The Nature of Groundwater Aquifers in the Murzuq Basin and the Purposes of Their Exploitation during the Period (1987–2005)

Abstract

Abstract

The Murzuq Basin is considered one of the most important groundwater basins in Libya. It is hydraulically connected to the Jadu Basin in northern Niger and to the Illizi Basin in eastern Algeria. Surrounded by a series of uplands, the basin has a favorable opportunity for recharge through occasional rainfall events that occur in the region during certain years. Spread across a geographical area of about 350,000 kmÇ, the basin encompasses numerous oases, the most prominent of which are Sabha, Wadi Al-Shati, Wadi Al-Hayat, Ghat, Murzuq, Al-Qatron, and others.

The Murzuq Basin contains two main groundwater reservoirs with an estimated exploitable groundwater reserve of 45,000 kmÑ, suitable for various purposes. The highest recorded decline in the groundwater level reached 1.9 meters in Wadi Al-Hayat, mainly due to intensive withdrawal and the expansion of well-drilling for agricultural activities. In contrast, the overall average decline throughout the basin did not exceed 0.9 meters.