impacts on the upstream self-assimilative capacity of the rivers. The waste load that the river could absorb was only 54 % (at low flow) and 78 % (at high flow) of the entire load if no barrage was present. Including in the simulation of the effects of photosynthesis and respiration, the above mentioned percentages were raised to 54 % and 91 %, respectively. Although water level control structures have negative impacts on the upstream self-assimilative capacity of the rivers, they have positive effect on downstream dissolved oxygen concentrations due to reaeration that happens across them. Downstream dissolved oxygen concentration increased by 6 % from its upstream concentration value. The barrage has a positive effect on fish habitat in the upstream section. The weighted usable area of Tilapia fish is doubled in case of barrage existence. The barrage causes a slight decrease in water temperature that reaches an average of 0.13 degree in the month of June.     

Potential pollution of groundwater in the valley of the Seybouse River,north-eastern Algeria

In north-eastern Algeria, the Seybouse River is an important source of water used mainly for irrigation of large agricultural areas extending from the Guelma region to Annaba city. Industrial activities in this region contribute substantial water pollution to the river and the groundwater. Based on the different sources of pollution, mapping of areas vulnerable to groundwater pollution has been accomplished by combining land use and data on groundwater levels. The resulting maps show that the most vulnerable areas are those with large industrial activities—in Meboudja, Bouchegouf and Guelma. Infiltration and runoff contribute to pollution, and the highest infiltration rate is generally observed in areas of agricultural and industrial activities. Pollution of the aquifers in this area is of concern. Mountains, such as the Edough and Gelaat Bou Sbaa, contribute high runoff that carries pollutants towards the groundwater.     

石羊河流域水资源开发利用与补给之间的协调性评判

在甘肃省石羊河流域历史水资源开发利用情况简述基础上,结合城镇化进程,提出目前武威市的农业用水来源于祁连山山前水库拦蓄地表水,景电二期延伸工程向民勤所调黄河水及部分地方开采地下水;工业、生活用水均取自地下水,水量供给与天然补给上已处于严重失调状态。就城市地下水源地保护区划分而言,以传统的地下水开采影响半径为基本依据所进行的现代地下水源地保护区划分是不合理、不够科学的,应当在地下水补给、径流、排泄条件分析基础上,将水源地上游整个流域划定为保护区,以永久性解决城市地下水供水中存在的水源地安全问题。另外,针对石羊河流域重点治理规划中的调水方案,比较科学、合理的做法是：应从石羊河流域地下水文地质条件出发,遵循第四世地质历史时期形成的地下水补给、径流、排泄通道,在全流域实施压减灌溉面积、减少地下水开采量的同时,将景电二期延伸工程所调黄河水与祁连山山前部分水库地表水部分地或全部地从石羊河上游———武威盆地上游区域通过灌溉或其它方式下渗,补给进入地下水系统中,最终达到六河水系及下游地下水位停止下降,石羊河下游民勤盆地地下水位持续回升的综合治理规划目标,而不是将水直接调入下游民勤盆地。     

1985-2013年黑河中游流域地下水位动态变化特征

在气候变化和人类活动的影响下, 黑河流域地表水和地下水的时空分布特征发生了很大变化. 研究水系统演化及其驱动机制对流域水资源可持续管理非常关键. 基于甘肃河西黑河中游流域地下水位动态、水文气象、土地利用和灌溉统计数据, 研究了1985-2013年黑河中游流域地下水位时空变化. 结果表明: 地表水的不合理分配和耕地的扩展导致了地下水的过量开采和地下水位的剧烈变化. 1985-2004年区域地下水位以下降为主; 2005-2013年呈现下降和回升两极发展趋势, 冲洪积扇群带地下水最大下降达17.41 m, 而黑河干流沿岸地下水位最大回升了3.3 m, 地下水埋深普遍增加了1.0~3.0 m. 尽管地下水位在2005-2013年表现出回升趋势, 但干流中游盆地地下水系统处于严重负均衡状态, 制定合理的“生态分水”方案和水资源综合管理规划非常紧迫.     

Flood risk assessment of River Indus of Pakistan

Annual flood peak discharges is widely used in risk assessment. Major sources of flooding in Pakistan are River Jhelum, River Chenab, River Kabul, and upper and lower parts of River Indus. These rivers are major tributaries of the River Indus System which is one of the most important systems of the world and the greatest system of Pakistan. River Indus is the longest river of Pakistan containing seven gauge stations and several barrages, and it plays a vital role in the irrigation system and power generation for the country. This paper estimates the risk of flood in River Indus using historical data of maximum peak discharges. On the basis of our analysis, we find out which dam/barrage reservoir need to be updated in capacity, and whether there are more dams/barrages needed.     

