Hydrogeological potential of major fractures in Eritrea

摘要: Neogene rifting and associated uplift on the western flank of Red Sea relate to a variety steep vertical faults fracture zones. These include reactivation north-northwest—south-southeast Precambrian shear zones, normal roughly parallel those earlier structures prominent east-southeast—west-northwest fractures. Where exposed, some last features prove be products large-scale dilatation contain fills up 25 m wide clastic sediments highly altered basaltic felsic dykes. dilatations may have considerable potential for groundwater production, especially as their trend takes them from areas high elevation with regionally highest precipitation lowland semi-arid areas. The lowlands interior Eritrea abundant fertile soils that were derived by erosion Tertiary volcanic rocks uplifting Eritrean Highlands. Geophysical profiling across several these in both highland terrains reveals conductive believed saturated zones Drilling has proved sustainably well yields. Although dilatational fractures are potentially useful supplying water, deep weathering catchment add soluble compounds reduce quality supplies.