Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Coupling WetSpass and MODFLOW for groundwater recharge assessment: case study of the Takelsa multilayer aquifer, northeastern Tunisia

  • Article
  • Published:
Geosciences Journal Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The water scarcity and its socio-economic significance with respect to water demand for agriculture, industry and tourism, in the northeastern Tunisia (Cap-Bon), are at the origin for prospecting new groundwater resources and for developing groundwater models that can be used to their control and management. The Takelsa multilayer aquifer is one of the important aquifers of the northeast in Tunisia. It is among the aquifers which are still slightly known in spite of its exploitation since the 80s. This paper is aimed to quantify the groundwater recharge of the Takelsa multilayer aquifer. The groundwater recharge is assessed using WetSpass which is a physically based model integrated in GIS ArcView as a raster model. The simulated results are given seasonally and yearly at the grid level. These results are subsequently incorporated in the groundwater flow simulation model MODFLOW in order to simulate the hydraulic head distribution. The steady state groundwater flow calibration was obtained by comparing the observed and the simulated hydraulic heads. The mean annual evapotranspiration, surface runoff and groundwater recharge simulated by WetSpass, are 461, 92 and 22 mm, respectively. The groundwater recharge represented 4.3% of the precipitation while 17.8% and 89% are respectively lost by surface runoff and evapotranspiration.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abu-Saleem, A., Al-Zu’bi, Y., Rimawi, O., Al-Zu’bi, J., and Alouran N., 2010, Estimation of water balance components in the Hasa Basin with GIS based WetSpass model. Journal of Agronomy, 9, 119–125.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Aouissi, J., Benabdallah, S., Chabaâne, L.Z., and Cudennec, C., 2014, Modeling water quality to improve agricultural practices and land management in Tunisian catchment using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool. Journal of Environmental Quality, 43, 18–25.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Al Kuisi, M. and El-Naqa, A., 2013, GIS based spatial groundwater recharge estimation in the Jafr basin, Jordan–Application of WetSpass models for arid regions. Revista Mexicana de Ciencias Geológicas, 30, 96–109.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bakker, M., Bartholomeus, P.R., and Ferré, A.P.T., 2013, Preface groundwater recharge: processes and quantification. Hydrology and Earth System Sciences, 17, 2653–2655.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Batelaan, O. and De Smedt, F., 2001, WetSpass: a flexible, GIS based, distributed recharge methodology for regional groundwater modeling. Proceedings of a symposium on Impact of Human Activity on Groundwater Dynamics, The 6th IAHS Scientific Assembly, Maastricht, July, IAHS Publication No. 269, p. 11–17.

    Google Scholar 

  • Batelaan, O. and De Smedt, F., 2007, GIS-based recharge estimation by coupling surface- subsurface water balances. Journal of Hydrology, 337, 337–355.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barron, V.O., Crosbie, S.R., Dawes, R.W., Charles, P.S., Pickett, T., and Donn, J.M., 2012, Climatic controls on diffuse groundwater recharge across Australia. Hydrology and Earth System Sciences, 16, 4557–4570.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Batelaan, O. and Woldeamak, S.T., 2007, Arc view interface for WetSpass: User Manual. Version 13-06-2007. Department of Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, 67 p.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bautista, F., Bautista, D., and Delgado-Carranza, C., 2009, Calibration of the equations of Hargreaves and Thornthwaite to estimate the potential evapotranspiration in semi-arid and subhumid tropical climates for regional applications. Atmósfera, 22, 331–348.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ben Salem, H., 1992, Contribution à la connaissance de la géologie du Cap Bon: stratigraphie, tectonique et sédimentologie. Ph.D. Thesis, University of Tunis II, Tunisia, 157 p.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bouteldjaoui, F., Bessenasse, M., and Guendouz A., 2012, Etude Comparative des différentes méthodes d’estimation de l’évapotranspiration en zone semi-aride (cas de la région de Djelfa). Nature & Technologie, 7, 109–116.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chenini, I., Ben Mammou, A., and El May, M., 2009, Groundwater recharge zone mapping using GIS-based multi-criteria analysis: A case study in central Tunisia (Maknassy Basin). Water Resources Management, 9, 1–19.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chiang, W.H. and Kinzelbach, W., 2001, 3D–groundwater modeling with PMWIN. A simulation system for modeling groundwater flow and pollution. Springer, Berlin, 346 p.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chung, I.M., Kim, N.W., Lee, J., and Sophocleous, M., 2010, Assessing distributed groundwater recharge rate using integrated surface watergroundwater modeling: application to Mihocheon watershed, South Korea. Hydrogeology Journal, 18, 1253–1264.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dams, J., Woldeamlak, T.S., and Batelaan, O., 2008, Predicting land-use change and its impact on the groundwater system of the Kleine-Nete catchment, Belgium. Hydrology and Earth System Sciences, 12, 1369–1385.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • De Vries, J.J. and Simmers, I., 2002, Groundwater recharge: an overview of processes and challenges. Hydrogeology Journal, 10, 5–17.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • DGRE, 2010, Situation de l’exploitation des nappes phréatiques. Direction Générale des Ressources en Eau, Tunisia, 139 p.

