Balderer W, Porowski A, Idris H, LaMoreaux JW (eds): Thermal and mineral waters: origin, properties, and applications

Excerpt

This non-traditional presentation of thermal and mineral waters is more like a compilation of case studies, comprised of an interesting selection of papers from the 38th Meeting of the Commission on Mineral and Thermal Waters of the International Association of Hydrogeologists in Cairo, Egypt in October 2009. This meeting, held in review of the 60 years of professional achievement of engineer Hussein Idris, focused on the theme “Groundwater, Thermal and Mineral Water in Areas of Arid Conditions: Consequences for the Current Situation of Climate Change and Increasing Population of Egypt.” The four subsequent topics included: (1) salinization in urban areas, (2) the hydrogeology of the Sinai Desert, (3) the possibilities for the use of hot waters in desert areas as sources of energy, and (4) the future development of oil fields. Although there is undoubtedly much focus placed on Egypt, the topics in review are significant to many regions around the world. The ten papers in Thermal and Mineral Waters: Origin, Properties and Applications lead a journey across the globe to seven different countries, highlighting both famous and remote locations with thermal and mineral waters (Fig. 1). These water sources evoke a curious range of associations for the general public, from being environmental hazards to having curative properties.

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