Nile delta: Recent geological evolution and human impact

Journal Article · Fri Apr 30 04:00:00 EDT 1993 · Science (Washington, D.C.); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1126/science.260.5108.628· OSTI ID:6293052

Stanley, D J; Warne, A G ^[1]

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1. Smithsonia Institution, Washington, DC (United States)

Few countries in the world are as dependent on water from a single source as Egypt. The natural Nile cycle of flow and sediment discharge has been disrupted by human intervention, including closure of the High Aswan Dam; this intervention has resulted in a series of responses that now threaten the northern Nile delta. Erosion, salinization, and pollution are inducing a marked decline in agricultural productivity and loss of land and coastal lagoons at a time when the population is expanding exponentially. Geological analyses of radiocarbon-dated cores across the northern delta are used to interpret the interaction of sea-level changes, climatic oscillations, subsidence, and transport processes during the past 35,000 years. Recognition of long-term trends of these natural factors provides a basis to evaluate the profound impact of human activity and to assess future changes in the Nile delta ecosystem.

• OSTI ID: 6293052
• Journal Information: Science (Washington, D.C.); (United States), Journal Name: Science (Washington, D.C.); (United States) Vol. 260:5108; ISSN SCIEAS; ISSN 0036-8075
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540210* -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Basic Studies-- (1990-)
CLIMATIC CHANGE
COASTAL REGIONS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
EROSION
GROUND SUBSIDENCE
HUMAN POPULATIONS
LEVELS
MASS TRANSFER
NILE RIVER
POPULATIONS
RIVER DELTAS
RIVERS
SEA LEVEL
STREAMS
SURFACE WATERS