An integrated approach for identification of potential aquifer zones in structurally controlled terrain: Wadi Qena basin, Egypt Hussien M. Hussien a,b, ⁎, Alan E. Kehew a , Tarek Aggour b , Ezat Korany c , Abotalib Z. Abotalib a,d , Abdelmohsen Hassanein b , Samah Morsy c a Department of Geosciences, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, USA b Geology Department, Desert Research Center, Al Matariya, Cairo, Egypt c Department of Geology, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt d Geology Department, National Authority of Remote Sensing and Space Sciences, Cairo, Egypt abstract article info Article history: Received 15 March 2016 Received in revised form 14 July 2016 Accepted 22 August 2016 Available online xxxx Wadi Qena basin represents one of the most promising regions for future development in Egypt. Fresh water sup- plies are crucial for such plans. We provide an integrated remote sensing (Landsat, ASTER DEM, Geoeye-1), geo- physical (aeromagnetic), isotopic (δ 18 O, δ 2 H), field (stratigraphic and structural interpretation) and geochemical (major dissolved ions) approach to delineate zones of potential groundwater resources in Wadi Qena basin. Four water-bearing horizons were sampled: fractured crystalline aquifer, Nubian Aquifer System (NAS), Post Nubian Aquifer System (PNAS) and the Quaternary aquifer. Findings include: (1) spatial analysis of remote sensing data in a GIS environment indicates extensive structural deformation by dextral faults trending NE-SW (i.e. Qena- Safaga shear zone [QS]) and sinistral faults trending NW-SE (i.e. Najd shear zone) and sufficient surface water supply from the east through Wadi Fattera sub-basin; (2) analysis of geophysical data indicates that these faults control the water-bearing horizons in the subsurface; (3) isotopic analysis reveals four isotopic groups including two end members, one mixed group and one mixed and evaporated group: group (I) highly depleted fossil Nu- bian waters (range: δ 18 O from -6.39 to -6.74‰ and δ 2 H from -48.21 to -52.46‰); group (II) modern waters in fractured basement (range: δ 18 O from -1.41 to -1.51‰ and δ 2 H from 5.46 to -6.04‰); group (III) a mixed cluster between NAS and modern waters (range: δ 18 O from -4.82 to -5.05‰ and δ 2 H from -33.28 to -38.54‰); and group (IV) samples which have both mixing between the Nubian and meteoric waters and also have a considerable deviation from the Global Meteoric Water Line (GMWL) (range: δ 18 O from -0.58 to -4.69‰ and δ 2 H from -19.59 to -38.68‰), (4) samples with a mixed isotopic signature (in group III), which tap the NAS and are located along the main channel of Wadi Fattera (area 3600 km 2 ) provide evidence for modern recharge along surface exposures of the NAS and enhanced infiltration along deep-seated faults; (5) samples with a mixed isotopic signature (in group IV), which tap the Quaternary and PNAS aquifers and are located along deep-seated faults provide evidence of artesian upward leakage from the deep NAS into the shallower Quaternary and PNAS aquifers. The present study improves our understanding of the role of structural control and modern recharge in exploration for aquifer potential in arid environments. © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Keywords: Water resources GIS Remote sensing Structural mapping Environmental isotope Arid environments 1. Introduction The current water shortage in Egypt and the possibilities for addi- tional deficits in River Nile water if the Nile Basin countries proceed with building dams is steering the Egyptian Government efforts to lo- cate additional new water resources. The Nubian Aquifer System (NAS) is one of the largest aquifers in the world, encompassing areas in Egypt, Sudan, Chad and Libya. During previous Quaternary wet cli- matic periods, the aquifer received enhanced recharge on regional and local scales (Yan and Petit-Maire, 1994; Sturchio et al., 2004; Adelsberger and Smith, 2010). In response to the governmental efforts, several national mega projects have been launched to bridge the gap be- tween the overpopulation problems and shortage of water resources. Examples of these projects are (1) Tushka project (226,800 ha; Sallam et al., 2014), (2) East Oweinate project (42,000 to 79,800 ha; Idris and Nour, 1990; Ebraheem et al., 2003). Wadi Qena basin is among the most promising areas in the Eastern Desert of Egypt. This is because groundwater recharge exceeds the amount in the Western Desert of Egypt; Wadi Qena basin receives an amount of 1.4 × 10 8 m 3 of modern Catena 149 (2017) 73–85 ⁎ Corresponding author at: Department of Geosciences, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, USA. E-mail addresses: Drc20006@yahoo.com, Hussien.mohammed@wmich.edu (H.M. Hussien). http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2016.08.032 0341-8162/© 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Catena journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/catena