    Google Scholar 

  • DGRE, 2013, Annuaire d’exploitation des nappes profondes. Direction Générale de ressources en eau, Tunisia, 346 p.

    Google Scholar 

  • El Idrysy, H. and De Smedt, F., 2006, Modelling groundwater flow of the Trifa aquifer, Morocco. Hydrogeology Journal, 14, 1265–1276.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fiedler, F., 2003, Simple, practical method for determining station weights using Thiessen polygons and isohyetal maps. Journal of Hydrology Engineering, 8, 219–221.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Haouchine, A., Boudouka, A., Haouchine, Z.F., and Nedjaï, R., 2010, Cartographie de la recharge potentielle des aquifères en zone aride. Cas de la plaine d’el Outaya, Biskra-Algerie. European Journal of Scientific Research, 45, 594–607.

    Google Scholar 

  • Harbaugh, A.W., Banta, E.R., Hill, M.C., and McDonald, M.G., 2000, Modflow-2000, The U.S. Geological Survey Modular Ground-Water Model–User Guide to Modularization Concepts and the Ground- Water Flow Process. U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, 120 p.

    Google Scholar 

  • Healy, W.R. and Cook, G.P., 2002, Using groundwater levels to estimate recharge. Hydrogeology Journal, 10, 91–109.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jarvis, A., Reuter, H.I., Nelson, A., and Guevara, E., 2008, Hole-filled SRTM for the globe Version 4, available from the CGIAR-CSI SRTM 90 m Database (http://srtm.csi.cgiar.org/).

    Google Scholar 

  • Moiwo, J.P., Lu, W., Zhao, Y., Yang, Y., and Yang, Y., 2010, Impact of land use on distributed hydrological processes in the semi-arid wetland ecosystem of Western Jilin. Hydrological Process, 24, 492–503.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mogheir, Y. and Ajjur, S., 2013, Effects of climate change on Groundwater resources (Gaza strip case study). International Journal of Sustainable Energy and Environment, 1, 136–149.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mosbahi, M., Benabdallah, S., and Boussema, R.M., 2014, Sensitivity analysis of a GIS-based model: A case study of a large semi-arid catchment. Earth Science Information, 8, 569–581.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Park, C., Seo, J., Lee, J., Ha, K., and Koo, M.H., 2014, A distributed water balance approach to groundwater recharge estimation for Jeju Volcanic Island, Korea. Geosciences Journal, 18, 193–207.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rwanga, S.S., 2013, A review on groundwater recharge estimation using WetSpass model. Proceedings of the International Conference on Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE’2013), Johannesburg, Nov. 27–28, p. 156–160.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sanford, W., 2002, Recharge and groundwater models: an overview. Hydrogeology Journal, 10, 110–120.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Scanlon, R.B., Healy, R.W., and Cook, P.G., 2002, Choosing appropriate techniques for quantifying groundwater recharge. Hydrogeology Journal, 10, 18–39.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Scanlon, R.B., Keese, E.K., Flint, L.A., Flint, E.L., Gaye, B.C., Edmunds, M.W., and Simmers, I., 2006, Global synthesis of groundwater recharge in semiarid and arid regions. Hydrological Process, 20, 3335–3370.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shaban, A., Khawlie, M., and Abdallah, C., 2006, Use of remote sensing and GIS to determine recharge potential zones: the case of Occidental Lebanon. Hydrogeology Journal, 14, 433–443.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sophocleous, M., 2005, Groundwater recharge and sustainability in the high plains aquifer in Kansas, USA. Hydrogeology Journal, 13, 351–365.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tammal, M., Kili, M., El Gasmi, E.H., Mridekh, A., and El Mansouri, B., 2014, Modeling multi-aquifer system of Tadla basin and plateau of phosphates. International Journal of Innovation Science and Research, 6, 172–180.

