المستخلص: |
The Saq aquifer represents one of the major groundwater sources in Saudi Arabia. The study area constitutes the northwestern part of Saudi Arabia that includes major cities from Qassim and Hail in the east to Al-Jouf in the north, Tabuk in the northwest and Al-Madinah Al-Monawarah in the southwestern part. The analysis of hydraulic parameters of ground water shows that the regional flow system is directed towards the northwest. Statistical analysis of groundwater was carried out using scatter plots, correlation, cluster, principle components, and factor analysis. The results of analyzing data by these techniques indicated the presence of strong relation between sodium, calcium, chloride, Electrical Conductivity and Total Dissolved Solids. Two main clusters were identified and these clusters were divided into six subgroups. Further classification by principal component and factor analysis, shows three factors responsible for the variations in groundwater quality of the Saq aquifer.
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