Geophysical interpretation for groundwater exploration around Hurghada area, Egypt

ABSTRACT This study aims to investigate the aquifer in the Northern part of the Red Sea, Egypt. The RTP magnetic data were used to interpret of magnetic data, which was used to illustrate the depth of the basement rocks and subsurface structures. The major structural trends have the directions NE-SW, NW-SE, NNE-SSW, N-E, NNW-SSE and E-W, while the depth of the basement rocks ranges from 1000 m at the eastern part to 3500 m at the western part. The geoelectrical survey is represented through measuring 24 VESes which were collected by using Schlumberger configuration of AB/2 ranged (from 1.5 to 300 m). The results of quantitative interpretation refer to the subsurface sequence consists of four geoelectrical units. The first unit consists of alluvium with high resistivity and thin thickness. While the second one consists of sand and gravel with thickness ranging from 1 to 17 m of moderate to high resistivity. The third one consists of sandstone of low resistivity ranging from 0.32 to125 ohm.m and thickness ranging from 6 to 45 m; this unit represents the aquifer of the study area. The last geoelectrical unit consists of limestone with high resistivity. These units represent the post-Zeit formation of Quaternary (Pliocene-Pleistocene)