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Digital elevation models (DEMs) are the cornerstone for hydrological and geomorphological modeling. Herein, two Nile-tributary catchments (Wadi Al Rishrash and Wadi Atfeh) in Egypt are selected to examine the contribution of different DEMs to the accuracy of hydrological and geomorphological analyses in the hyper-arid Sahara. DEMs sources include: Advanced Land Observing Satellite-1 (ALOS) Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR) (12.5 m resolution), ALOS World 3D with 30 m resolution (AW3D30), Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER DEM with 30 m resolution) and the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM with 30 and 90 m resolution), in addition to topographic map-derived DEM (90 m resolution). Using a hypothetical uniformly-distributed 10 mm rainfall event, the estimated parameters, including: flow duration, time to peak and peak discharge rates, are almost similar for the different DEMs and thus technical aspects related to sources and resolutions of the datasets impose insignificant control on quantitative flash-flood analyses. Conversely, variations in geological and geomorphological characteristics of the catchments show more significant control on the hydrograph magnitudes as indicated by the different parameters of the two catchments. These findings indicate that understanding the geological and hydrological evolution of the catchment is essential for integrated management strategies of floods especially in the Saharan–Arabian deserts and in similar conditions of hyper-aridity and scarce in situ data worldwide.
Mohammed El Bastawesy; Omnia El Saadawy; Abotalib Z. Abotalib; Abdullah Othman; Maysa Taha; Ahmed Gaber. Examining the Impact of Different DEM Sources and Geomorphology on Flash Flood Analysis in Hyper-Arid Deserts. ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information 2021, 10, 431 .
AMA StyleMohammed El Bastawesy, Omnia El Saadawy, Abotalib Z. Abotalib, Abdullah Othman, Maysa Taha, Ahmed Gaber. Examining the Impact of Different DEM Sources and Geomorphology on Flash Flood Analysis in Hyper-Arid Deserts. ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information. 2021; 10 (7):431.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMohammed El Bastawesy; Omnia El Saadawy; Abotalib Z. Abotalib; Abdullah Othman; Maysa Taha; Ahmed Gaber. 2021. "Examining the Impact of Different DEM Sources and Geomorphology on Flash Flood Analysis in Hyper-Arid Deserts." ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information 10, no. 7: 431.
Contemporary cities continue to face significant geoenvironmental challenges due to constant rapid urbanization. Furthermore, the governments of cities worldwide are considering the green cities approach to convert their cities’ weaknesses into opportunities. The 2030 Saudi vision supports smart growth concepts, with a vision of speeding up economic growth while ensuring that natural assets strengthen the country’s foundations. The urban heat island (UHI) effect is a threatening phenomenon that increases the required cooling loads and negatively affects urban communities and the quality of life, especially in arid environments. This study integrates remote sensing and spatial network analysis to investigate the UHI using the distribution of land surface temperatures (LST) extracted from satellite data during both winter and summer seasons in Makkah city. We investigated and compared the UHIs in two districts, Al-Sharashef and AlEskan, representing the organic and deformed iron-grid with fragmented paralleled street networks, respectively. The spatial analysis of different LST maps, which were derived from Landsat-8 images revealed significant differences between the two case studies. The mean temperature for the AlEskan district was 1–1.5 °C higher than that of the Al-Sharshaf district. This difference can be attributed to the different urban fabrics between the two districts. Moreover, the zones that are currently under construction show relatively higher LST compared to residential zones. The research revealed that the organic/compact urban fabric is better than the deformed iron-grid urban fabric in mitigating the UHI. However, these results are specific to the test site; however, they emphasize the role of integration of remote sensing and spatial network analysis in urban planning. In light of these findings, we recommend integrating remote sensing-based LST analysis with spatial analysis of urban fabrics to better understand the causal effects of UHI, especially in cities located in desert environments. This can help mitigate the impact of projected global warming and contribute to improving the quality of urban life.
Mady Mohamed; Abdullah Othman; Abotalib Abotalib; Abdulrahman Majrashi. Urban Heat Island Effects on Megacities in Desert Environments Using Spatial Network Analysis and Remote Sensing Data: A Case Study from Western Saudi Arabia. Remote Sensing 2021, 13, 1941 .
AMA StyleMady Mohamed, Abdullah Othman, Abotalib Abotalib, Abdulrahman Majrashi. Urban Heat Island Effects on Megacities in Desert Environments Using Spatial Network Analysis and Remote Sensing Data: A Case Study from Western Saudi Arabia. Remote Sensing. 2021; 13 (10):1941.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMady Mohamed; Abdullah Othman; Abotalib Abotalib; Abdulrahman Majrashi. 2021. "Urban Heat Island Effects on Megacities in Desert Environments Using Spatial Network Analysis and Remote Sensing Data: A Case Study from Western Saudi Arabia." Remote Sensing 13, no. 10: 1941.
The role of faults in controlling groundwater flow in the Sahara and most of the hyper‐arid deserts is poorly understood due to scarcity of hydrological data. The Wadi Araba Basin (WAB), in the Eastern Sahara, is highly affected by folds and faults associated with Senonian tectonics and Paleogene rifting. Using the WAB as a test site, satellite imagery, aeromagnetic maps, field observations, isotopic and geochemical data were examined to unravel the structural control on groundwater flow dynamics in the Sahara. Analysis of satellite imagery indicated that springs occur along structurally controlled scarps. Isotopic data suggested that cold springs in the WAB showed a striking similarity with the Sinai Nubian aquifer system (NAS) water and the thermal springs along the Gulf of Suez (e.g., δ18O = −8.01‰ to −5.24‰ and δD = −53.09‰ to −31.12‰) demonstrating similar recharge sources. The findings advocated that cold springs in the WAB represent a natural discharge from a previously undefined aquifer in the Eastern Desert of Egypt rather than infiltrated precipitation over the plateaus surrounding the WAB or through hydrologic windows from deep crystalline basement flow. A complex role of the geological structures was inferred including: (1) channelling of the groundwater flow along low‐angle faults, (2) compartmentalization of the groundwater flow upslope from high‐angle faults, and (3) reduction of the depth to the main aquifer in a breached anticline setting, which resulted in cold spring discharge temperatures (13–22°C). Our findings emphasize on the complex role of faults and folds in controlling groundwater flow, which should be taken into consideration in future examination of aquifer response to climate variability in the Sahara and similar deserts worldwide.
