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Integrated hydrogeological study of a tectonically controlled aquifer system: The Rohia–Sbiba graben, Central Tunisia

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Abstract

The Rohia–Sbiba graben in Central Tunisia exhibits interesting hydrogeological characteristics with complex aquifer systems encompassing several Cretaceous to Quaternary hydrogeological units. To define the geometrical development of the aquifer units and to give new insights on recharge, mineralization and hydrodynamic processes, an integrated hydrogeological study was conducted. Gravity, electrical data and groundwater physicochemical parameters together with statistical analysis provided detailed information on the aquifer’s geometry and their hydrodynamics and mineralization processes. The tectonic control of the graben sedimentary fill gave thick permeable deposits ensuring high storage capacity. These deposits exhibit complex geometry and record variable conditions of stream-flow, deposition and erosion related to the migration of surface drainage channels. The recharge of this aquifer system is ensured by direct infiltration of meteoric water from surface flows and artificial recharge structures. The groundwater samples exhibit sulfated and calci-magnesian chloride facies. The chemical elements result mainly from the dissolution of evaporitic rocks and tend to accumulate within the detrital aquifer downstream; the shallow carbonated aquifers are disposed to transfer groundwater laterally to the subsided detrital units. The combination of geophysical, hydrochemical and statistical approaches in studying the hydrogeology of these tectonically controlled aquifers provided a comprehensive understanding for developing long-term management of groundwater.

Research highlights

  • Geophysical data and groundwater physicochemical parameters together with statistical analysis were used to decipher the aquifer’s geometry, hydrodynamic and mineralization processes.

  • The tectonic control of the aquifer system is highlighted and discussed.

  • The BMLP and major oxides (CaO and MgO wt%) along the growth laminae may be associated with CaCO3 deposition, reflecting surface precipitation and disequilibrium conditions.

  • Preserved biogenic remains associated with primary features may depict biogenic activity.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank Dr Dipankar Saha the Associate Editor of JESS for handling the manuscript and the anonymous reviewers for their helpful and constructive comments that helped us to improve this work. We also thank the Regional Commissariat for the Agricultural Development of Kasserine, Tunisia, for their collaboration in piezometric measurements and chemical analysis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Sciences of Gafsa, Sidi Ahmed Zarroug, University of Gafsa, Gafsa, 2112, Tunisia

    Mouez Gouasmia, Ferid Dhahri, Mhamdi Abdelkader & Idris Salhi

  2. Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, Sedimentary Basins and Petroleum Geology, University of Tunis El Manar, El Manar II, Tunis, 2092, Tunisia

    Mouez Gouasmia, Mhamdi Abdelkader & Mohamed Soussi

  3. Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, Geodynamics, Geo-digital and Geomaterials, University of Tunis El Manar, El Manar II, Tunis, 2092, Tunisia

    Ferid Dhahri

  4. Water Researches and Technologies Center Borj-Cedria (CERTE), 8020, Soliman, BO 273, Tunisia

    Hakim Gabtni

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  1. Mouez Gouasmia
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  2. Ferid Dhahri
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  3. Mhamdi Abdelkader
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Contributions

Gouasmia M and Dhahri F conceived the idea of this study and were in-charge of overall direction and planning. Gouasmia M performed the chemical and statistical analysis and geoelectrical survey with the contribution of Salhi I. Dhahri F contributed to the fieldwork and mapping and to draft the manuscript. Mhamdi A contributed to the interpretation and discussion of geoelectrical data. Gabtni H helped in the processing and interpretation of gravity data. Soussi M contributed to the discussion of the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Mouez Gouasmia.

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Communicated by Dipankar Saha

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Gouasmia, M., Dhahri, F., Abdelkader, M. et al. Integrated hydrogeological study of a tectonically controlled aquifer system: The Rohia–Sbiba graben, Central Tunisia. J Earth Syst Sci 130, 221 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12040-021-01718-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12040-021-01718-8

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