Review of tufa deposition and palaeohydrological conditions in the White Peak,Derbyshire, UK: implications for Quaternary landscape evolution

This review considers the geological and geomorphological context of tufa barrages that occupy buried valley settings in the Wye catchment, Derbyshire. It describes the potential relationship of the tufa with locations of hypothesised river captures and inception horizon-guided groundwater flow paths. Tufa barrage development is associated with steps in the bedrock, which may be related to knick-point recession during river capture. Broad estimates of valley incision have been calculated from previously dated deposits. These support current interpretations of particularly significant effective base-level lowering during the Anglian and Devensian stages of the Quaternary and have the potential to add to the knowledge of regional uplift histories.     

河岸带土壤磷素空间分布及其对水文过程响应

野外观测太湖地区典型农业河岸带——浯溪荡河岸带土壤总磷（TP）和溶解性总磷（DTP）含量以及当地降雨量、河水水位和地下水水位,探讨了丰水年条件下该河岸带土壤TP和DTP的空间分布特征以及水文过程对其空间分布的影响。结果表明:①在水平方向上,土壤TP和DTP含量从远岸向近岸均呈现先减少后增加的变化趋势;在深度方向上,各断面TP和DTP含量随土层深度的增加均呈减少的变化趋势。②不同月份河水水位均低于地下水水位,地下水补给河水。河水水位和地下水水位随时间的变化规律与降雨量的相似,但具有一定的滞后性。③降雨是土壤水分运动的主要驱动力,降雨、河水水位以及地下水水位对河岸带土壤磷素空间分布的影响显著不同。     

The hydrochemical characteristics and evolution of groundwater and surface water in the western part of the River Nile, El Minia district, Upper Egypt

A combination of major and trace elements have been used to characterize surface- and groundwater in El Minia district, Egypt. Surface water versus groundwater chemistry data enabled geographical zonation and chemical types to be differentiated. The main target of this research is to investigate the groundwater quality and hydrochemical evaluation. The situation is further complicated by contamination with lithogenic and anthropogenic (agricultural and sewage wastewaters) sources and low plan exploitation techniques. The investigated Pleistocene aquifer is composed of sand and gravel of different sizes, with some clay intercalation. The semi-confined condition was around the River Nile shifted to unconfine outside the floodplain. The groundwater flow generally from south to north and locally diverts towards the western part from the River Nile. Fifty-six, 11, five, and two water samples were collected from the Pleistocene aquifer, River Nile, Ibrahimia canal, and Al Moheet drain, respectively. The collected water samples were analyzed for major and trace elements. The toxic metal concentrations of Al Moheet drain are higher than those in the River Nile and the Ibrahimia canal. Cr, Hg, As, and Cd concentrations in the River Nile and Ibrahimia canal are fluctuated above and below the WHO drinking standards. Se concentration in River Nile and Ibrahimia canal is below WHO drinking and irrigation guidelines. Total dissolved solid content in groundwater is generally low, but it is increased due to the western part of the study area. The geographic position of the River Nile, Ibrahimia canal, and Al Moheet drain impact on the groundwater quality. The PHREEQC confirm the high mixing proportions from the River Nile into the groundwater and decline away from it. In addition to the thicknesses of the Pleistocene, aquifer and aquitard layer enhance the River Nile and agricultural wastewaters intrusion into the aquifer system. The toxic metal concentrations (Pb, Cd, Cr, PO₄, Se, Mn, As, Hg, Ni, Al, Fe, and SIO₂) in groundwater were increased mainly in the northwestern and southeastern part (far from the River Nile). It is attributed to anthropogenic, high vulnerability rate (unconfined), and partially to lithogenic. In most localities, the groundwater are unsuitable for drinking and irrigation purposes with respect to Se concentration, while they are unsuitable for dinking according Mn, As, and Hg contents. There are some Cd and Pb anomalies concentrations, which cause severe restriction if used in irrigation. The results suggested that significant changes are urgently needed in water use strategy to achieve sustainable development.     

岩溶区典型工业型城市地下水水化学特征及成因机制

文章以广西柳州市岩溶地下水为研究对象,在岩溶水文地质调查和样品采集测试的基础上,采用数理统计法、水化学方法（Piper图、Gibbs图、离子比值系数,矿物饱和指数计算）、因子分析法和模糊综合评价法,分析工业型城市岩溶地下水水化学特征及形成机制,开展岩溶地下水质量评价。结果表明,研究区岩溶地下水为中-弱碱性水,Ca2+、Mg2+、HCO₃?、SO₄2?是主要的阴阳离子,水化学类型以HCO₃-Ca型和HCO₃-Ca·Mg型为主,且城区的SO₄2?型水的比例远高于非城区。区内岩溶地下水水化学组分及演化主要受水－岩作用、工业污染、城镇生活污染和农业活动等主控因素的影响,贡献率分别为31.52%、25.15%、18.12%和10.74%。其中,城区的水化学组分受人类活动的影响程度大于非城区的。矿物饱和指数表明,区内方解石和绝大多数白云石为饱和状态,而石膏和盐岩均为溶解状态。不同功能区的水化学敏感指标有差异,工业区以重金属为主,农业区以三氮为主,生活区以K+、Na+、Cl?、SO₄2?为主。研究区整体水质较好,Ⅰ－Ⅲ类水的比例高达约87.39%;但不同区域的水质差异较大,其中城区的水质较差,超标因子主要为Al、Mn、Pb、Fe、Hg;非城区的水质较好,超标因子主要为三氮。研究成果可以为工业型城市岩溶地下水污染防治提供科学依据。      