Mahmoud M. Khalil; Kay Hamer; Thomas Pichler; Abotalib Z. Abotalib. Fault zone hydrogeology in arid environments: The origin of cold springs in the Wadi Araba Basin, Egypt. Hydrological Processes 2021, 35, e14176 .
AMA StyleMahmoud M. Khalil, Kay Hamer, Thomas Pichler, Abotalib Z. Abotalib. Fault zone hydrogeology in arid environments: The origin of cold springs in the Wadi Araba Basin, Egypt. Hydrological Processes. 2021; 35 (5):e14176.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMahmoud M. Khalil; Kay Hamer; Thomas Pichler; Abotalib Z. Abotalib. 2021. "Fault zone hydrogeology in arid environments: The origin of cold springs in the Wadi Araba Basin, Egypt." Hydrological Processes 35, no. 5: e14176.
This study evaluates the geo-environmental impacts of ongoing rock-cutting activities on the environment and the health of the residents in Makkah city, Saudi Arabia. The total quantity of rock-cuttings from one site was estimated using satellite data, a special algorithm, and mathematical models as 280,000 m3, which represents a large amount of rock debris from one excavation site. These debris were ultimately dumped into arid valleys. Rock-cutting processes also release a high percentage of silica dust particles (crystalline silica) and, in some cases, radon and some radioactive elements that cause alarming air pollution. Air pollutants percentage (PM2.5) reached 624 ppm and noise levels were estimated as 81 dB, which is above the acceptable limits. The total radiation intensity in the rock-cutting process areas showed normal levels, in the range of 34 milli-Roentgen/h. Conversely, inhaled dust in Mina area ranged between 35 and 190 μg/m3. The results showed also that the silica concentrations in Mina area ranged between 0.8 and 14 μg/m3, with an average concentration of 7.8 μg/m3. Medical geological and geo-biological simulations of the air pollutant hazards on human enzymes showed a notable 3B75 co-crystal form, which was characterized as glycated human hemoglobin. The ground-penetrating radar (GPR) surveys at the rock-cutting sites showed cracks and joints in the subterranean layering near the excavated areas, which were most likely caused by rock-cutting processes.
Fathy Shaaban; Abdullah Othman; Turki Habeebullah; Mohamed Metwaly. Geo-environmental impact assessment of rock-cutting activities on the mountainous urban areas, western Saudi Arabia. Arabian Journal of Geosciences 2021, 14, 1 -13.
AMA StyleFathy Shaaban, Abdullah Othman, Turki Habeebullah, Mohamed Metwaly. Geo-environmental impact assessment of rock-cutting activities on the mountainous urban areas, western Saudi Arabia. Arabian Journal of Geosciences. 2021; 14 (8):1-13.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFathy Shaaban; Abdullah Othman; Turki Habeebullah; Mohamed Metwaly. 2021. "Geo-environmental impact assessment of rock-cutting activities on the mountainous urban areas, western Saudi Arabia." Arabian Journal of Geosciences 14, no. 8: 1-13.
Sustainable water resources management in desert environment has yet to be reached due to the limited hydrological datasets under such extreme arid conditions. In the Eastern Sahara, the tectonic activity associated with the opening of the Red Sea adds more complexity to developing sustainable water management by creating multiple aquifers within subsided half-grabens along the Red Sea extension. To overcome these difficulties, a two-fold approach is adopted including integrated remote sensing and geoelectrical methods using Wadi Al-Ambagi watershed in the Eastern Desert of Egypt as a test site. First, the total discharge is estimated as 15.7 × 106 m3 following the application of a uniform storm of 10 mm effective precipitation, which exceeds the storage capacity of existing mitigation measures (5.5 × 106 m3), and thus additional dams are required. Second, the subsurface geometry of alluvium and sedimentary aquifers, within subsided blocks in the Arabian–Nubian shield (ANS), is delineated using 1D direct current and 2D electrical-resistivity tomography (ERT). Findings indicate that significant thicknesses of more than 80 m of permeable sedimentary units occur within the subsided blocks. Therefore, the scarce water resources can be managed by controlling the flash floods and suggesting proper dam sites at the location of thick alluvium and sedimentary rocks, where aquifers can be recharged representing a sustainable source for freshwater. The proposed approach is transferable and can be applied in similar arid rift-related watersheds in Saudi Arabia and worldwide.
Mohamed Attwa; Mohammed El Bastawesy; Dina Ragab; Abdullah Othman; Hamza M. Assaggaf; Abotalib Z. Abotalib. Toward an Integrated and Sustainable Water Resources Management in Structurally-Controlled Watersheds in Desert Environments Using Geophysical and Remote Sensing Methods. Sustainability 2021, 13, 4004 .
AMA StyleMohamed Attwa, Mohammed El Bastawesy, Dina Ragab, Abdullah Othman, Hamza M. Assaggaf, Abotalib Z. Abotalib. Toward an Integrated and Sustainable Water Resources Management in Structurally-Controlled Watersheds in Desert Environments Using Geophysical and Remote Sensing Methods. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (7):4004.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMohamed Attwa; Mohammed El Bastawesy; Dina Ragab; Abdullah Othman; Hamza M. Assaggaf; Abotalib Z. Abotalib. 2021. "Toward an Integrated and Sustainable Water Resources Management in Structurally-Controlled Watersheds in Desert Environments Using Geophysical and Remote Sensing Methods." Sustainability 13, no. 7: 4004.
