scholarly journals THE NILE LITTORAL CELL AND MAN'S IMPACT ON THE COASTAL ZONE OF THE SOUTHEASTERN MEDITERRANEAN

1984 ◽  
Vol 1 (19) ◽  
pp. 109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas L. Inman ◽  
Scott A. Jenkins
Keyword(s):  
Coastal Waters ◽  
Coastal Erosion ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
River Flow ◽  
Nile Delta ◽  
Mediterranean Coast ◽  
Nile River ◽  
Sediment Source ◽  
Littoral Cell ◽  
The Mediterranean

Man's intervention with coastal processes takes many forms. However, the most serious large scale, long term coastal erosion results from the interception by dams of rivers supplying sediment to the coast. This loss of sediment may have catastrophic effects along coasts where streams discharge directly into coastal waters. The Nile littoral cell is an impressive example of the effect of dams on coastal erosion. The Nile littoral cell is located in the southeastern Mediterranean Sea and extends 700 km from Alexandria, Egypt in the south to Akko, Israel in the north. The sediment load from the Nile River was deposited along the submerged portion of the delta, where it was sorted and transported to the east by the prevailing waves and by currents of the counterclockwise east Mediterranean gyre that commonly flows at about 50 cm sec over the delta. Prior to 1964, the turbid plume of the flood waters of the Nile River could be traced along the Mediterranean coast for over 700 km to the shores of Lebanon. Fine silt and clay sized material were carried easterly and into deeper water, while sand is carried easterly along the shelf and shore as far as Haifa Bay. Until 1964, the major sediment source of the littoral cell was the Nile River. Construction of the High Aswan Dam, which began filling in 1964, has resulted in a near absence of Nile River flow into the Mediterranean and a corresponding complete loss of the Nile River as a source of nutrients to coastal waters, and as an active sediment source for the delta and the coastline of the Nile littoral cell. As a result, the Nile Delta is now subject to severe erosion in a number of localities.

scholarly journals Seagrass as major source of transparent exopolymer particles in the oligotrophic Mediterranean coast

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (22) ◽  
pp. 5069-5075 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Iuculano ◽  
Carlos Maria Duarte ◽  
Núria Marbà ◽  
Susana Agustí
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Leaf Litter ◽  
Coastal Waters ◽  
Posidonia Oceanica ◽  
Mediterranean Coast ◽  
Transparent Exopolymer Particles ◽  
Coastal Beach ◽  
Nw Mediterranean ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Nw Mediterranean Sea

Abstract. The role of seagrass, Posidonia oceanica, meadows as a source of transparent exopolymer particles (TEPs) to Mediterranean coastal waters was tested by comparing the TEP dynamics in two adjacent coastal waters in the oligotrophic NW Mediterranean Sea, one characterized by oligotrophic open-sea waters and the other accumulating seagrass leaf litter, together with an experimental examination of TEP release by seagrass litter. TEP concentrations ranged from 4.6 to 90.6 µg XG (xanthan gum) Eq L−1, with mean (±SE) values of 38.7 (± 2.02) µg XG Eq L−1 in the site devoid of seagrass litter, whereas the coastal beach site accumulating leaf litter had > 10-fold mean TEP concentrations of 487.02 (± 72.8) µg XG Eq L−1. Experimental evaluation confirmed high rates of TEP production by P. oceanica litter, allowing calculations of the associated TEP yield. We demonstrated that P. oceanica is an important source of TEPs to the Mediterranean Sea, contributing an estimated 76 Gg C as TEPs annually. TEP release by P. oceanica seagrass explains the elevated TEP concentration relative to the low chlorophyll a concentration in the Mediterranean Sea.

scholarly journals Seagrass as major source of transparent exopolymer particles in the oligotrophic Mediterranean coast

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Iuculano ◽  
Carlos M. Duarte ◽  
Núria Marbà ◽  
Susana Augustí
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Leaf Litter ◽  
Coastal Waters ◽  
Posidonia Oceanica ◽  
Mediterranean Coast ◽  
Transparent Exopolymer Particles ◽  
Coastal Beach ◽  
Nw Mediterranean ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Nw Mediterranean Sea

