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Assessment groundwater occurrences using VES/TEM techniques at North Galala

plateau, NW Gulf of Suez, Egypt.

Abdellatif Younis, Osman M. Osman, Amin E. Khalil, Mohd Nawawi, Mamdouh

Soliman, A.Tarabees Elhamy

PII: S1464-343X(19)30268-7
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2019.103613
Article Number: 103613
Reference: AES 103613

To appear in: Journal of African Earth Sciences

Received Date: 16 February 2019

Accepted Date: 27 August 2019

Please cite this article as: Abdellatif Younis, Osman M. Osman, Amin E. Khalil, Mohd Nawawi,
Mamdouh Soliman, A.Tarabees Elhamy, Assessment groundwater occurrences using VES/TEM
techniques at North Galala plateau, NW Gulf of Suez, Egypt., Journal of African Earth Sciences
(2019), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2019.103613

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Assessment groundwater occurrences using VES/TEM techniques at North Galala plateau,

NW Gulf of Suez, Egypt.
Abdellatif Younisa,b**, Osman M Osmanc, Amin E Khalila,d ,Mohd Nawawia, Mamdouh Solimanb,
Elhamy A.Tarabeesc.
a School of Physics, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Menden, Pulau Pinang, 11800, Malaysia.
b National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics NRIAG, Helwan, 11421, Egypt.
c Department of Geology, Damanhour University, Damanhour, 22516, Egypt.
d Geology Dept. Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Helwan, 11795, Egypt.
** Correspondent author: [email protected]. & [email protected].
Abstract:
Water resources assessment is important for urbanization and industrial projects in remote
areas. As the area is far from the Nile and characterized by rarity of rainfall, the main source of
freshwater is groundwater. Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) and Time Domain Electromagnetic
(TEM) methods are chosen. To overcome the ambiguity, TEM station no.1 was conducted close
to a borehole. The information from the borehole includes lithology and producing aquifer zones.
The processing started with the inversion of VES data then use the models obtained as the primary
model for TEM inversion. The last models from VES and TEM were further used to construct 3
geoelectrical profiles and 8 contour maps illustrating subsurface water-bearing aquifers electric
resistivity. From the results, two aquifers are found divided by a highly conductive clay unit. The
shallow one is consisting of coarse sand with silt. It displays moderate to low resistivity, depth
ranging from 6 m to 33 m underground surface and a thickness of 15-35m. On the other hand, the
deep one shows low resistivity values that may show brackish to fresh water with depths to the
upper surface ranges from 58m to 118m and thickness distribution of 26 to 80m. In general, the
groundwater flow is expected to be from southwest to northeast towards Suez Gulf as indicated by
the elevation trending of the aquifers. According to the resistivity distribution, the direction of
seawater intrusion is the northeast in the directions of Suez Gulf.
Key Words: VES/ TEM; Groundwater; Seawater Intrusion; Galala Plateau; Suez Gulf; Egypt.

1. Introduction
All over the world especially in arid and semi-arid zones of southern Europe, the Middle
East and North Africa Region characterized by surface water scarcity, groundwater is the main
source of renewable freshwater using for water supply, agricultural and industrial and domestic
activities(Re and Zuppi 2011). Growth of population associated with intensive economic activities

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and change in climate are leading to an increase in demand of ground water (Ouhamdoucha et al.
2017; Kammoun et al .2018; Bahir et al.2018, 2019). In Egypt, the water resources exhibit
deficiency because of the increase of urbanization plans outside the Nile valley and insufficcient
water resources from the Nile. The water resources needed is not only for agricultural and drinking
purposes but also for industrial needs as well ( El-Behiry et al. 2006; El Osta et al. 2010; Sultan et
al. 2011; Younis et al. 2016; Arrafa et al., 2017). In this direction, the present study is an effort
exerted to define the spatial extension of groundwater aquifer adopting both DC Resistivity and
Time Domain Electromagnetic techniques. The integration of geophysical data here is conducted
in the light of the available geologic and hydrologic models of the area.
The electric resistivity of rocks is high, however, when the rock is saturated with water, the
resistivity drops significantly. Henceforth, the aquifer that is generally saturated with water will
exhibit an anomalous reduction in its resistivity. Accordingly, the aquifer can be delineated by
identifying the low resistivity zones in the inversion of VES and TEM data. However, this
sometimes is misleading since some rocks exhibit low resistivity (e.g. clays). To solve this
ambiguity extra data are needed such as well-bore or induced polarization (IP). Fortunately, well
data from one borehole in the study is available that is used to resolve ambiguity in the inverted
resistivity values also, available geologic and hydrogeologic studies are also used to control the
distribution of delineated aquifers (Nabighian and Macanae, 1991; Vereecken et al., 2002, 2004;
Rubin and Hubbard, 2005; Younis et al., 2016; Araffa et al. 2019).

2. Study area
The study area located in the southern part of Suez Governorate to the south of the Ain
Sokhna area, about 140 km from Cairo in the Galala Plateau along the Gulf of Suez coast. The
study area covers about 244 km2, bounded by longitudes 32 ° 24' 20'', 32 ° 25' 25'' E, and Latitudes
29° 29' 10'' and 29° 30' 10'' N (Fig. 1). Recently, the study area attracted numerous touristic
activities that increased its rank as a touristic focal area. In addition, there exist a number of
industrial projects in its vicinity. As the area is located far from the Nile river, the main water
resources for the present activities are partly a water pipe from Nile river. As mentioned earlier,
the water shortage may result in cutting the Nile river water supply. Henceforth, the need to explore
more groundwater resources is maximized.

Figure 1 here

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According to the morphologic viewpoint, the study area is a hilly area dissected by three
main valleys trending NE-SW direction; namely, wadi Swelem in the north, wadi um Raga in the
middle and wadi Abo Drah in the south (Fig. 2). The three wadis are dipping in the northeast
direction which may result in water discharge towards the Gulf of Suez. The zone of the study is
characterized by elevations ranging from 10m to 200m and has been extraordinarily influenced by
weathering in various periods, which separated the area into numerous wadis, that made
geophysical measurements in such regions difficult (fig. 2).

Figure 2 here

3. Geological setting
The geology of the area northeast of Suez Gulf have been subject to numerous research
from different perspectives (El-Ramly, 1965; Kuss et al., 2000; El-Behiry et al., 2006; Farhoud,
2009; Boukhary et al., 2009; El Osta et al., 2010; Araffa et al., 2017). From the morphologic point
of view, the area can be to consider as an elevated land that is dissected by many wadis which
most of them are discharging water into the Gulf of Suez. Geologically, the surface rock exposure
ranging from Upper Paleozoic to tertiary (Conoco, 1987; El-Behiry et al., 2006) indicated that the
early contribution to the exposures here belongs to the Permo-Triassic era that is localized at the
extreme southern part of Wadi Ghoweibba (Fig. 3). Kuss et al. (2000) interpreted discrete
sedimentary sequences as a southward progression of the carbonate platform. The evolution of
slope joining the platform part with the basin part documented to be evolved through changing
depositional geometry at a large scale. From the facies architectural point of view, the evolution
began with a rimmed shelf during the Late Cretaceous time and ended with an extremely steepened
ramp that belongs to the newest Cretaceous to Palaeocene times. Bandel and Kuss (1987) pointed
out that the surface sections on the Northern Galala plateaus are mainly clastic sedimentary rocks
that belong to Late Paleozoic toward the Early Cretaceous period. Moreover, Boukhary et al.
(2009) interpreted a formation that consists of grayish and yellowish calcareous marls that are
assigned to Galala Formation (Cenomanian age). The formation then lies beneath a covered
interval and is resting upon a ~70 m thick order of varicolored sandstones interbedded with minor
clay, marl, and limestone belonging to the Permo-Triassic Qiseib Formation. Also, The Jurassic
section comprises also varicolored and cross-bedded sandstones, with mudstone and siltstone
interbed.

