Integration of geological investigations with multi-GIS data layers for water resources assessment in arid regions: El Ambagi Basin, Eastern Desert, Egypt
Water resources assessment in arid lands is of a particular interest, not only in scientific terms, but also under the concept of sustainable development. The study area (El Ambagi basin), represents a remote arid area with a scarcity of data. The measured effective porosity and permeability revealed high potentialities of the Nubian sandstone and Oligocene sediments. The hydrogeologic setting indicates favorable conditions for groundwater accumulation where there is an opportunity of recharge, and thus, the sustainability of the groundwater. The research approach is based on geological investigations as well as several data layers in the GIS environment including landforms, lithology, slope, soil, morphometric parameters, structural lineaments, and geophysical data. Several specific sites were suggested as targets for future groundwater explorations. The studied basin contains four sub-basins which have an intensive drainage network. The morphometric parameters revealed that they have potential for surface runoff occurrence and also for groundwater recharge. Two of the investigated sub-basins show high hazard degrees and should be protected to avoid flash floods. The estimated runoff volume from a single rainfall event (27 mm) can reach 3316.42 × 103 m3. Hence, management of rainwater harvesting and protection measures against flash floods are necessary. A future water resources management strategy, based on results of the multidisciplinary study, is proposed.