The impact of land cover/land use (LCLU) changes on surface runoff and groundwater contamination have been widely investigated, yet their impact on groundwater mixing is still poorly understood. The stress on resources in the Nile Delta triggered a vast migration of urban, agricultural, and industrial activities to its desert fringes exposing the Quaternary alluvial aquifers to contamination and introducing new sources of recharge. Here, we integrated remote sensing, chemical, and isotopic data with multivariate statistical analysis to identify groundwater sources and the mixing dynamics in response to LCLU changes. LCLU analysis indicated an increase of agricultural and urban areas from 84 km2 to 470.5 km2 between 1972 and 2018. These changes introduced new recharge sources including wastewater and irrigation return. Three major water sources were defined including: (1) modern precipitation (cluster 3 and Miocene aquifer; δ18O: −4.59 to −0.47‰, and δ2H: −34.4 to 3.1‰) with an estimated annual recharge of 11–13.5 × 106 m2 and 5.1–6.2 × 106 m2 for El-Gafra and El-Watan catchments, respectively, (2) old Nile water (subcluster 1.1; δ18O: −0.87 to −0.53‰, and δ2H: 1 to 3.7), and (3) modern Nile water (cluster 2; δ18O: 0.49 to 2.71‰, and δ2H: 10.5 to 24.4‰). Moreover, three mixed groups were defined including: (1) a mixture of modern precipitation, wastewater and irrigation return (cluster 4; δ18O: −1.02 to 0.37‰, and δ2H: −9.3 to 6.4‰), (2) a mixture of old Nile waters and modern precipitation (subcluster 1.3; δ18O: −1.74 to −1.38‰, and δ2H: −6.8 to −2.3‰), and (3) a mixture of more than two sources with wide ranges of isotopic and chemical compositions (subclusters 1.2 and 1.4). These findings provide a good basis for further studies of groundwater mixing and assessment of contamination sources in shallow aquifers stressed by LCLU changes in hyper-arid environments.
Mahmoud M. Khalil; Tomochika Tokunaga; Essam Heggy; Abotalib Z. Abotalib. Groundwater mixing in shallow aquifers stressed by land cover/land use changes under hyper-arid conditions. Journal of Hydrology 2021, 598, 126245 .
AMA StyleMahmoud M. Khalil, Tomochika Tokunaga, Essam Heggy, Abotalib Z. Abotalib. Groundwater mixing in shallow aquifers stressed by land cover/land use changes under hyper-arid conditions. Journal of Hydrology. 2021; 598 ():126245.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMahmoud M. Khalil; Tomochika Tokunaga; Essam Heggy; Abotalib Z. Abotalib. 2021. "Groundwater mixing in shallow aquifers stressed by land cover/land use changes under hyper-arid conditions." Journal of Hydrology 598, no. : 126245.
Many countries are concerned about how concentrations of outdoor air pollutants have decreased due to control measures aftermath of the COVID-19 outbreak. In Saudi Arabia, the measures started with suspending entry to Saudi Arabia on February 27, 2020, and ended with full prevention of Saudis for outdoor movement on April 2, 2020, until the back return to normal life by the start of September 2020. These measures are expected to impact air quality levels during this period by decreasing the concentrations of air pollutants. This paper investigates the major trends of ambient air pollution (SO2, NO2, CO, O3, and PM10), and maps the spatiotemporal variability of air pollutants in Makkah city, using a continuous air quality monitoring network (6 sites) during the pre-pandemic period. Findings indicate the presence of a significant decrease of concentration rates during the lockdown period, compared with the pre-pandemic period, by 26.34% for SO2, 28.99% for NO2, 26.24% for CO, 11.62% for O3, and 30.03% for PM10. Therefore, the vehicular traffic activities represent 25–30% of the total air pollution load in Makkah city. The COVID-19 lockdown conditions in Makkah provide a unique opportunity to evaluate the impact of the reduction of vehicular traffic activities on the air quality levels of Makkah city and similar mega-cities and introduce credible solutions to improve the conditions of the ambient environment and air quality in such settings.
Essam Morsy; Turki M. Habeebullah; Abdullah Othman. Assessing the air quality of megacities during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown: a case study from Makkah City, Saudi Arabia. Arabian Journal of Geosciences 2021, 14, 1 -12.
AMA StyleEssam Morsy, Turki M. Habeebullah, Abdullah Othman. Assessing the air quality of megacities during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown: a case study from Makkah City, Saudi Arabia. Arabian Journal of Geosciences. 2021; 14 (7):1-12.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEssam Morsy; Turki M. Habeebullah; Abdullah Othman. 2021. "Assessing the air quality of megacities during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown: a case study from Makkah City, Saudi Arabia." Arabian Journal of Geosciences 14, no. 7: 1-12.
The rapid increase in the population of many of the older major cities within the countries of the Saharan-Arabian Desert is steering vast and disorganized urban expansion and in many cases introducing adverse environmental impacts such as soil erosion, rise in groundwater levels, and contamination of shallow aquifers, as well as development of deformational features including land subsidence. Using the rapidly growing city of Riyadh (1992: 467 km2; 2018: 980 km2), the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a test site, we utilized Small Baseline Subset (SBAS) interferometric analyses of 2016 to 2018 Sentinel-1 images together with multi-temporal high-resolution images viewable on Google Earth, GPS, field, land use land cover (LULC), and geological data to assess the distribution and rates of land subsidence and their causal effects. Three main causes of subsidence were identified and assessed: (1) discharge of wastewater effluents from septic systems in newly urbanized areas that lead to an increase in soil moisture, rise in groundwater levels, waterlogging, and wetting and hydrocompaction of dry alluvium loose sediments causing land subsidence (up to −20 mm/y) in wadis and lowlands; (2) the subsurface dissolution of karst formation by wastewater effluents and the collapse of voids and cavities at depth under stresses introduced by heavy construction machinery, causing sagging and land subsidence (up to −5 mm/y); and (3) leveling, compaction, and degradation of municipal and building waste materials in organized landfills and disorganized dump sites that resulted in significant land subsidence (up to −21 mm/y) and differential settling that could jeopardize the stability of structures erected over these sites. Our findings highlight the potential use of the advocated integrated approach to assess the nature and extent of land deformation associated with rapid urban growth in arid lands, and to identify areas most impacted for the purpose of directing and prioritizing remediation efforts.