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Figure 3 here

4. Hydrological Setting
Groundwater assets of Ain Alsokhona region were seriously investigated by numerous
authors (e.g. Elbeheiry et al., 2004; Abdellateif et al., 1997; Abuelata and Hassanan, 1990; Eldiasty
et al., 1981). Groundwater features occur below both artesian and non-artesian conditions. The
accumulation of the groundwater is controlled by topographic elevation, faulting system, lithology
of the stratigraphic layers and the rate of precipitation (ECG, 2008). The study area, which is a
part of the northern Eastern Desert, gets little measures of precipitation (25 mm/year) in autumn
and winter (El-Rakaiby, 1989). This small rainfall rate is considered as the recharge source for
groundwater. The main aquifer in the study area belongs to Quaternary deposits which contain of
the gravel and sand having brackish to freshwater. El Osta et al, (2010) and ECG (2008) stated
that the groundwater table ranges from 9.4 m in the East to 39.9 m in the North West and reach
120 m in the highest elevation area to the West. Also, the Groundwater discharge occurs in the
direction of Suez Gulf or the exploitation through pumping at a rate of about 3000 m3/day (El Osta
et al., 2010). Aquifer recharge depends on the surface runoff water infiltration and the leakages
from both Pliocene Miocene aquifers (El Osta et al., 2010). The groundwater salinity of Quaternary
aquifer is brackish to freshwater with high TDS recorded towards the Suez Gulf (El Osta et al,
2010) because of the saltwater intrusion (ECG, 2008). Also, the groundwater flow is modeled by
ECG (2008) to be from the NW and SW to the coast of Suez Gulf.
5. Material and methods
As pointed out earlier, the surface features are rugged with the presence of many
inaccessible areas that limits the application of geophysical surveys there (fig. 2). As a result, the
measurements were conducted in accessible places only. VES data were carried out at 4 sites
distributed within the three wadis in available places (Figs. 1 and 2). Resistivity data have been
carried out by using ABEM™ SAS 1000 resistivity meter. The measurements took place by
Schlumberger array with AB/2 spacing starting from 1 m to 1000 m. Moreover, the TEM survey
was conducted using the TEM-FAST 48 conductivity meter. Like the resistivity case, the
measurements were conducted in wadis where surface conditions at the sites are suitable for
surveying. Nine sites were surveyed along the three wadis where the survey is distributed evenly
among them. The loop size used is limited by the width of the wadis surveyed. TEM data survey

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in the study adopted a single loop configuration in which signals are transmitted and received
utilizing the same loop (Fitterman and Stewart, 1986). Henceforth, the loop-size is chosen as 50
m that can roughly set the target depth to 150 m. For controlling the inversion of TEM data, the
survey site number one is chosen close to a producing well in the area. The well data comprises
the lithology, depth to the water aquifer, screen depth, and water quality that are used for the final
interpretation of the data. At each site, the survey was repeated several times to enhance the signal
to noise ratio. Consequently, measurement with the highest signal to noise ratio was selected for
the modeling and interpretation.
5.1. Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES)
The analysis of the obtained data was accomplished in both qualitative and quantitative
approaches. Qualitative analysis is to investigate the measured raw data to delineate the parallel
and vertical variations in the sounding of resistivity data. In other words, the resistivity sounding
data schemed in the form of resistivity curves at different electrode half spacing (AB/2). The curves
are then qualitatively interpreted to reflecting the possible sum of layers and relative apparent
resistivity. By correlating laterally, layer extension maybe delineated accordingly (Younis et al.,
2016; Araffa et al. 2019).
In quantitative interpretation, there are two different techniques adopted. The first is Zohdy
(1989), which is an automatic inversion interpretation technique applied to the digitized apparent
resistivity curves. It doesn't require a primary guess for the number of layers, their thicknesses, or
their resistivities, and it doesn't require extrapolation of the first and last branches of a sounding
curve to their respective asymptotes. The number of layers is identical to the number of digitized
points, and layer boundaries are dispersed consistently on a logarithmic depth scale. The second
technique is utilizing the obtained inversion from Zohdy’s code that is used as the 1-D a priori
model for the IPI 2win program (Bobachev et al. 2000). This program depends on direct separation
as a 1-D forward modeling and Newton algorithm of the minimal number of strata to solve the
inverse problem. A preliminary 1-D model (thicknesses and resistivities) can be used for
regularizing the procedure of the fitting error minimization. A critical preferred standpoint in this
program is that the idea of deciphering a profile is that, it is treated as a union representing the
geological structure of the surveyed area instead of a group of independent objects dealt with
separately. In the inversion process, some model parameters were fixed according to the available
geological data and borehole data.

