Workshop on “INTEGRATED GROUNDWATER MODELLING, 13-16 April 2026.

The Tunisian Committee of Hydrogeology (TCH/CTH) organized a workshop on “INTEGRATED GROUNDWATER MODELLING – from data acquisition to informed decision making” from 13 to 16 April 2026. The workshop was open to participants actively involved in Hydrogeology, Groundwater modelling, Geochemistry and GIS. It was intended for Master’s and PhD students and early career researchers and professionals from universities, research institutions, and groundwater companies. The workshop combined one scientific conference and hands-on training sessions, offering participants the opportunity to strengthen their practical skills, share experiences, and discuss key challenges in groundwater modelling.

Venue: The workshop took place at the National Engineering School of Tunis (ENIT).

Fore more details upload the flyer and program of the workschop.

Our Partners:

– Laboratory of Modelling in Hydraulics and Environment, National School of Engineers of Tunis

– Laboratory of Georesources, Centre for Water Research and Technologies

– Higher School of Engineers of Medjez EL Bab

– Faculty of Sciences of Tunis

– National Institute of Agronomy of Tunisia

– Research Project SAGITU-PRC2025 « Gestion durable et Intelligente des aquifères »

Organizing Committee:

Dr. Faten Jarraya-Horriche: LGR-CERTE, CTH/TCH-AED
Dr. Fatma Trabelsi: ESIM, CTH/TCH-AED
Dr. Fairouz Slama: LMHE-ENIT, CTH/TCH-AED
Dr. Fadoua Hamzaoui: FST, CTH/TCH-AED
Dr. Nesrine Ghouili: LGR-CERTE, CTH/TCH-AED
Dr. Maroua Bouteffaha: LMHE-ENIT
Ing. Salsebil Bel Hadj Ali: ESIM

Trainer team:

Dr. Faten Jarraya-Horriche: LGR-CERTE, CTH/TCH-AED
Dr. Fatma Trabelsi: ESIM, CTH/TCH-AED
Dr. Fairouz Slama: LMHE-ENIT, CTH/TCH-AED
Dr. Fadoua Hamzaoui: FST, CTH/TCH-AED
Dr. Nesrine Ghouili: LGR-CERTE, CTH/TCH-AED
Dr. Maroua Bouteffaha: LMHE-ENIT
Ing. Salsebil Bel Hadj Ali: ESIM
Dr. Nizar Troudi FST
Dr. Nesrine Nasri LMHE-ENIT, ISTEUB
Dr. Aroua Mannai LMHE-ENIT

Participants :

The workshop participants came from various institutions: ENIT, CERTE, ESIM, FST, INAT, FSB, CBBC, ISSTEG, ISSTE Borj Cedria, DGRE, CRDA de Zaghouan, CRDA de Sousse et CRDA de Nabeul.

Schedule of the Workshop:

Day 1:

Opening: The opening session was honored by:

Mr. Lotfi Mohamed Lotfi Nacef, President of “Association Eau et Développement” AED
Dr. Lamia Guelouz, Head of Civil Engineering Department ENIT
Dr. Ammar Mlayah, Head of Georesources Laboratory LGR CERTE

Conference: Groundwater flow and solute transport modelling, provided by Dr. Faten Jarraya-Horriche from LGR CERTE. An overview on modelling was presented, including types and classifications of models as well as the laws and equations. A workflow outlining the various stages of groundwater modeling was given.

Session 1: Geological modelling. This session was presented by Dr. Nesrine Ghouili from LGR CERTE in place of Dr. Imen Hassen ENIT

Session 2a: Groundwater Flow Modelling using Processing MODFLOW. This first session-stage was provided by Dr. Faten Jarraya-Horriche and Dr. Nesrine Ghouili from LGR CERTE. The second stage of this session continued on Day 3.

Day 2:

Session 3: Estimation of the Evapotranspiration (ETP) based on Earth Observation (EO) data using Google Earth Engine. This session was insured by Dr Fatma Trabelsi and Eng Salsebil Bel Hadj Ali Salsebil from ESIM. It focused on the practical application of EO data and the GEE platform to estimate evapotranspiration (ETP) a key component for assessing aquifer recharge. Participants engaged in hands-on exercises to explore EO datasets, apply processing workflows on GEE, and better understand how ETP can be integrated into groundwater modeling. The session emphasized the importance of data-driven approaches to improve water resource management, especially under increasing climate change.

Day 3:

Session 2b: Groundwater Flow Modelling using Processing MODFLOW, delivered by Dr. Faten Jarraya-Horriche and Dr. Nesrine Ghouili from LGR CERTE. During the first and second stage of this session, participants gained fundamental skills, from building the conceptual model to performing calibration under both steady-state and transient conditions. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the effects of faults, pumping, and hydraulic barrier. Participants learned also how to analyze model outputs, such as hydraulic heads, water balance, drawdown, and seawater intrusion as well as the procedures for model calibration.

Day 4:

Session 4: Groundwater recharge estimation using HYDRUS-1D, delivered by Dr. Maroua Bouteffeha and Dr. Aroua Manai from LMHE ENIT. Participants were introduced to the fundamental principles of water flow in variably saturated soils and the use of HYDRUS-1D for simulating infiltration and estimating groundwater recharge. The session covered the key steps of model setup, parameterization, and interpretation of simulation outputs, with a focus on applications in Hydrology and water resources management.

Session 5: Groundwater Geochemical Modeling, delivered by Dr. Fadoua Hamzaoui and Dr. Nizar Troudi from FST, and Dr. Nesrine Nasri and Dr. Arwa Manai from LMHE ENIT. Participants received training on the fundamental concepts of water geochemistry, covering the full workflow from data collection and sampling to laboratory analysis and processing of results using various geochemical methods. They were introduced to geochemical tools and codes, including Diagram, PHREEQC pitzer and Grapher software’s, and learned how to interpret results to determine the origins of geochemical composition and identify the processes responsible for mineralization.

Closure:

The closing ceremony of the Workshop was honored by our Guests and the members in attendance of the Organizing Committee: