Geomorphological and Geological Evolution of the Quaternary Nile Delta and its Rate of Subsidence

Zaghloul, Z. M.; ,

Geomorphological and Geological Evolution of the Quaternary Nile Delta and its Rate of Subsidence

by Z. M. Zaghloul, Mansoura Univ, Egypt,

Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Coastal Zone '93

Abstract:

Three-dimensional geomorphological models have been constructed for the Nile Delta, simply illustrate its development and geologic evolution from the Late Pliocene to Recent. This attempt also demonstrates the Mediterranean Sea-level regression and transgression during the Quaternary in East Mediterranean. A major progradation phase of the Delta occurred in Late Pleistocene when its coast extended to the boundary of the continental shelf forming the Mile Delta Cone; a stage that possibly took place during the Late Wurm about 20,000 years ago. This was followed by a major destructive phase in early Holocene time in association with the intermittent rise of the Sea-level. From the early Holocene to successive the northern coast of the Delta was subjected to successive submergence, emergence and again submergence. Value for the rate subsidence of the Delta have been lately determined by the author and are found to range between 0.7 to 1.1 mm/y. However, there is no fear of rapid subsidence of the Nile Delta as published lately. The real problem faced at present on the northern coast is erosion by which the sea tries to restore the area occupied by the Delta some 1.8 M.Y. ago.

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