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Figure 4 here

5.2. Time Domain Electromagnetic (TEM)

TEM survey relies on the induction phenomena in which a primary varying magnetic field
is injected into the subsurface through a transmitter loop. The magnetic field is generated by
inducing the current in the loop then turning off the current instantaneously. As the current decays
from the peak to zero, the magnetic field is then generated. When the induced field encounters a
conductive layer, an eddy electric current is generated within that layer. The eddy current generated
is, in turn, alternating which consequently generate a varying secondary magnetic field that
propagates to the surface producing a current in the receiver loop. Such current will then be
recorded by the recording instrument. Such phenomena are termed as a transient electromagnetic
method or time domain electromagnetic method. In common practice, the surveying is conducted
several times and stacking is performed in order to improve the signal to noise ratio. Moreover, as
the secondary field reach the loop when the transmitter is off, the transmitter loop can be used as
a receiver loop at the same time. This surveying method is called a single loop surveying.
Unfortunately, this loop configuration may lead to low signal to noise ratio. The observed voltages
are then normalized for the loop size and current intensity induced in the transmitter loop (Fig. 5)
(Fitterman and Stewart, 1986; Nabighian and Macanae, 1991; Soliman, 2005; Younis, 2016).

Figure 5 here

TEM-48PPC and ZOND version 5.2 2016 programs were used in the processing and
interpretation of the data. To obtain a more accurate results, VES’s data that were interpreted
individually were used as a primary model for the 1-D inversion of the TEM data. borehole data
is then utilized to link the lithological information to the TEM and VES models (Fig. 7).

Figure 6 here

6. Results and discussion

6.1. VES results
Figure 4 shows the interpreted sounding curves which, the values of apparent resistivity
were plotted on a log-log scale. The obtained sounding curves show similar resistivity behavior
across the studied area. The final output model is a set of multi-layer models, and each of them
clarifies the geoelectrical parameters of the subsurface strata at its own site. The apparent

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resistivities of some sites along the study area which have similar behaviors, but the thickness of
layers changes from site to another. These resulted models from VES data indicate that the study
area characterized by similar lithological and /or hydrological conditions. The similarity between
the peaks and troughs on each of the sounding curves reflects the predominance of a subsurface
stratigraphic sequence having similar electrical properties prevailing the whole study area.
Based on the available subsurface information, the borehole data and hydrogeological
information, the obtained resistivity inversion models show the layer sequence of alternating
resistivity values. These correlations are observed despite that the measurements were carried out
at separate wadis.

Figure 7 here

6.2. TEM results

TEM survey results showed a significant match with the outcomes of the vertical electrical
Soundings with different values of the layers resistivity. The change in values of resistivity is
related to the change in frequency. Electric resistivity of rock is dependent on frequency. Since
the VES is using DC current (i.e. zero frequency), it will give higher resistivity compared to the
high frequency TEM results. Based on the geological, hydrological and geophysical information
available, the multi-layer VES and TEM models have been used for building of three geoelectrical
profiles. The three profiles give an explanation on the vertical and lateral variations of rock
properties based on their VES and TEM resistivity models obtained (figs 8 to 10).

