Hydrogeological Study of the Aquifer System in Central Tunisia: New System Structuring of Horchane Aquifers

Soumaya Chaibi, Wanissa Aydi, Moncef Chalbaoui

Laboratory Water, Energy and Environment, National School of Engineers of Sfax, Sfax City, Tunisia.

DOI: 10.4236/jwarp.2013.55050                

Abstract

Hydrogeological investigations, tectonics and seismic reflection show the complexity of the Horchane groundwater and drainage possibilities with neighboring groundwater in central Tunisia. Seismic reflection lines intersecting the region show the role of halokinetic movements, by the intrusion along preexisting faults, in the restructuring of the hydrogeological basin. The salt domes associated with a chaotic facies at the base of outcrops, that limit the Horchane basin, puch to outcrops the areas of recharge area. Geoelectric section shows the anisotropy and the importance of Mio-Plio-Quaternary (MPQ) sediment along the gutters, between the outcrops of El Hafay and Kebar on the one hand, and outcrops of Kebar and Majoura on the other. These gutters are communicated with channels that facilitate drainage of the Horchane complex groundwater by that Gammouda in North-East and Braga in East. The results of this study clearly indicate the important role of the geology in the restructuring of groundwater basins, through early halokinetic movements. (i.e. halokinetic movements). The aquifer geometry is controlled by the ascent of Triassic salt material, from the Middle Jurassic, in central Tunisia.

Keywords

Groundwater; Hydrogeological Basin; Halokinetic Movement; Aquifer Geometry; Water Recharge; Drainage; Filling; Triassic Salt Material

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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