『Abstract
Beach profile data, covering the coast of Ras El Bar, northeast
Nile Delta, collected during the years from 1990 to 2002 combined
with landsat images for the area and sedimentological investigation
have been used to identify beach and nearshore seafloor sediment
changes. Along the coast of Ras El Bar, two accretion sectors
and one of erosion have been recognized. The first accretion sector
is located west of Damietta harbour, where the harbour jetties
have halted the littoral transport, while the second one is behind
a system of detached breakwaters protecting Ras El Bar resort.
Both the two sectors are characterized by growing shoreline with
maximum rates 〜15 and 10 m/year, respectively. Also, they have
maximum nearshore seafloor accretion rates of 〜18 and 22 cm/year,
respectively. The erosion sector is located east of Damietta port
and has a maximum rate of shoreline retreat 〜-10 m/year. Erosion
of its nearshore seafloor is indicated recording a maximum rate
of 〜-20 cm/year. The rate of net sediment volume change in the
area indicates shifting of the accretion sector (II) westward,
responding to installation of the new breakwaters unit. The two
accretion sectors are characterized by dominance of moderately
sorted fine sands in their shore area which change seaward into
less sorting very fine sands. Beach sands of the eroded sector
are poorly sorted medium grain size. The dominant constituents
of heavy mineral species in beach and sea-bottom sands are the
characteristic assemblages of the Nile deposits. The sands of
the eroded zone are relatively enriched in monazite, zircon, tourmaline,
garnet, and rutile.
Keywords: Nile Delta; Mediterranean; Engineering structures; Ras
El Bar; Damietta harbour; Egypt』
Introduction
The study area
Methods of study
Coastal processes affecting Northeastern Nile Delta
Result and discussion
Rate of shoreline changes
Rate of sea-bottom changes
Sediment volume changes
Sediment texture and heavy mineral distribution in the area
Summary and conclusion
References