Figure 8 here

Figure 9 here

Figure 10 here

6.3. Geological cross-sections

The generated VES and TEM cross sections give a tentative description of the subsurface
at the study area. From these sections, six geoelectric layers could be distinguished (figs 8 to 10).
These units look like to be extending in an NE-SW direction. Also, the VES outcome data show a
great coherency with the resulted TEM sections. The recognized geoelectric units can be depicted
considering the borehole data as follows:

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 The surface geoelectrical layer is distinguished by varying values of resistivity which,

reached to 1000 Ohm.m. Such relatively high values may be credited to dryness of the soil
composed mainly of wadi and alluvial deposits. Meanwhile, the thickness ranges from 3 to
15 m. As TEM resolution at very shallow depth is low, this zone is interpreted using VES
model that gives the depth range of 3 to 5 m.
 The second geoelectrical layer is consisting of coarse sand with minor intercalation of silt.
It is distinguished by moderately values of resistivity from 40 to 218 Ohm.m and thickness
from 8 to 25 m.
 The third geoelectrical layer is consisting of coarse sand and silt Saturated with water, and
it’s considered aquifer of Quaternary age in the present study with values of resistivity from
20 to 100 Ohm.m also, thickness from 15 to 35 m. In addition, the depth to the upper border
of this unit differs from 6 to 33 m.
 The fourth geoelectrical layer unit is distinguished by low values of resistivity from 2 to
11 Ohm.m and ranges of thickness from 23 to 67 m. The lithology of this layer is consisting
mainly of clay. From borehole data, the minor lens of sand with a thickness of less than 10
m. These lenses could not detect because of the resolution issues. In addition, this layer
may be reflected as an aquiclude for the deeper aquifer.
 The fifth geoelectrical layer is composed of sand saturated with fresh to brackish water,
belonging to Pliocene aquifer with values of resistivity from 11 - 60 ohm-m and range
thickness from 26 to 80 m. The depth to the upper surface ranges from 58 to 118 m. The
aquifer represented by this layer may be termed as the confined aquifer.
 The last layer is distinguished by low values of resistivity from 1-6 Ohm.m and composed
of clay with silt.
6.4. Ground water Aquifers
Considering the applied data acquisition parameters and the acquired geophysical results,
two aquifers; Shallow and Deep could be described. As the TEM data make more temporary
coverage for the present three valleys, the gained TEM models were utilized for making 4 maps
for both aquifers. The contour maps were made for the values of the electrical resistivity, thickness,
depth to water, and elevation respect of sea level of both water-bearing layers. The description of
these maps is presented below.

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Figure 11 here

6.4.1. Shallow Aquifer (Quaternary Aquifer):

Shallow aquifer composed of coarse sand and silt. Groundwater happens in this unit under
semi-confined to unconfined conditions as appear in Figure 11, the unit (Shallow aquifer) displays
values of resistivity varying from 20 to 86 Ohm.m, the thickness of 15-85 m, variable depth to the
water of 6-33 m to the upper surface of this unit and elevation above the sea level varying from 42
-17 m. Combined interpretation of the resistivity, thickness, depth, and elevation maps indicates
that groundwater can be gained from this layer with relative significances. The priority (higher
preference) can be given to the southwestern zone of the unit which displays highly resistivity
values (good water quality), thickness high (high water content) and low depth (low drilling cost).
Also, from the maps, we indicate that the groundwater fellow from the south and southwest to
north and northeast in the direction of the Gulf of Suez. Also, the resistivity distribution of the area
of the study indicated that there is affecting from seawater intrusion which reduces the values of
resistivity in the northeast direction of the study area.

