ABSTRACT
This chapter explores an approach for identifying critical salinity concentration zones using a three-dimensional (3D) variable-density groundwater flow model in the Nile Delta Aquifer (NDA). The Nile Delta (ND) is the most fertile land in Egypt, inducing extensive agricultural activities. Since the 1960s, these activities were primarily sustained by surface water from the Nile. In recent decades however, increasing water demand has brought the situation that the river can no longer provide sufficient amount of water. In addition to the contribution regarding the use of a rich dataset for the model development, the thesis also presents straightforward but innovative modeling procedure for determining the present 3D salinity concentration distribution. The NDA is a semi-confined groundwater system, containing a huge groundwater reservoir. The Pleistocene is the main aquifer of the entire NDA. It is a highly productive aquifer covering the entire ND. The NDA model contains two main geological layers, the Holocene and the Pleistocene.
