APPLICATION OF RESISTIVITY METHOD FOR GROUNDWATER EXPLORATION IN BARRANI - SALUM SECTOR, NORTHWESTERN COAST, EGYPT

coastal zone between Sidi-Barrani and Salum is one of the promising zones for future
development. In such area, the soil quality and climate are generally suitable for agricultural activities. Nevertheless,
the application of such activities is facing the problem of water shortage. In this area, the main source of fresh water is
the shallow groundwater aquifer which is highly affected by salt water intrusion from the Mediterranean Sea causing a
great variation in water type.Using Schlumberger configuration, 54 vertical electrical soundings (VES) have been
carried out. The collected data were processed and interpreted to determine the subsurface layer parameters as well as
the groundwater quality and location of salt/fresh water interface. Results show that the study area is largely invaded
by sea water which affects the groundwater quality and accordingly its suitability for different uses. The northwestern
part of the study area near Salum represents the highly affected area by saltwater intrusion which decreases the
probability of fresh water occurrence. The southeastern parts of the study area near Sidi-Barrani have limited saltwater
intrusion effect which makes them the most probable locations for slightly brackish or fresh groundwater occurrence.