Abdulaziz Aljammaz; Mohamed Sultan; Moein Izadi; Abotalib Z. Abotalib; Mohamed S. Elhebiry; Mustafa Kemal Emil; Karem Abdelmohsen; Mohamed Saleh; Richard Becker. Land Subsidence Induced by Rapid Urbanization in Arid Environments: A Remote Sensing-Based Investigation. Remote Sensing 2021, 13, 1109 .
AMA StyleAbdulaziz Aljammaz, Mohamed Sultan, Moein Izadi, Abotalib Z. Abotalib, Mohamed S. Elhebiry, Mustafa Kemal Emil, Karem Abdelmohsen, Mohamed Saleh, Richard Becker. Land Subsidence Induced by Rapid Urbanization in Arid Environments: A Remote Sensing-Based Investigation. Remote Sensing. 2021; 13 (6):1109.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAbdulaziz Aljammaz; Mohamed Sultan; Moein Izadi; Abotalib Z. Abotalib; Mohamed S. Elhebiry; Mustafa Kemal Emil; Karem Abdelmohsen; Mohamed Saleh; Richard Becker. 2021. "Land Subsidence Induced by Rapid Urbanization in Arid Environments: A Remote Sensing-Based Investigation." Remote Sensing 13, no. 6: 1109.
Makkah city is considered as a geologically transitional region that combines topographic and terrain features of the Sarawat Mountains to the east and the coastal plain of the Red Sea to the west and it is consisted of a semi-circular plateau cut by several structural valleys that were defined by faults and cracks. The surface runoff resulting from the rainstorms over the mountainous areas lead to the occurrence of flashfloods that debouch into the tributaries of valleys towards estuaries that encompass residential areas and municipal infrastructures. The present study assesses the negative impacts of flash floods on under-construction high-voltage towers in the valleys surrounding Makkah city using topographic analysis, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) surveys and field checks. Topographic modeling was implemented to delineate risky zones that are vulnerable to flash floods at the intersections between major valleys in Wadi Numan and Wadi Al Sharaya Basins and high voltage power lines. The GPR results showed the presence of three geological layers of sedimentary rocks: the first surface layer (A) is composed of alluvial sediments of fine to coarse sand with a thickness of 2 m. Followed by the second layer (B) of sand and gravel, which attains 3 m thickness. The third layer (C) consists of alluvial sediments mixed with rock fragments (diorite and quartzite diorite) and extend to a depth of more than 10 m. The GPR sections indicated that the concrete tower bases are different in thickness and depth from site to other. Different protection measures for the tower bases were suggested to avoid the adverse impacts of the flash flood. The measures varied from site to site and included the establishment of soil barriers, implementation of rocky hills, the defensive collision nets system and the concrete walls system.
Fathy Shaaban; Abdullah Othman; Turki M. Habeebullah; Waleed A. El-Saoud. An integrated GPR and geoinformatics approach for assessing potential risks of flash floods on high-voltage towers, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Environmental Earth Sciences 2021, 80, 1 -15.
AMA StyleFathy Shaaban, Abdullah Othman, Turki M. Habeebullah, Waleed A. El-Saoud. An integrated GPR and geoinformatics approach for assessing potential risks of flash floods on high-voltage towers, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Environmental Earth Sciences. 2021; 80 (5):1-15.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFathy Shaaban; Abdullah Othman; Turki M. Habeebullah; Waleed A. El-Saoud. 2021. "An integrated GPR and geoinformatics approach for assessing potential risks of flash floods on high-voltage towers, Makkah, Saudi Arabia." Environmental Earth Sciences 80, no. 5: 1-15.
Silica nanotubes (SNTs) were utilized as a scaffold for designing a novel solid chemical sensor. The optical nanosensor was designed by direct immobilization of novel azo-chromophore with two carboxylic acid groups called (Z)-2-((2-hydroxynaphthalen-1-yl)diazenyl)terephthalic acid (azo-HNTA) onto the SNTs. Beer's law was obeyed in the ranges of 5–240 and 5–150 ppb for Pd2+ and Co2+ ions, with linear correlation coefficients of 0.999 and 0.971, respectively. The novel nanosensor presented high sensitivity for very low concentrations up to 1.10 × 10−7 mol L−1 (11.7 ppb for Pd2+). The proficiency of this chemosensor for utilizing as an adsorber was tested. The (azo-HNTA) sensor presented a very quick adsorption property for the elimination of Pd2+ and Co2+ ions without preconcentration. The capacities of adsorption were 69.83 and 161.03 mg/g for Pd2+ and Co2+ ions, respectively. Additionally, this nanosensor has efficient recognition and selective recovery of Pd2+ and Co2+ ions in E-wastes.
Khlood S. Abou-Melha; Gamil A.A. Al-Hazmi; Turki M. Habeebullah; Ismail Althagafi; Abdullah Othman; Nashwa M. El-Metwaly; Fathy Shaaban; Ahmed Shahat. Functionalized silica nanotubes with azo-chromophore for enhanced Pd2+ and Co2+ ions monitoring in E-wastes. Journal of Molecular Liquids 2021, 329, 115585 .
