The Hydrogeological conditions and characteristics of the groundwater occurrences in Ras Shukeir area, Suez Gulf, Egypt (Review)

Abstract

Ras Shukeir area is one of the most important regions for petroleum activities in Egypt. It is south east Ras Gharib (30 km) and north to Hurghada (150 km). Its coastal area lies on the Suez Gulf from the east, while its western area is desert land. There are shortage of knowledge on the Hydrogeological conditions and characterless of the groundwater occurrences in Ras Shoukeir which are necessary for establishing new petroleum facilities there and to forecasting flash flood. Therefore this review is an attempt to collect the most available data to help decision makers for their future social and economic developmental projects in this area. Climate of Ras Shukeir is a hot arid with dry and hot summer, whereas few sprinkles may occur in spring. The average annual temperature is 22.2°C, while the average precipitation is 5 mm. The foremost north-westerly winds are dominated. No surface water supply is present at this region except that from wadis during rainfall which is very low. The freshwater supply is based mainly on the groundwater aquifer and desalination of sea water, where there are small salt marshes. The main characteristics of the groundwater known to exist in this area were discussed. Two main and distinctive types of groundwater according to its origin are found; the first is of purely meteoric origin and the other being formed during the different geological times (formation water). The latter is being highly saline and occurred on deep wells and mixed with minerals and sulphites. Water is good in winter after the rainfall in the ranges and unpleasantly salty in the summer or during rainless period. For normal drinking purposes, fresh water of salinity up to 1000 ppm can be used. Saline water, of salinity ranging from 1000 to 3000 ppm is used for limited irrigation in a sandy soil. The courses of the hydrographic basins are filled with the Quaternary alluvial deposits which are formed of sand, gravel and boulder. Water depth in wells ranges between 0.5 and 3.2 m and the discharge ranges between 2 and 5 m 3 /day. Most deep hand-dug wells were established between 15 and 25 m in sand before reaching the water table, which is very close to or within the bed rock and obtaining a regular supply of between 10 and 50 m 3 per day.