DEM-Based GIS Algorithms and 3D Geospatial Mapping for Creation of Hydrogeological Models Data in Foussana Basin (Central Tunisia)

Sami Khemiri, Ismail Chenini, Salwa Saidi, Brahim Baamar, Abdallah Ben Mammou, Fouad Zargouni

Department of Geology, Faculty of Sciences of Meknès, University of Sciences of Moulay Ismail, Meknès, Maroc.
Geomatic and Applied Structural Geology, Department of Geology, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.
Minerals Resources and Environment Laboratory, Department of Geology, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, Tunis El Manar, Tunisia.
Water, Energy and Environment Laboratory (LR3E), ENIS, Sfax, Tunisia.

DOI: 10.4236/jwarp.2013.58081                

Abstract

There are many factors which affect the hydrological, geomorphologic and hydrogeological condition of the area. In order to better comprehend all processes, a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) was developed based on Geographical Information System. This latter appears as an essential tool to facilitate the decision support and can provide very important geological information. In fact, the use of the DEM is growing dramatically with the use of the GIS and the improvement of information extracted from elevation data such as mapping of floods, forest areas, erosion, and lineaments. The spatial distribution of topographic attributes can often be used as an indirect measure of the spatial variability of these processes and allows them to be mapped using relatively simple techniques. The main purpose of this study is to model the natural surface of the earth as the most accurate and the most precise. For this end we have tried in this work to develop various types of Digital Elevation Models DEM of the Foussana rift in Central Tunisia and to demonstrate the role of these models in geological, hydrogeological and hydrological study. The 3D model is also coupled in this study with piezometric and hydrochemistry study, so a new information’s plan was mapped by multiple GIS techniques like Spatial analysis and interpolation; in order 1) to comprehend the hydrodynamic of the aquifer, 2) to quantify surface and subsurface water resources and 3) to generate water management scenarios in the study area. To this end, several groundwater samples were collected and analyzed from wells and piezometers. Examining the corresponding physical and chemical parameters showed an increase in the concentrations of hydraulic conductivity in the center of the study area and it coincided with zones with high nutrient concentration. Recommendations are proposed in this zone.

Keywords

DEM; GIS; Surface Water; Groundwater; Modeling

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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