AMA StyleKhlood S. Abou-Melha, Gamil A.A. Al-Hazmi, Turki M. Habeebullah, Ismail Althagafi, Abdullah Othman, Nashwa M. El-Metwaly, Fathy Shaaban, Ahmed Shahat. Functionalized silica nanotubes with azo-chromophore for enhanced Pd2+ and Co2+ ions monitoring in E-wastes. Journal of Molecular Liquids. 2021; 329 ():115585.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKhlood S. Abou-Melha; Gamil A.A. Al-Hazmi; Turki M. Habeebullah; Ismail Althagafi; Abdullah Othman; Nashwa M. El-Metwaly; Fathy Shaaban; Ahmed Shahat. 2021. "Functionalized silica nanotubes with azo-chromophore for enhanced Pd2+ and Co2+ ions monitoring in E-wastes." Journal of Molecular Liquids 329, no. : 115585.
Flash flood hazard assessments, mitigation measures, and water harvesting efforts in desert environments are often challenged by data scarcity on the basin scale. The present study, using the Wadi Atfeh catchment as a test site, integrates remote sensing datasets with field and geoelectrical measurements to assess flash flood hazards, suggest mitigation measures, and to examine the recharge to the alluvium aquifer. The estimated peak discharge of the 13 March 2020 flood event was 97 m3/h, which exceeded the capacity of the culverts beneath the Eastern Military Highway (64 m3/h), and a new dam was suggested, where 75% of the catchment could be controlled. The monitoring of water infiltration into the alluvium aquifer using time-lapse electrical resistivity measurements along a fixed profile showed a limited connection between the wetted surficial sediments and the water table. Throughflow is probably the main source of recharge to the aquifer rather than vertical infiltration at the basin outlet. The findings suggest further measures to avoid the negative impacts of flash floods at the Wadi Atfeh catchment and similar basins in the Eastern Desert of Egypt. Furthermore, future hydrological studies in desert environments should take into consideration the major role of the throughflow in alluvium aquifer recharge.
Omnia El-Saadawy; Ahmed Gaber; Abdullah Othman; Abotalib Z. Abotalib; Mohammed El Bastawesy; Mohamed Attwa. Modeling Flash Floods and Induced Recharge into Alluvial Aquifers Using Multi-Temporal Remote Sensing and Electrical Resistivity Imaging. Sustainability 2020, 12, 10204 .
AMA StyleOmnia El-Saadawy, Ahmed Gaber, Abdullah Othman, Abotalib Z. Abotalib, Mohammed El Bastawesy, Mohamed Attwa. Modeling Flash Floods and Induced Recharge into Alluvial Aquifers Using Multi-Temporal Remote Sensing and Electrical Resistivity Imaging. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (23):10204.
Chicago/Turabian StyleOmnia El-Saadawy; Ahmed Gaber; Abdullah Othman; Abotalib Z. Abotalib; Mohammed El Bastawesy; Mohamed Attwa. 2020. "Modeling Flash Floods and Induced Recharge into Alluvial Aquifers Using Multi-Temporal Remote Sensing and Electrical Resistivity Imaging." Sustainability 12, no. 23: 10204.
Global warming and anticipated increase in rainfall frequency and magnitude are linked to enhanced rockfall activity worldwide. Arid environments, which currently receive limited amount of annual rainfall, will be particularly subject to frequent and unpredictable rockfall activity that can substantially jeopardize human lives and infrastructures. The main scope of this study is to assess the rockfall hazards in Thawr Mountain and Al-Azyziah district, western Saudi Arabia, using integrated field, geological, climatological and remote sensing datasets and modeling. Our findings indicated that: (1) there are general increasing trends of average annual precipitation and temperature for the period between 2009 and 2019, (2) inspection of multi-temporal satellite images between 2003 and 2017 showed rapid urban expansion, mainly through modification of hillslopes for urban development, which is expected to pose critical consequences on slope instability, (3) field investigations attributed rockfall activity to weathered exfoliated granodiorite hillslopes with abundant tension cracks and steep slopes, (4) slope degrees reached 79° with a general slope direction toward the urbanized areas, and (5) the rockfall motion was simulated along six profiles with dynamic urban areas along the termination of each profile, which showed that several blocks along the six profiles can reach the profile termination with medium intensity rockfall activity and kinetic energy ranges between 50 and 80 kj. The reported rockfall motion can threaten lives, houses and infrastructures. Therefore, protective precautions were suggested to prevent and mitigate the impact of rockfall activity along the studied profiles and similar areas in the mountainous western Arabian Peninsula.
Abdullah Othman; Fathy Shaaban; Abotalib Z. Abotalib; Waleed A. El-Saoud; Safwat S. Gabr; Turki Habeebullah; Doaa Hegazy. Hazard Assessment of Rockfalls in Mountainous Urban Areas, Western Saudi Arabia. Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering 2020, 46, 5717 -5731.
AMA StyleAbdullah Othman, Fathy Shaaban, Abotalib Z. Abotalib, Waleed A. El-Saoud, Safwat S. Gabr, Turki Habeebullah, Doaa Hegazy. Hazard Assessment of Rockfalls in Mountainous Urban Areas, Western Saudi Arabia. Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering. 2020; 46 (6):5717-5731.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAbdullah Othman; Fathy Shaaban; Abotalib Z. Abotalib; Waleed A. El-Saoud; Safwat S. Gabr; Turki Habeebullah; Doaa Hegazy. 2020. "Hazard Assessment of Rockfalls in Mountainous Urban Areas, Western Saudi Arabia." Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering 46, no. 6: 5717-5731.
