1. The document describes a groundwater flow model called MODFLOW that is used to simulate aquifer systems in Egypt. MODFLOW takes inputs like maps, aquifer characteristics, and groundwater data to produce outputs like predicted groundwater levels and water budgets. 2. The model has been applied to cases in Egypt like changes in groundwater levels from pumping, modeling recharge ponds, and predicting pollutant transport distances. It has also been used to study potential saltwater intrusion under climate change scenarios. 3. While useful, all models have limitations due to computational constraints and knowledge gaps. The accuracy of MODFLOW predictions depends on the amount of input data available.

1. Modeling the Water-Food-Energy Nexus in the Arab
World : The Case of Egypt
MODELING FOR INTEGRATED WATER MANAGEMENT
PETER HANY SOBHY RIAD, PHD
APRIL 18, 2016
CONRAD - CAIRO, EGYPT

2. Contents
1. The model structure
2. The model outputs
3. The model applications (examples)
4. The model’s strengths and weaknesses

3. Visual MODFLOW
It is a finite-difference groundwater flow model to
simulate aquifers systems.
Inputs:
Maps, aquifers characteristics, groundwater levels,
external stresses and boundaries (such as: recharge
from precipitation and irrigation, pumping wells,
rivers, streams, drains, springs, reservoirs and
evapotranspiration).

4. The model structure
Maps
Model
Results
Oftenuse MODFLOW
through a Graphical User
Interface (GUI)

5. Model outputs
Execute
MODFLOW
Output
Input
1. Groundwater levels for
different scenarios .
2. Water budgets (inflow to
and outflow from the
aquifer system).
3. Pollutant transport (time
and distance).

6. Model Applications:
1. Changes in groundwater levels in Sadat City
6
* Peter H.S. Riad, Max Billib, Ahmed A. Hassan, Maha Abdel Salam and Mohamed N. El Din (2011): Application of The
Overlay Weighted Model and Boolean Logic to Determine The Best Locations For Artificial Recharge Of Groundwater",
Journal of Urban and Environmental Engineering, vol. 5, no.2, p.57-66.

7. 2. Recharging ponds
7
The concentration distribution after 30 days (80 % reaches to a distance of 1 km)
The concentration distribution after 100 days (it covers about an area of 1 km2)
concentration distribution after 30 days (Riad P., et al, 2011)
* Riad, P. H., M. Billib, P.-W. Boochs, A. A. Hassan, M. A. Omar (2011): Analytical
and Numerical Approaches for the Hydraulic Design of Artificial Recharge Ponds
in a Semi Arid Area. - Franzius-Institut für Wasserbau und Küsteningenieurwesen,
Leibniz Universität Hannover, Mitteilungen Heft 98, Seite 163-178, Hannover-
Germany.

8. 3. Pollutant transport (time and distance)
8
0.5 year
1 year
2 years
* Riad, P. H., M. Billib, P.-W. Boochs, A. A. Hassan, M. Nour Eldin, M. A. Omar
(2012): Shallow wells and surface spreading basins modeling to augment the
groundwater resources in a semi arid area in Egypt, VII International Conference
on Environmental Hydrology, 25 to 27 September 2012, Cairo-Egypt.

9. 4. Saltwater intrusion w.r.t. Climate
Changes
Map of max. allowable wells depths near to Tripoli
* A.M.S Gejam, P. H.S. Riad, M.A. Gad, K.A. Rashed and N.A.Hassan,
“Climate Change and Sea Level Rise Impacts on Seawater Intrusion at
Jefara Plain, Libya”, Journal of American Science, Feb. 2016.

10. 5. Egypt's 1.5 million feddan project
(irrigated mainly from groundwater)
The project objectives:
1. This project will expand Egypt's
prospective agricultural land 20 percent,
from eight million to 9.5 million feddans.
2. The project aims to reduce the food gap
and increase the populated area through
the creation of new urban communities.
3. the project includes digging over five
thousand water wells for a total cost of LE
6 billion ($766 million), with 600 wells to
be drilled in different areas of Egypt's
Western Desert Source:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/173472/Egypt/Politi
cs-/Egypts-Sisi-to-launch--million-feddan-project-in-l.aspx
The project new communities

11. Research points
1. Safe yield for sustainable
development.
2. Optimum distances between
pumping wells.
3. Groundwater levels changes
after 25, 50 and 100 years.
4. The best crops can be planted.

12. The model strengths
It is widely used and have been used
in different cases around the world
Features can be simulated by MODFLOW

13. The model weaknesses
1. Models are always constrained by computational limitations, assumptions, and knowledge
gaps. They can be viewed as tools to help inform decisions rather than as machines to
generate a perfect truth.
2. The less data you have, the less accuracy of prediction you expect.

14. Thank you for the Attention
Vielen Dank für Ihre Aufmerksamkeit
ُ‫ش‬ُ‫كرا‬ُ‫لح‬ُ‫سنُإستماعك‬‫م‬
14E-Mail: ph4318@yahoo.com / peter_riad@eng.asu.edu.eg