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Journal of Environmental Hydrology
ISSN 1058-3912 |
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Electronic Journal of the International Association for
Environmental Hydrology
JEH Volume 17 (2009), Paper 16 Posted July 25, 2009 NEW DIMENSIONS IN STUDYING TRANSBOUNDARY AQUIFERS IN AFRICA: SEISMIC INDUCED HYDROLOGICAL CHANGES
Samir Anwar Al-Gamal ABSTRACT The interaction between volcanism, tectonic activities, and uplift results in aquifer compartmentalization, discontinuous groundwater flow, lower groundwater storage, and complex groundwater flow patterns. Hydrologic changes can occur in response to large earthquakes including (1) large drop of the water table in the mountainous areas; (2) rapid increase of discharge along active faults; and (3) change of chemistry of discharged water. Researchers have concluded that earthquakes offer a unique way to observe how hydrological systems behave, from small watersheds to transboundary aquifers which represent aquifers of large areal extent.Seismic events inducing hydrological changes have not received sufficient attention from most researchers although many parts of the African continent are located at the intersection of two seismically active tectonic belts. The proper management of transboundary aquifers in Africa should consider all factors to promote basin awareness by working to increase and exchange knowledge of groundwater units. Seismic events inducing hydrological changes is a new dimension that should be considered in studying shared aquifers in Africa. Reference: Al-Gamal, A.S. 2009. New dimensions in studying transboundary aquifers in Africa: seismic induced hydrological changes. Journal of Environmental Hydrology, Vol. 17, Paper 16. CONTACT: Samir A. Al-Gamal Sahara and Sahel Observatory Boulevard du Leader Yasser Arafat, BP 31 Tunis Carthage Tunisia E-mail: samir.algamal@yahoo.com |
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