Even though assessment of aquifer characterization and recharge mechanisms in rift-related basins, especially in arid environments, is essential for developing sustainable management strategies and food security assurance, a little attention has been paid to understand these parameters. In this manuscript, we utilize an integrated remote sensing, hydrological and isotopic approach together with previously published data to better understand the aquifer characteristics and the respective roles of modern and paleo recharge to the post-Miocene alluvium aquifer in El Qaa plain, which represents the eastern margin of the Gulf of Suez continental rift basin. Our findings indicate that: (1) the alluvium aquifer is largely formed of sand and gravels intercalated with silt and clay lenses and exceeds 500 m thick, (2) the groundwater salinity gradually increases towards the Gulf of Suez (from 402 to 5613 mg/l) with increasing the distance from the crystalline rocks bounding the alluvium-dominated plain, (3) isotopic analysis reveals that all of the groundwater samples show mixed isotopic signature between modern and paleo waters (δ18O: −6.79 to −4.433‰, and δ2H: −46.36 to −21.99‰). Basin-scale hydrological parameters show that the aquifer receives an annual modern recharge of 39 × 106 m3 and isotopic mass balance calculations indicate that the modern water ranges between 20 and 70% of the total volume of water in the aquifer. We suggest three dam locations along the southernmost basins in El Qaa plain to enhance the modern recharge to the aquifer and to harvest surface runoff of an annual volume of 737 × 103 m3 sufficient to supply freshwater to 13 thousands of the residents of south Sinai. The present study suggests that topographically-driven modern recharge to rift-related basins is taking place with significant amounts even under hyper-arid conditions and calls for paying special attention to investigate the response of these aquifers to climate variability.
Mohamed Yousif; Hussien M. Hussien; Abotalib Z. Abotalib. The respective roles of modern and paleo recharge to alluvium aquifers in continental rift basins: A case study from El Qaa plain, Sinai, Egypt. Science of The Total Environment 2020, 739, 139927 .
AMA StyleMohamed Yousif, Hussien M. Hussien, Abotalib Z. Abotalib. The respective roles of modern and paleo recharge to alluvium aquifers in continental rift basins: A case study from El Qaa plain, Sinai, Egypt. Science of The Total Environment. 2020; 739 ():139927.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMohamed Yousif; Hussien M. Hussien; Abotalib Z. Abotalib. 2020. "The respective roles of modern and paleo recharge to alluvium aquifers in continental rift basins: A case study from El Qaa plain, Sinai, Egypt." Science of The Total Environment 739, no. : 139927.
Issaran oil field is a major heavy oil field in the Western shoreline of the Gulf of Suez, Egypt, which is facing challenges in field development and operations. Therefore, it is under development for many years to identify the required parameters to improve the quality of the produced oil. Identifying the source of groundwater mixing with heavy oil during the production process is a prerequisite. Geoelectric resistivity survey is suggested to identify aquifer characteristics, as well as the distribution of structural elements affecting the groundwater aquifer in Issaran oil field. A total of 94 Vertical Electrical Resistivity Soundings (VESs) were conducted to evaluate the groundwater aquifer. The recorded VESs were corrected and modeled to create two-dimensional profiles (2D) and areal contour maps throughout the studied site. Geoelectric modeling revealed five distinct resistivity subsurface layers. The top three layers are corresponding to dry friable gravelly sand and alluvial sediments of a total thickness of about 15–70 m and resistivity values ranging from 15 to 200 Ω m. The fourth layer represents the groundwater bearing horizon and is characterized by high degree of saline water saturation, where resistivity ranged from 0.5 to 15 Ω m. Finally, the lower stratigraphic layer is characterized by its relatively high resistivity (greater than 70 Ω m), and it is not observed through all the conducted VESs. The findings shows that the groundwater bearing horizon is structurally controlled and is mainly affected by the Red Sea structural regime, which could act as seawater passages to the oil field area.
Essam A. Morsy; Abdullah Othman. Assessing the impact of groundwater mixing and sea water intrusion on oil production in coastal oil fields using resistivity sounding methods. Arabian Journal of Geosciences 2020, 13, 1 -11.
AMA StyleEssam A. Morsy, Abdullah Othman. Assessing the impact of groundwater mixing and sea water intrusion on oil production in coastal oil fields using resistivity sounding methods. Arabian Journal of Geosciences. 2020; 13 (12):1-11.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEssam A. Morsy; Abdullah Othman. 2020. "Assessing the impact of groundwater mixing and sea water intrusion on oil production in coastal oil fields using resistivity sounding methods." Arabian Journal of Geosciences 13, no. 12: 1-11.
The Nile Delta is home to half of Egypt's population and has ample agricultural, industrial, and cultural resources, yet the land subsides in response to many natural and anthropogenic impacts. We report the recent subsidence rate and patterns in the Nile Delta using the synthetic aperture radar Sentinel-1 data of 144 images obtained between 2015 and 2019, based on coherence small baseline subset interferometry of ~2900 interferograms. We distinguished three patterns of deformation due to three different physical mechanisms: 1) The land subsides with rates ranging from −12 to −20 mm/year in major cities (such as Zagazig, Mit Ghamr, Tanta, Mansoura and Mahla) due to urban-induced loading; 2) A subsidence rate ranges between −3 and −8 mm/year along the coastal margins due to natural sediment dewatering and compaction. This rate is consistent with the global positioning system rate of −3.5 mm/year and 3) A subsidence rate ranges from −20 to −16 mm/year and −6 to −12 mm/year in newly reclaimed lands on the west and east of the delta's flood plains, respectively, due to groundwater overexploitation. Our findings, in contrast with results from previous studies of regional deformation mainly felt to be controlled by natural processes, demonstrate a localized subsidence and predominant anthropogenic control on the land deformation and call for revisiting sea level rise-related flooding models in the Nile Delta. In light of the new findings, the authorities should take necessary measures to reduce the ongoing land subsidence through enforcement of urban planning policies in the delta's flood plain and development of a sustainable management strategy for groundwater extraction.
Ashraf Rateb; Abotalib Z. Abotalib. Inferencing the land subsidence in the Nile Delta using Sentinel-1 satellites and GPS between 2015 and 2019. Science of The Total Environment 2020, 729, 138868 .
