Determination of Vertical Leakage for Nile Valley

by James W. Warner, Colorado State Univ, Ft. Collins, United States,
Timothy K. Gates, Colorado State Univ, Ft. Collins, United States,
Fatma A. R. Attia, Colorado State Univ, Ft. Collins, United States,
Wadie F. Mankarious, Colorado State Univ, Ft. Collins, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Urban and Regional Conflict Resolution in Water Related Issues

Abstract:

The determination of vertical groundwater leakage is particularly important for irrigated agriculture where adequate drainage is required to prevent high water tables and related problems of salt buildup and waterlogging. This paper presents results from six different methods that were used to estimate vertical leakage for the Nile Valley in Egypt. Considering the basic differences in the underlying assumptions of each method, the results were in relatively good agreement. The average vertical leakage determined for the entire Nile Valley was about 0.65 mm/day. This low rate of natural drainage results in high water tables. A salt concentration balance indicated that, given the small value of vertical leakage in the absence of artificial drainage, the salinity of the groundwater in the Nile Valley may increase to the point where it would hinder crop production.

Subject Headings: Water leakage and water loss | Salt water | Water table | Groundwater | Drainage | Water resources | Water level | Egypt | Africa | Middle East | Nile River

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