Hydrochemistry of aquifers in the southern Dead Sea area,southern Jordan |
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| Authors: | N S Abu-Jaber N A Wafa |
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| Institution: | (1) Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan, JO;(2) Projects Department, Arab Potash Company, Ghor al Safi, Jordan, JO |
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| Abstract: | The demand for water resources in the area south of the Dead Sea due to continued development, especially at the Arab Potash
Company (APC) works necessitates that water quality in the area be monitored and evaluated based on the local geology and
hydrogeology. The objective of this paper is to provide information on the past and present status of the main aquifers under
exploitation or planned for future development. Two main aquifers are discussed: the Safi water field, presently being operated,
and the Dhiraa water field, which is being developed. The aquifer developed in the Safi water field is shallow and fed by
the Hasa fault system, which drains a significant portion of the Karak mountains. This aquifer seems to be well replenished
within the core, where no obvious long-term degradation in water quality can be identified. However, in the low recharge areas
within the distal portions of the alluvial fan, there has been a degradation in water quality with time. The degradation is
caused by the dissolution of the Lisan Marl, which is present at the outskirts of the fan system, based on hydrochemistry
of water in the wells. The Dhiraa field is a deep (800–950 m) aquifer drilled specifically for the extraction of brackish
water present in the Kurnub aquifer. Available data indicate that there are at least three distinct water types within this
field. These water types are variable in quality, and there may be potential for mixing of these waters, thus affecting the
quality of the freshest waters presently available. Tritium and oxygen isotope analysis indicate that the water is old and
possibly nonrenewable.
Received: 24 July 1995 · Accepted: 26 September 1995 |
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| Keywords: | Jordan Dead Sea Hydrochemistry Water quality |
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