Figure 12 here

6.4.2. Deep Aquifer (Pliocene aquifer):

The deep aquifer composed of sand saturated with brackish to freshwater. This unit (deep
aquifer) displays values of resistivity varying from 11 to 60 Ohm.m, the thickness of 26-80 m,
variable depth to the water of 58-118 m to the upper surface of this unit and elevation above the
sea level varying from -5 m to -81m (Fig.12). Combined interpretation of the resistivity, thickness,
depth, and elevation maps shows that groundwater can be obtained from this layer with relative
significances. The precedence can be given to the southwestern zone of the layer which displays
highly resistivity values (good water quality), thickness high (high water content) and low depth
(low drilling cost). Also, from the maps, we indicate that the groundwater fellow from the
southwest to northeast in the direction of Suez Gulf. Also, the resistivity distribution of the area of
the study indicated that there is affecting from seawater intrusion which reduces the values of
resistivity in the northeast direction of the study area.
7. Conclusion
Geologic, hydrogeologic and borehole data exposed that there are two groundwater
reservoirs in Ain Sokhna area including the present study. It includes Two sandy layers (shallow

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and deep) disconnected by a conductive thick clay layer. This study aimed to assessment the
present situation of groundwater in the Quaternary and Pliocene aquifers at Galala plateau
Northwest Gulf of Suez. Review of the got geophysical outcomes and relationship with the
accessible geologic, and hydrogeologic data uncovered that the shallow aquifer is consists of
Coarse Sand with silt immersed with water and the deep aquifer is consists of the sand with
brackish to fresh water. The two zones were influenced by high contrasts in the topographic rise.
Resistivity maps show that groundwater in the shallow aquifer might be of good quality than the
water in deep Aquifer. The most appropriate areas for burrowing new water wells possess the
southwestern zone of the area of study for both zones. Also, from the maps, we indicate that the
groundwater fellow from the south and southwest to north and northeast in the direction of the
Suez Gulf. Also, the resistivity distribution of the study area indicates that there is affecting from
seawater intrusion which reduces the values of resistivity in the northeast direction of the study
area.

8. Acknowledgment
We gratefully acknowledge Dr. Mohammed Abdel Zaher and Dr. Khamis from NRIAG
for field observations made along the geophysical lines.
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FIGURE CAPTIONS
Figure 1. Physical image map of the studied site.
Figure 2. Digital Elevation Map (DEM) of the site showing the elevation differences and flow
direction routes (blue).

Figure 3. (a) Geological map northwestern Gulf of Suez (after CONOCO,1987). (b) The
composite lithologic section in the vicinity of the area of study without scale (modified after
Abdallah and Abd El-Hady, 1966).
Figure 4. 1-D VES Data Inversion for the four sites considered using the IPI2win program.

Figure 5. Decay curves of TEM resulted according to time and induced voltage (a) TEM station
01, (b) TEM station 02, (c) TEM station 03 and (d) TEM station 06.
Figure 6. TEM inversion model at site #1 correlated with the borehole data at the close site used
to control the inversion.
Figure 7. 1-D model inversion examples of the TEM stations of the present study. At sites #2,
site #3, site #6 and site #8.
Figure 8. A tentative geologic Profile P1 compiled using the resistivity model inversion of VES
and TEM data along the profile. Surface elevation obtained from the DEM model.
Figure 9. A tentative geologic Profile P2 compiled using the resistivity model inversion of VES
and TEM data along the profile. Surface elevation obtained from the DEM model.
Figure 10. A tentative geologic Profile P3 compiled using the resistivity model inversion of VES
and TEM data along the profile. Surface elevation obtained from the DEM model.
Figure 11. Contour maps for the shallow aquifer showing (A) spatial average resistivity, (B)
isopach, (C) depth from the surface to the water table, (D) genuine elevation of the water surface
referenced to the sea level.
Figure 12. Contour maps for the deep aquifer showing (A) spatial average resistivity, (B) isopach,
(C) depth from the surface to the water table, (D) genuine elevation of the water surface referenced
to the sea level.

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Highlights For the manuscript Assessment groundwater occurrences using VES/TEM

techniques at North Galala plateau, NW Gulf of Suez, Egypt

 Groundwater occurrences composed mainly of two aquifers

 First Aquifer composed of coarse sand with silt, shows low to moderate resistivity

 Second aquifer shows low resistivity values that may show fresh to brackish water

 groundwater flow from southwest to north and northeast towards the Gulf of Suez

 Seawater intrusion in deep aquifer in the northeast directions towards the Gulf