AMA StyleAshraf Rateb, Abotalib Z. Abotalib. Inferencing the land subsidence in the Nile Delta using Sentinel-1 satellites and GPS between 2015 and 2019. Science of The Total Environment. 2020; 729 ():138868.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAshraf Rateb; Abotalib Z. Abotalib. 2020. "Inferencing the land subsidence in the Nile Delta using Sentinel-1 satellites and GPS between 2015 and 2019." Science of The Total Environment 729, no. : 138868.
An integrated approach was developed to assess the sustainability, origin, age, evolution, and groundwater potential of large fossil aquifers using the Mega Aquifer System (MAS) (area: 2 × 106 km2) in the Arabian Peninsula as a test site. A two-step exercise was adopted, the sustainability of the MAS was first investigated through the analysis of GRACE data and land surface model (LSM) outputs. Then, integrated geochemical, remote sensing, and field studies were conducted to address the age, origin, hydrogeological setting, and evolution of the southern sections of the MAS (Rub Al Khali Aquifer System (RAKAS)), the area identified from the analysis of GRACE and LSMs as being the most suited for sustainable development. Analysis of GRACE and LSMs revealed: (1) the MAS central and northern sections are experiencing high groundwater extraction (6.6 km3/yr) and depletion rates (−2.8±0.8 km3 /yr) with minimum balancing potential through aquifer capture processes, yet sustainability could be achieved by reducing annual extraction by 2.8 km3, and (2) the MAS southern sections (Rub Al Khali Aquifer System (RAKAS)) are experiencing low groundwater depletion rates (eastern RAKAS: −1.8 ± 1.4 mm/yr) to steady-state conditions (western RAKAS: −0.73 ± 1.4 mm/yr). Geochemical, remote sensing, and field investigations over the RAKAS revealed: (1) the presence of west to east trending drainage networks and large-scale groundwater flow systems consistent with a meteoric source (precipitation over Red Sea Hills); (2) increasing 36Cl model ages along groundwater flow directions (up to 970,000 years), indicating aquifer recharge in wet Pleistocene periods; (3) progressive depletion in the O and H stable isotopic compositions of aquifers with increasing distance from the Red Sea Hills basement outcrops, indicating modest recharge during prevailing dry conditions; and (4) the presence of relatively fresh (TDS: 800 to 2,800 mg/L) and non-radioactive (226Ra + 228Ra < 0.185 Bq/kg) water in western RAKAS. Findings suggest that sustainable agricultural development is achievable at current extraction rates in western RAKAS and provide a replicable and cost-effective model.
Mohamed Sultan; Neil C. Sturchio; Saleh Alsefry; Mustafa K. Emil; Mohamed Ahmed; Karem Abdelmohsen; Mazen M. AbuAbdullah; Eugene Yan; Himanshu Save; Talal Alharbi; Abdullah Othman; Kyle Chouinard. Assessment of age, origin, and sustainability of fossil aquifers: A geochemical and remote sensing-based approach. Journal of Hydrology 2019, 576, 325 -341.
AMA StyleMohamed Sultan, Neil C. Sturchio, Saleh Alsefry, Mustafa K. Emil, Mohamed Ahmed, Karem Abdelmohsen, Mazen M. AbuAbdullah, Eugene Yan, Himanshu Save, Talal Alharbi, Abdullah Othman, Kyle Chouinard. Assessment of age, origin, and sustainability of fossil aquifers: A geochemical and remote sensing-based approach. Journal of Hydrology. 2019; 576 ():325-341.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMohamed Sultan; Neil C. Sturchio; Saleh Alsefry; Mustafa K. Emil; Mohamed Ahmed; Karem Abdelmohsen; Mazen M. AbuAbdullah; Eugene Yan; Himanshu Save; Talal Alharbi; Abdullah Othman; Kyle Chouinard. 2019. "Assessment of age, origin, and sustainability of fossil aquifers: A geochemical and remote sensing-based approach." Journal of Hydrology 576, no. : 325-341.
Natural and human-induced groundwater dynamics in hyper-arid aquifers play a crucial role in the evolution of the landscape. The area overlying the Saq Aquifer, in particular the Al-Qassim area within the central part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has witnessed numerous land deformation (land subsidence and fissures) events throughout the last two decades. An integrated remote sensing and hydrogeologic approach is adapted to identify areas affected by the land deformation and also to better understand the role of human-induced groundwater dynamics in the formation of these deformation features. A fourfold approach was implemented including: (1) conducting field surveys to collect observations and validate the reported deformation features, (2) applying a spatial correlation in a GIS environment for the reported damaged locations together with surface and subsurface geological features and groundwater extraction. (3) extracting the subsidence rates using SBAS radar interferometric technique using ENVISAT data sets, and (4) correlating these subsidence rates spatially and temporally with GRACE mass variations data. The results show that high subsidence rates of − 5 to − 12 mm/year along a northwest–southeast direction coincident with areas witnessing a significant drawdown in the fossil groundwater levels (up to 150 m) and a depletion (−10.1 ± 1.2 mm/year) in GRACE-derived terrestrial water storage. Findings from the present study draw attention to the quick responses of landscapes to human-induced groundwater dynamics under hyper-arid conditions.
Abdullah Othman; Abotalib Z. Abotalib. Land subsidence triggered by groundwater withdrawal under hyper-arid conditions: case study from Central Saudi Arabia. Environmental Geology 2019, 78, 243 .
AMA StyleAbdullah Othman, Abotalib Z. Abotalib. Land subsidence triggered by groundwater withdrawal under hyper-arid conditions: case study from Central Saudi Arabia. Environmental Geology. 2019; 78 (7):243.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAbdullah Othman; Abotalib Z. Abotalib. 2019. "Land subsidence triggered by groundwater withdrawal under hyper-arid conditions: case study from Central Saudi Arabia." Environmental Geology 78, no. 7: 243.
