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Abstract The cultivated land in Egypt is very limited due to scare water resources. Therefore, the national development policies were directed to establish new settlements by extending the cultivated area through land reclamation. The northwestern coastal area of Egypt is one of the most promising zones for future development and for establishment of new settlements which offer new opportunities for social and economic development. In such area, the soil quality and climate are generally suitable for agricultural activities. Nevertheless, the application of such activities is faced by the problem of water shortage. In this area, the main source of fresh water is the groundwater aquifer which is highly affected by saltwater intrusion from the Mediterranean Sea. The salt/fresh water interface dramatically changes in the area causing a great variation in water type. |