Groundwater flow model for the Nubian aquifer in the Khartoum area, Sudan

Abstract

The interbedded sands and mudstones of the Nubian aquifer provide Khartoum city with more than 43% of its drinking water. The recharge is mainly from the Nile system into semi-confined to confined conditions at depths from 10 m close to the Nile to more than 60 m away from the river. The paper briefly discusses the hydrogeology of the area and the modeling undertaken, which indicates that significant groundwater depletion will be exacerbated over the next 26 years if the present extraction rate continues unchecked. It is recommended that sensitivity studies are undertaken with continuous monitoring to create a computer database, such that appropriate levels of abstraction can be maintained.