HYDROGEO.&HYDROCHEM.STUDY OF WADI HOURAN&H4 QUADRANGLE.

Abstract

Wadi Houran and H4 Quadrangles are considered as a part of Rutba-Jezira zone which belongs to the stable shelf and is characterized by fold-fault system . The geological outcrops in the area represent Rutba , M’sad Hartha , Tayarat , Dammam , Akashat , Ratga Formations . In addition to the Quaternary deposits . The unoutcropped formations which have been penetrated during drilling within the area represent suffi , Ga’ara , Mulussa , Zor Horan and Muhaiwir . The topography of the area is relatively flat and is intersected by valleys drian towards the north and the east . The area gradually rises from the east and the northeast towards the west and the southwest . The climate of the area is under the condition of the western desert which is characterized by cold winter with low rainfall and a hot , dry summer . The Suffi , Ga’ara , Mulussa and Muhaiwir Formations are considered as the main groundwater aquifers within the area . The Suffi formation represents the deep aquifer in most parts of the area especially in the middle and eastern parts . Its water is slightly brackish ,in general, and cannot be used for human drinking , but it can be used for other purposes . The Ga’ara aquifer represents the main upper aquifer in most part of the area . Its water is fresh to slightly brackish , in general, and can be used for most purposes . The Muhaiwir Formation represents the main upper aquifer in the northwestern part of the area . Its water is slightly brackish to brackish in general and cannot be used for human drinking , but can be used for other purposes . The Mulussa Formation represents the deep aquifer at the northwestern part of the area under Muhaiwir aquifer . Its water is similar to Muhaiwir water . In other parts of the map area , Mulussa Formation represents the perched aquifers especially at the northern and the eastern parts . Water in these perched aquifers is mainly fresh and can be used for most purposes . Groundwater flow is mostly from the west to the east towards the Mesopotamian plain . Groundwater quality is variable , it is chloridic in the eastern parts , sulphatic in the western parts and bicarbonatic in the middle parts .