The recurring slope lineae on Mars have been hypothesized to originate from snow melting, deliquescence, dry flow or shallow groundwater. Except for the dry flow origin, these hypotheses imply the presence of surficial or near-surface volatiles, placing the exploration and characterization of potential habitable environments within the reach of existing technology. Here we present observations from the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment, heat-flow modelling and terrestrial analogues, which indicate that the source of recurring slope lineae could be natural discharge along geological structures from briny aquifers within the cryosphere, at depths of approximately 750 m. Spatial correlation between recurring slope lineae source regions and multi-scale fractures (such as joints and faults) in the southern mid-latitudes and in Valles Marineris suggests that recurring slope lineae preferably emanate from tectonic and impact-related fractures. We suggest that deep groundwater occasionally surfaces on Mars in present-day conditions.
Abotalib Z. Abotalib; Essam Heggy. A deep groundwater origin for recurring slope lineae on Mars. Nature Geoscience 2019, 12, 235 -241.
AMA StyleAbotalib Z. Abotalib, Essam Heggy. A deep groundwater origin for recurring slope lineae on Mars. Nature Geoscience. 2019; 12 (4):235-241.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAbotalib Z. Abotalib; Essam Heggy. 2019. "A deep groundwater origin for recurring slope lineae on Mars." Nature Geoscience 12, no. 4: 235-241.
Eastern Arabian Peninsula represents the main natural groundwater discharge area of the Arabian platform fossil aquifer system. In such settings, connections between aquifers could strongly affect the flow dynamics, water quality and availability as well as karst formation and landscape evolution. Geological structures such as folds and faults are central to aquifer connectivity, yet their role on groundwater flow is poorly understood. Herein, we perform mapping of exposed and buried structural features in the Qatar Peninsula using Landsat, Sentinel-2 and ALOS-PalSAR scenes, correlated with field, GPR and isotopic data to assess their role in aquifer connections and groundwater dynamics. Our results suggest that ENE-WSW oriented fold-related faults act as vertical conduits along which artesian upward leakages from the deep Aruma aquifer take place into the shallower main aquifer unit (i.e. Umm er Radhuma and Rus) in southern Qatar Peninsula. On the other hand, downward leakage from the freshwater lens in the Dammam aquifer take place in northern Qatar Peninsula. The deep, brackish, and gaseous-rich waters ascending along faults in south Qatar Peninsula, in addition to degrading the water quality in the main aquifer unit, enhance dissolution of carbonates and evaporites leading to strong karstification that produces abundant collapse features. Our findings suggest that structure controls can add significant complexity to recharge mechanisms and groundwater dynamics in fossil aquifers. Future large-scale radar subsurface mapping will be essential to resolve the variability of the water heads in such areas and its correlation to structural discontinuities.
Abotalib.Z. Abotalib; Essam Heggy; Giovanni Scabbia; Annamaria Mazzoni. Groundwater dynamics in fossil fractured carbonate aquifers in Eastern Arabian Peninsula: A preliminary investigation. Journal of Hydrology 2019, 571, 460 -470.
AMA StyleAbotalib.Z. Abotalib, Essam Heggy, Giovanni Scabbia, Annamaria Mazzoni. Groundwater dynamics in fossil fractured carbonate aquifers in Eastern Arabian Peninsula: A preliminary investigation. Journal of Hydrology. 2019; 571 ():460-470.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAbotalib.Z. Abotalib; Essam Heggy; Giovanni Scabbia; Annamaria Mazzoni. 2019. "Groundwater dynamics in fossil fractured carbonate aquifers in Eastern Arabian Peninsula: A preliminary investigation." Journal of Hydrology 571, no. : 460-470.
Chronological and geochemical data from scarp and scarp-foot depression sediments (SSDS) have been used for deciphering Saharan paleoclimates and patterns of migration of anatomically modern humans (AMH). U–Th dating of thick accumulations of SSDS indicates prevalent deposition during long-lasting cool glacial periods (marine isotope stage [MIS] 6, 8, 10, and 12) and limited deposition during warm interglacial periods (MIS 5, 7 and 13). In contrast, Quaternary sediments associated with short residence, hydrologic systems in Sinai yielded MIS 2 OSL ages of 27.7 to 10.2 ka. The lack of SSDS of MIS 2 ages and the wide range of warm and cool stages in Eastern Sahara is attributed to: (1) lengthy travel times of groundwater prior to discharge and deposition of SSDS from deep groundwater originating from distant sources, and (2) sampling and dating of SSDS from depressions where natural discharge has been apparently continuous through wet and dry periods. Given that the previously dated depression SSDS could have been deposited during dry periods, and that the ages of SSDS reflect the timing of groundwater discharge rather than the ages of the wet periods during which recharge occurred, we suggest that earlier interpretations of Saharan paleoclimate and AMH migrations that heavily relied on dating of SSDS should be revisited.
Abotalib Z. Abotalib; Mohamed Sultan; Gloria Jimenez; Laura Crossey; Karl Karlstrom; Steven Forman; R.V. Krishnamurthy; Racha Elkadiri; Victor Polyak. Complexity of Saharan paleoclimate reconstruction and implications for modern human migration. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 2019, 508, 74 -84.
AMA StyleAbotalib Z. Abotalib, Mohamed Sultan, Gloria Jimenez, Laura Crossey, Karl Karlstrom, Steven Forman, R.V. Krishnamurthy, Racha Elkadiri, Victor Polyak. Complexity of Saharan paleoclimate reconstruction and implications for modern human migration. Earth and Planetary Science Letters. 2019; 508 ():74-84.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAbotalib Z. Abotalib; Mohamed Sultan; Gloria Jimenez; Laura Crossey; Karl Karlstrom; Steven Forman; R.V. Krishnamurthy; Racha Elkadiri; Victor Polyak. 2019. "Complexity of Saharan paleoclimate reconstruction and implications for modern human migration." Earth and Planetary Science Letters 508, no. : 74-84.