Kuwait University, Faculty of Science, Geology Dept., P.O. Box 5969, Safat-13060, Kuwait

ABSTRACT

Evaluation of the hydrochemical facies of the Kuwait Group aquifer in the Al-Atraf area and the presentation of supplemental methods for the classical techniques in such an evaluation are presented. Studies of the groundwater chemistry indicate that the groundwater is of sodium chloride type. The total dissolved solids of the aquifer range from 3686 to 4505 mg/l, increased from SW towards NE in the direction of groundwater flow. The Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ concen­trations were reduced, while the sodium concentration was increased as a result of cation exchange reactions. The main source of chloride and sulphate in the aquifer is saline water remaining in the sediments since their deposition. The groundwater is supersaturated with respect to calcite and aragonite, and undersaturated with respect to anhydrite, gypsum and halite.

The aquifer is considered as a confined to semi-confined aquifer, with a transmissivity ranging from 84 to 337 m²/day.