A problem in Egypt

[Old Rocks]

GSA TODAY



Article, pp. 4–11 | Full Text | PDF (1MB)

Increased Land Subsidence and Sea-Level Rise are Submerging Egypt’s Nile Delta Coastal Margin

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• JD Stanley
• PL Clemente

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Jean-Daniel Stanley1*, Pablo L. Clemente2*

1 Mediterranean Basin (MEDIBA) Program, 6814 Shenandoah Court, Adamstown, Maryland 21710, USA
2 Dept. of Geographic and Environmental Systems, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, Maryland 21250, USA




Abstract
Egypt’s Nile delta, only ~1 m above mean sea level at the Mediterranean coast, is subject to uneven rates of submergence. This is a response to several factors leading to increasing land lowering (subsidence) of the northern delta and adjacent seafloor, plus an accelerating rise in eustatic (world) sea level in the Mediterranean. An average eustatic sea-level rise of ~3 mm/yr represents only ~26% to 45% of total relative sea-level rise measured along this margin. Three factors leading to subsidence are neotectonic lowering, compaction of Holocene sequences, and diminished sediment replenishment by much reduced Nile flow to Egypt’s coast. Subsidence accounts for variable average land lowering of ~3.7 mm/yr of section in the NW delta, ~7.7 mm/yr in the N delta, and ~8.4 mm/yr in the NE delta, based on compaction rates of strata thicknesses that decrease down-core between top and base of Holocene sections in 85 drill cores distributed along the delta margin. Among present critical challenges are marked reduction of Nile water and sediment below the High Aswan Dam that can now reach the delta coast. It is expected that problems of fresh water and energy poverty in the lower Nile Basin are likely to be seriously exacerbated in years ahead by construction of Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam (GERD). Completion of this, the biggest hydroelectric structure in Africa, is this year. Egypt, the Sudan, and Ethiopia must resolve the looming crisis of diminished Blue Nile water and sediment distribution to the lower Nile Basin and Egypt’s delta margin.

A combination of factors here, but an early warning of what is to come for all land within two meters of sea level.

 

[flacaltenn]

GSA TODAY



Article, pp. 4–11 | Full Text | PDF (1MB)

Increased Land Subsidence and Sea-Level Rise are Submerging Egypt’s Nile Delta Coastal Margin

Search GoogleScholar for

• 
  
  
  • JD Stanley
  • PL Clemente

Search GSA Today

Jean-Daniel Stanley1*, Pablo L. Clemente2*

1 Mediterranean Basin (MEDIBA) Program, 6814 Shenandoah Court, Adamstown, Maryland 21710, USA
2 Dept. of Geographic and Environmental Systems, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, Maryland 21250, USA




Abstract
Egypt’s Nile delta, only ~1 m above mean sea level at the Mediterranean coast, is subject to uneven rates of submergence. This is a response to several factors leading to increasing land lowering (subsidence) of the northern delta and adjacent seafloor, plus an accelerating rise in eustatic (world) sea level in the Mediterranean. An average eustatic sea-level rise of ~3 mm/yr represents only ~26% to 45% of total relative sea-level rise measured along this margin. Three factors leading to subsidence are neotectonic lowering, compaction of Holocene sequences, and diminished sediment replenishment by much reduced Nile flow to Egypt’s coast. Subsidence accounts for variable average land lowering of ~3.7 mm/yr of section in the NW delta, ~7.7 mm/yr in the N delta, and ~8.4 mm/yr in the NE delta, based on compaction rates of strata thicknesses that decrease down-core between top and base of Holocene sections in 85 drill cores distributed along the delta margin. Among present critical challenges are marked reduction of Nile water and sediment below the High Aswan Dam that can now reach the delta coast. It is expected that problems of fresh water and energy poverty in the lower Nile Basin are likely to be seriously exacerbated in years ahead by construction of Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam (GERD). Completion of this, the biggest hydroelectric structure in Africa, is this year. Egypt, the Sudan, and Ethiopia must resolve the looming crisis of diminished Blue Nile water and sediment distribution to the lower Nile Basin and Egypt’s delta margin.

A combination of factors here, but an early warning of what is to come for all land within two meters of sea level.

How many deltas do you know that aren't a couple meters above sea level? Is the subsidence (which is 60% of THIS problem) caused by CO2?

Seems like they are more worried about existing and proposed damns that PREVENT natural replenishment of the delta. WHY oh WHY does every funcking problem have to reference GW???

Is it some of religious ritual that's require to acknowledge the LIST of probable causes? Stop the dam construction, the problem will be reduced.. Be a REAL environmentalist for a change.

 

[Billy_Bob]

Land subsidence is NOT CAUSED BY CO2...

Dams, which stop sediment replenishment, are what is causing the problem.. You are such and ignorant FOOL.

 

[Old Rocks]

And, Silly Billy, you still lack the ability to read. The article lists the factors involved here. In this case, the leading factor is land subsidence, followed by sea level rise. And lack of sediment and compaction also play a role. However, the sea level rise is one of the factors that we have caused. As with the lack of sediment.

 

[skookerasbil]

On scientific dictatorship............when people educate themselves, the dots connect so clearly its stoopid! Dozens of "ahh haa!" moments >>