对三工河流域山前地下水库开发利用的初步认识

本文从三工河流域不同水文地质单元区的地下水动态分析入手,对流域大力开发山前地下水库,造成其水位持续下降对潜水溢出带环境的改变和水位最终保持稳定的现象进行探讨分析,结合流域生态环境趋于良性发展的现实,从保护流域生态环境和社会发展的角度出发,提出开发三工河流域山前地下水库必须保持潜水溢出带有相对较高的稳定水位,山前地下水库中心控制开采水位在数值上应不低于潜水溢出带处的地面高程。     

Changes of δ<Superscript>18</Superscript>O and δD along the Dousitu River,Inner Mongolia,China, and their evidence of river water evaporation

On the basis of the hydrogeology of the Dousitu River drainage basin, the changes of water flow rate, δ¹⁸O and δD along the Dousitu River are discussed according to measured and analytical results. Changes of flow rate along the Dousitu River agree well with groundwater level contours and the recharge and discharge of groundwater to the river. When compared with other types of water in the area, it is obvious that the ¹⁸O and D of river waters have experienced evaporation. The changes of δ¹⁸O and δD along the Dousitu River are mainly caused by combined effects of groundwater recharge and river water evaporation. The recharge of groundwater makes δ¹⁸O and δD of the river water decrease. Evaporation makes δ¹⁸O and δD of the river water increase. The evaporation fractions of the river water are calculated using the kinetic fractionation theory. Results showed as much as 10–30% of water was evaporated in different segments of Dousitu River.     

Modeling stream-aquifer interactions in a shallow aquifer, Choele Choel Island, Patagonia, Argentina

A groundwater/surface-water interaction model was developed for the shallow alluvial aquifer of the Choele Choel Island in Patagonia, Argentina. In this semiarid climate, agriculture is sustained by an irrigation/drainage system. During the irrigation season, seepage losses through unlined distribution canals in irrigated fields contribute to elevated groundwater levels, jeopardizing fruit productivity in some areas. Moreover, high stream stages during the irrigation season interfere with groundwater drainage. The model utilized MODFLOW and its stream package, and was successfully calibrated for a historical irrigation season. Modeling results indicate that drainage through streams is significantly higher than drainage through artificial drains. The stream/aquifer relationship proved very responsive to water table rises caused by irrigation. This response manifested as changes in the gaining/losing character of stream reaches. A synthetic run aimed at isolating the effect of streamflow changes on groundwater levels showed that the effect of higher streamflows dissipates toward the interior of the island, disappearing completely at the island center. Even though some results were qualitative, the model helped to provide a better understanding of the coupled system to elucidate some of the causes of a rising water table on the island.

黑河流域地下水循环演化规律研究

大量野外调查研究表明，气候变化和人类活动对黑河流域地下水循环和更新演变具有重要影响；平原区浅层地下水主要是现代水补给，35％来自祁连山区基岩裂隙水通过地表径流转化补给，其他是降水和冰雪融水在山前戈壁带入渗补给，具有较强的更新能力；深层承压水主要形成于地质历史时期区域性补给，与现代水循环有联系；中游区人类活动是造成下游区地下水补给能力减弱、地下水水位持续下降和生态环境退化的重要因素。因此强化中游区人类活动的科学调控，是实现黑河流域地下水可持续利用和下游区生态环境有效保护的关键。     

Changes to the groundwater system, from 1888 to present, in a highly-urbanized coastal area in Hong Kong, China

Historical groundwater levels in a coastal region of Hong Kong Island (China) were reviewed and compared with data collected recently to reveal changes to the groundwater regime over the last century. The coastal springs and seeps have disappeared and the lower boundary of the seepage zone has moved uphill. Groundwater was found to be flowing upward along the boundary of natural slopes and urbanized areas. Artesian flows were commonly noted in the deep piezometers in the lower urbanized areas. Moreover, an overall rise in water levels in a 10-year period was observed in the urbanized areas, except in areas with good drainage. Extensive urbanization since the 1950s has included large-scale land reclamation, deep foundations of high-rise buildings, an underground transport system, water mains and horizontal drains in slopes; the effect has been a slow but gradual increase in the water level of the hillslope groundwater system. Further urbanization activities such as the westward extension of the underground transport system and new major drainage systems in the slopes, should be assessed for possible further changes to the groundwater system. The results presented here may serve as reference for other highly-urbanized coastal areas in the world.