The role of groundwater resources in the sustainable development projects in the northwestern area of Libya

Abstract

The sustainable development processes in the arid and semi-arid areas depend essentially on the potentiality of groundwater resources. This target concentrates on understanding aquifers' capability, considering water quantity and water quality. The study area is considered one of these arid areas, which lies in the northwestern portion of Libya. It covers an area of about 300 km² and lies between 10° 30' & 11° 50' E and 31° 30'   & 32° 20^' N. The study area comprises three water bearing formations, namely Jurassic Sandstone, fractured dolomitic limestone and Quaternary sand.  The evaluation of the productivity of the wells for each aquifer and its water quality plays an outstanding role in the strategy of development priorities in the study area. 

The distribution maps of productivity and salinity for Jurassic sandstone aquifer and Fractured Dolomitic Limestone aquifers show that the study area's western and northwestern portions are promising for sustainable development processes due to high productivity and good water quality.

Concerning the Quaternary aquifer, the productivity of wells and its water salinity increase in the same direction towards the east and northern east portions. So, these areas should be recommended for the activities which need brackish water type.