KUKU

KU ScholarWorks

  • myKU
  • Email
  • Enroll & Pay
  • KU Directory
    • Login
    View Item 
    •   KU ScholarWorks
    • Dissertations and Theses
    • Theses
    • View Item
    •   KU ScholarWorks
    • Dissertations and Theses
    • Theses
    • View Item
    JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.

    Assessment of Aquifer Mixing and Salinity Intrusion in the North-Western Sahara Aquifer System: A Hydrogeochemical Analysis- Algeria, Tunisia

    Thumbnail
    View/Open
    Meyer_ku_0099M_15016_DATA_1.pdf (7.051Mb)
    Issue Date
    2016-12-31
    Author
    Meyer, David F.
    Publisher
    University of Kansas
    Format
    139 pages
    Type
    Thesis
    Degree Level
    M.S.
    Discipline
    Geology
    Rights
    Copyright held by the author.
    Metadata
    Show full item record
    Abstract
    The North-Western Sahara Aquifer System is a complex multilayer leaky aquifer system providing water to Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya. Changing the hydrologic equilibrium through pumping can cause previously isolated saline water to mix with the fresh water in the pumped aquifers, resulting in increased salinity over time and, creating the potential for water-related conflict. The objective of this study is to identify areas where salinity intrusion is occurring now and could worsen in the future. To accomplish this, fourteen existing datasets were analyzed, yielding new insights into regional and local occurrences of salinity intrusion. Major ion chemistry and ratios of Br/Cl indicate that the source of salinity in the saline aquifers of the system, which intrude into the freshwater, is the dissolution of evaporates in the aquifer matrix. A complex geochemical system where due to the common ion effect gypsum dissolution sustains calcite saturation producing a water rich in Ca and SO4. Stable isotopes of oxygen and total dissolved solids were the best geochemical indicators of areas of salinity intrusion. Contour mapping of the Total Dissolved Solids and δ18O has shown that considerable aquifer mixing and salinity intrusion affect the aquifer system. At this time, five areas in the North-Western Sahara Aquifer system are subject to salinity intrusion.
    URI
    http://hdl.handle.net/1808/24175
    Collections
    • Geology Dissertations and Theses [232]
    • Theses [3828]

    Items in KU ScholarWorks are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.


    We want to hear from you! Please share your stories about how Open Access to this item benefits YOU.


    Contact KU ScholarWorks
    785-864-8983
    KU Libraries
    1425 Jayhawk Blvd
    Lawrence, KS 66045
    785-864-8983

    KU Libraries
    1425 Jayhawk Blvd
    Lawrence, KS 66045
    Image Credits
     

     

    Browse

    All of KU ScholarWorksCommunities & CollectionsThis Collection

    My Account

    LoginRegister

    Statistics

    View Usage Statistics

    Contact KU ScholarWorks
    785-864-8983
    KU Libraries
    1425 Jayhawk Blvd
    Lawrence, KS 66045
    785-864-8983

    KU Libraries
    1425 Jayhawk Blvd
    Lawrence, KS 66045
    Image Credits
     

     

    The University of Kansas
      Contact KU ScholarWorks
    Lawrence, KS | Maps
     
    • Academics
    • Admission
    • Alumni
    • Athletics
    • Campuses
    • Giving
    • Jobs

    The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression and genetic information in the University’s programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director of the Office of Institutional Opportunity and Access, IOA@ku.edu, 1246 W. Campus Road, Room 153A, Lawrence, KS, 66045, (785)864-6414, 711 TTY.

     Contact KU
    Lawrence, KS | Maps