    Google Scholar 

  • Teklebirhan, A., Dessie, N., and Tesfamichael, G., 2012, Groundwater recharge, evapotranspiration and surface runoff estimation using WetSpass modeling method in Illala catchment, northern Ethiopia. Momona Ethiopian Journal of Science, 4, 96–110.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tilahun, K. and Merkel J.B., 2009, Estimation of groundwater recharge using a GIS-based distributed water balance model in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia. Hydrogeology Journal, 17, 1443–1457.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thornthwaite, C.W., 1948, An approach toward a rational classification of climate. Geography Review, 38, 55–94.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, S., Shao, J., Song, X., Zhang, Y., Huo, Z., and Zhou, X., 2008, Application of MODFLOW and geographic information system to groundwater flow simulation in North China Plain, China. Environmental Geology, 55, 1449–1462.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, Y., Lei, X., Liao, W., Jiang, Y., Huang, X., Liu, J., Song, X., and Wang, H., 2012, Monthly spatial distributed water resources assessment: a case study. Computers & Geosciences Journal, 45, 319–330.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Woldeamlak, T.S., Batelaan, O., and De Smedt, F., 2007, Effects of climate change on the groundwater system in the Grote-Nete catchment, Belgium. Hydrogeology Journal, 15, 891–901.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yeh, F.H., Lee, H.C., Hsu, C.K., and Chang, H.P., 2009, GIS for the assessment of the groundwater recharge potential zone. Environmental Geology, 58, 185–195.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yun, P., Huili, G., Demin, Z., Xiaojuan, L., and Nobukazu, N., 2011, Impact of land use change on groundwater recharge in Guishui River Basin, China. Chinese Geographical Science, 21, 734–743.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zammouri, M., Jarraya-Horriche, F., Odo, B.O., and Benabdallah, S., 2014, Assessment of the effect of a planned marina on groundwater quality in Enfida plain (Tunisia). Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 7, 1187–1203.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zammouri, M., Siegfried, T., El-Fahem, T., Kriâa, S., and Kinzelbach, W., 2007, Salinization of groundwater in the Nefzawa oases region, Tunisia: results of a regional-scale hydrogeologic approach. Hydrogeology Journal, 15, 1357–1375.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zektser, I.S. and Everett, L.G., 2006, Groundwater Resources of the World and Their Use. National Groundwater Association Press, Westerville, Ohio, 346 p.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, LR01ES06 Mineral Resources and Environment Laboratory, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, 2092, Tunisia

    Nesrine Ghouili, Mounira Zammouri & Boutheina Farhat

  2. Center of Water Research and Technologies, Geo-resources Laboratory, Techno-park Borj-Cedria, Soliman, BP 273, Tunisia

    Nesrine Ghouili, Faten Jarraya Horriche & Sihem Benabdallah

Authors
  1. Nesrine Ghouili
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Faten Jarraya Horriche
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Mounira Zammouri
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Sihem Benabdallah
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Boutheina Farhat
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Nesrine Ghouili.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Ghouili, N., Horriche, F.J., Zammouri, M. et al. Coupling WetSpass and MODFLOW for groundwater recharge assessment: case study of the Takelsa multilayer aquifer, northeastern Tunisia. Geosci J 21, 791–805 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12303-016-0070-5

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12303-016-0070-5

Key words

Search

Navigation