Satellite-based Estimates of Groundwater Depletion in Basin of Sinai Peninsula, Red Sea, East Coast and Western Desert and Nile Delta in Egypt

Groundwater is a primary source of fresh water in many parts of the world, especially in the arid area like middle east. In this study, we use observations from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite mission to evaluate groundwater storage trends in the basin of Dead Sea, Sinai Peninsula, Red Sea, East Coast, and in Western Desert and Delta in Egypt from January 2003 to December 2016. GRACE data are analyzed and spatiotemporally correlated with ancillary information which include land surface model outputs, remote sensing observations, and field data. The study finds the both climatic and anthropogenic factors likely cause the rapid decline of groundwater in some regions in above areas. Sustainable groundwater usage management should be taken into action before residents in this region bear socioeconomic stresses.