Spatial and Temporal Variability of Groundwater Aquifer Properties in Eastern Maysan Governorate, Southern Iraq

الملخص

This research focuses on studying the spatial and temporal variations in the hydrogeological characteristics of groundwater aquifers in eastern Maysan Governorate, including groundwater depth, saturated thickness of aquifers, well discharge, and water flow direction. This helps in understanding the behavior of groundwater aquifers and identifying the most suitable areas for groundwater exploitation. Analysis of data obtained from the archives of the General Authority for Groundwater revealed that the study area is characterized by two types of aquifers: the Quaternary aquifer, which is an unconfined aquifer and the main aquifer in the area, with a saturated thickness ranging from 23 to 47 meters; and the Tertiary aquifer, which is the secondary aquifer with a saturated thickness ranging from 19 to 27 meters. Groundwater flow in the area is from the northeast towards the western and southwestern parts. Well discharge is high in the northeastern parts compared to the rest of the study area, with fluctuating groundwater depths, especially in the northeastern parts, due to increased extraction. Studying and identifying these characteristics provides a scientific basis for supporting the sustainable management of groundwater and protecting it from depletion.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.54633/2333-025-059-014