الفهرس 
INTRODUCTIONOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
The study area is located in the southern part of the western desert. It represents the northern part of El-Kharga oasis. It is bounded by latitudes 25° 00’ and 26° 00’ North and longitudes 30° 00’ and 31° 00’ East. The Nubian sandstone aquifer represents the main groundwater supply in El-Kharga Oasis, it consists of alternating beds of clay, shale, sand and sandstone, it is divided into four zones (A, B, C & D). Zone (A) is considered the main water resource for shallow wells which ranges in depth from 70 to 130 m. Zones (B& C) considered the main bearing productive zone for deep wells which ranges in depth from 250 to 500 m. The Nubian aquifer is classified as low to moderate potential aquifer. Groundwater belongs to good fresh water type, the major and trace element are in the recommended limits except iron element which has high concentrations ranging from 2-10 mg/l The over exploitation represent the main problem of sustainable development in the study area, large DROP in groundwater heads were recorded, it reached from 70-80 m in some localities, the main trend of water flow (NE-SW) was disturbed and more than one direction were observed , moreover, many depleted closed areas were appeared in the study area, so the continuous present groundwater extraction will lead to groundwater aquifer deterioration. The proper management and development of groundwater extraction should be satisfied, it includes prevent drilling new wells and replacement of old ones, with new ones with a proper design of wells considering the minimum spacing between wells should not be less than 2 km , periodical monitoring of groundwater heads and depth to water to obtain proper sustainable development of groundwater aquifer, finally changing the way of flood irrigation system and exchange it by more developed drip and sprinkle irrigation methods which save water this will reduce the costs and efforts, and increase benefits. Furthermore, good management of irrigation by growing crops that takes small amounts of water e.g. growing of wheat in the study area.