Date Published:

Abstract:

This paper addresses the characterization of the Continental Intercalaire aquifer (CI) in the Tinrhert-East area of Illizi Basin on the Algerian-Libyan border, which belongs to the SASS1 system, one of the biggest transboundary aquifers in the world. This study concerns a superficies of 4 300 km2. On the basis of Mud Logging borehole data conducted in this part of the aquifer, a realistic characterization of the aquifer was done. The thickness of the CI aquifer varies from 300 m in the south to 700 m in the north, and the depth ranges from 180 m to 320 m. The interpretation of the logs showed that the aquifer is characterized by a maximum net thickness in its southwestern part (more than 600 m), the porosity is very high, ranging from 30% in the west to 24% at the Libyan borders, the permeability is low to medium around 10-5 m/s, and the maximum transmissivity values of about 8×10-3 m2/s were recorded at the center of the study area. The depth of water varies from 235 m to 312 m, and the water flows from south to north, in accordance with the general direction observed in the CI aquifer in the Northern Sahara Aquifer System (SASS). The porosity values obtained from the interpretation of the sonic and density logs permit to estimate the water reserves of this aquifer considered fossil, at thresholds much higher than what was considered until now.