Configuration of the limestone aquifers in the central part of Egypt using electrical measurements

The Western Desert of Egypt is an area of natural expansion for agricultural, industrial, and civil activities. This expansion has led to a great demand for groundwater. In the central part of Egypt, on the western limestone plateau, vertical electrical sounding and borehole geophysical logging were conducted to delineate aquifer boundaries. The measurements were interpreted using the lithological information from the drilled wells as a constraining factor. Fractured chalky limestone sediments represent the main aquifer, which is covered by sand and gravel deposits and which rests directly on partially saturated and highly resistive massive limestone. Discontinuous clay layers, which overlie the aquifer unit, were detected in the southern part of the study area as well as a relatively thin marly limestone layer in the northern part. The integrated analyses carried out represent a significant and cost-effective method for delineating the main aquifer in this area. In turn, future well locations can be placed with more confidence than before, in accordance with the evaluation of the potentiality of the groundwater aquifers in the area. Although the groundwater is normally brackish, it can serve the acute demands for water, especially for agricultural purposes.