Nile Delta Coastal Landforms and Human Impact

What is the Nile Delta?

One of the world's largest arcuate deltas located in Egypt where the River Nile meets the Mediterranean Sea.

How long is the Nile Delta's coastline?

Spans 240 km between Alexandria (west) and Port Said (east).

What type of delta is the Nile Delta?

A classic arcuate (fan-shaped) delta formed by sediment deposition.

How much sediment was delivered by the Nile before 1964?

Over 120 million tonnes per year.

What are the main distributaries of the Nile Delta?

Rosetta and Damietta.

What happens to sediment deposition after the construction of the Aswan High Dam?

98% of sediment no longer reaches the delta, leading to net erosion instead of deposition.

What are the shoreline retreat rates in the Nile Delta?

Rates of 25-100 meters per year in some places.

What is longshore drift (LSD) and its effect on the Nile Delta?

LSD carries sediment away from the delta from west to east.

What are the key coastal landforms in the Nile Delta?

1. Sandy Bars & Barrier Beaches, 2. Lagoons & Salt Marshes, 3. Distributary Mouth Bars, 4. Dunes & Aeolian Landforms, 5. Eroding Cliffs.

What is the largest lagoon in the Nile Delta?

Manzala Lagoon.

What are the characteristics of lagoons and salt marshes in the Nile Delta?

Shallow, brackish water formed by trapped seawater and vulnerable to salinity changes and human pollution.

What are distributary mouth bars?

Small islands/sandbanks formed by sediment load at the mouths of Rosetta and Damietta.

What are the impacts of sea level rise on the Nile Delta?

A 1m rise would flood 30% of the delta, increase salinization of groundwater, and accelerate land loss.

What human activities are putting pressure on the Nile Delta?

Urbanization, dredging, damming, canal building, pollution, and tourism.

What is the impact of urbanization on the Nile Delta?

It alters sediment flow and contributes to environmental degradation.

What type of rock predominates in the Nile Delta?

Mostly soft alluvium, which is easily eroded.

How does wave energy affect the Nile Delta?

Rising wave energy and longshore drift contribute to erosion.

What is the significance of the IPCC report regarding the Nile Delta?

It indicates that a 1m sea level rise would flood a significant portion of the delta.

What are the effects of sediment starvation in the Nile Delta?

It leads to rapid retreat of landforms and increased erosion.

What are the main causes of pollution in the Nile Delta?

Urbanization, agricultural runoff, and industrial activities.

What is the role of aeolian transport in the Nile Delta?

Wind blows fine sediment inland, contributing to coastal landform changes.