Mapping the Stable Isotopes to Understand the Geo-Structural Control of Groundwater Recharge and Flow Mechanisms (Case Study From the Northeastern Basin of the West Bank)

Abstract

Conventional stable isotopic technique was used to differentiate between the potential recharge sources and mixing and flow mechanisms in the Northeastern basin of the West Bank. The isotopic signatures from deep wells show two main fingerprints with respect to recharge sources and mechanisms. These are wells located in the upper part of the Faria fault system and along the Rujeib Moncline which are fed by triggered water in-line the fault system in the south and deep wells surrounded by the Anabta anticline to the west which are fed by the exposed Jerusalem-Hebron formations. This suggests a mixing process with freshwater sources that mainly flow to the system from southern mountains. The isotopic signatures from the shallow well in Marj Sanoor wells and Nassariyeh in the upper Faria well suggest a kind of partial recharge from the Marj Sanoor Lake leaking to the upper Faria Graben area and participating in the recharge process of these wells. The whole finding out of this project might be used for tuning and revision of the groundwater model that has been built by the Palestinian Water Authority.