Geophysical methods integration for deep aquifer reservoir characterization and modeling (Sidi Bouzid basin, central Tunisia)

Spatial variation of groundwater vulnerability to nitrate pollution under excessive fertilization using index overlay method in central Tunisia (Sidi Bouzid basin)*

“…This resource is important for agriculture and drinking water supply and natural ecosystems. Indeed, data collected from the Regional Agency of Agricultural Development (2013Development ( , 2019 and previous studies (Yangui et al,, 2011;Hadji et al, 2013;Jellalia et al, 2015;Hamdi et al, 2016;Khazri and Gabtni, 2019;Ncibi et al, 2020b) show that there are three reservoir levels which form the aquifer system of the study area (Figure 3): However, during the past three decades, the evolution of the static level of water of the Plio-Quaternary aquifer has shown a downward trend. Groundwater flow substantially follows the topography (Yangui et al, 2011;Hadji et al, 2013;Hamdi et al, 2016;Ncibi et al, 2020b).…”

“…This resource is important for agriculture and drinking water supply and natural ecosystems. Indeed, data collected from the Regional Agency of Agricultural Development (2013, 2019) and previous studies (Yangui et al .,, 2011; Hadji et al ., 2013; Jellalia et al ., 2015; Hamdi et al ., 2016; Khazri and Gabtni, 2019; Ncibi et al ., 2020b) show that there are three reservoir levels which form the aquifer system of the study area (Figure 3): Level 1: constitutes the Plio‐Quaternary shallow aquifer; it is formed by the sands of the Segui Formation, having for substratum the clays and sandy clays of the Souaf Formation. This level has a thickness between 10 and 15 m and depths from −23 to −45 m. This aquifer is located in the central zones of the basin and does not constitute lateral continuity towards the reliefs. Level 2: forms the semi‐deep aquifer of the Upper Miocene.…”

“…Sidi Bouzid North basin consists of three sub‐basins: Sidi Bouzid, El Hjal Wadi and Awled Asker. This region is characterized by a Mediterranean climate with a mean annual temperature varying between 16 and 18 °C and an average annual rainfall ranging from 360 to 1530 mm, varying according to altitude (Hajji Kolsi et al ., 2013; Khazri and Gabtni, 2019; Ncibi et al ., 2020a). The altitude of the western area is higher than 500 m + MSL (mean sea level) and in the southeastern area it does not exceed 430 m + MSL.…”

“…The Triassic appears in clear stratification outcrops on the eastern slope of Jebel Nara. It is represented by clays and gypsum in clusters of the Rheouis Formation (Tanfous et al ., 2012; Khazri and Gabtni, 2019). The Jurassic outcrops on the eastern slope of Jebel Nara and Jebel Mghila.…”

Hydrogelogical characterization of a waste rock pile and bedrock affected by acid mine drainage from geophysical survey

“…Moreover, this tool has multiple advantages when compared to conventional direct techniques, including the possibility of fast screening acquisitions, lower financial investments, wide spatial coverage, high sampling density and noninvasive procedure [13]. Besides these technical aspects, new processing data and accessible technologies developed all around the world have contributing to an increasing insertion of geophysics in a great number of studies, including the environmental ones [14][15][16]. The constant transformations of global society and changes in the lands' use and occupation have required tools that contribute to the environmental impacts' management and the rehabilitation of natural resources, like in old mining areas [17][18][19].…”