Abstract. The role of seagrass, Posidonia oceanica, meadows as a source of transparent exopolymer particles (TEP) to Mediterranean coastal waters was tested by comparing the TEP dynamics in two adjacent coastal waters in the oligotrophic NW Mediterranean Sea, one characterized by oligotrophic open-sea waters and the other accumulating seagrass leaf litter, together with an experimental examination of TEP release by seagrass litter. TEP concentrations ranged from 4.6 µg XG Eq L−1 to 90.6 µg XG Eq L−1, with mean (±SE) values of 38.7 (±2.02) µg XG Eq L−1 in the site devoid of seagrass litter, whereas the coastal beach site accumulating leaf litter had > 10-fold mean TEP concentrations of 487.02 (±72.8) µg XG Eq L−1 . Experimental evaluation confirmed high rates of TEP production by P. oceanica litter, allowing calculations of the associated TEP yield. We demonstrated that P. oceanica is an important source of TEP to the Mediterranean Sea, contributing an estimated 0.10 Tg C as TEP annually. TEP release by P. oceanica seagrass explains the elevated TEP concentration relative to the low chlorophyll a concentration in the Mediterranean Sea.

scholarly journals Sand Beach Nourishment: Experience from the Mediterranean Coast of Israel

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Menashe Bitan ◽  
Dov Zviely
Keyword(s):  
Coastal Erosion ◽  
Beach Nourishment ◽  
Mediterranean Coast ◽  
Sand Beach ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Physical Conditions ◽  
The Poor ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Open Shelf

Beach nourishment along the Mediterranean coast of Israel represents a new approach to mitigate coastal erosion by adding suitable sand to threatened beaches. This ‘soft’ solution has become more environmentally and economically acceptable than traditional ‘hard’ solutions, such as seawalls, revetments, detached breakwaters and groins. Beach nourishment projects have been implemented on the Israeli coast north of Ashdod Port (2011), north of Ashkelon Marina (2015) and in the south of Haifa Bay (2016–2017). The performance of these projects was analyzed and compared with nourishment projects along the Mediterranean beaches of Italy, France and Spain. Despite a lack of detailed documentation on most of the European nourishment projects, they proved more durable than the Israeli projects, which were compromised when the imported sand eventually washed offshore. Key factor for the Israeli projects’ failure include the unsuitable morphology of the beaches; insufficient unit sand volume (m3/m—volume of nourished sand per meter of the beach length); and imported sand that was too fine versus native sand. The unique physical conditions of the Israeli coast specifically, its open shelf and straight coastline subject to relatively high waves with a very long fetch—also contributed to the poor durability of the nourishment. To improve durability on future projects: imported grain size should be at least 1.5–2.0 times the native sand; unit sand volume should be 400–500 m3/m; and supporting measures should be utilized as appropriate.

scholarly journals Western Mareotis lake(s) during the Late Holocene (4th century BCE–8th century CE): diachronic evolution in the western margin of the Nile Delta and evidence for the digging of a canal complex during the early Roman period

2021 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-52
Author(s):  
Maël Crépy ◽  
Marie-Françoise Boussac
Keyword(s):  
Lake Level ◽  
Late Holocene ◽  
Nile Delta ◽  
Mediterranean Coast ◽  
Roman Period ◽  
Hellenistic Period ◽  
New Kingdom ◽  
Medieval Period ◽  
Western Margin ◽  
The Mediterranean

Abstract. Lake Mareotis (modern Mariut), located near the Mediterranean coast of Egypt west of the Nile Delta, is bordered by ancient sites dating from the New Kingdom (end of the 2nd millennium BCE) to the Medieval period (8th century CE), the most famous one being Alexandria. In its western part (wadi Mariut), several sites are equipped with harbour structures, but they also have structures contemporaneous with them that are not compatible with the lake level required for the operation of the harbour. Between the 1990s and 2010, several sedimentological studies tried to solve this paradox without completely succeeding. To go further, this study is based on the reassessment of geoarchaeological data and on the analysis of early scholars' accounts (1800–1945), maps (1807–1958) and satellite photographs (Corona). It allows us to reconstruct the extension of the lake(s) at different periods in wadi Mariut. During the 1st millennium BCE, the Mariut lagoon experienced a drawdown in its western part, and several distinct lakes formed, followed by building operations in some emerged areas during the Hellenistic period (332–30 BCE). During the early Roman period (30 BCE–284 CE), the digging of several canals in the 2nd century CE to connect the sites of the wadi Mariut to the eastern part of the Mariut basin reconfigured the lake(s).

Genetic Diversity and Structure of the Nile Soft-Shelled Turtle (Trionyx triunguis) Along the Mediterranean coast of Turkey

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 307-315
Author(s):  
Özgür Güçlü ◽  
Bülent Bozdoğan
Keyword(s):  
Microsatellite Loci ◽  
Geographic Distance ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Genetic Variations ◽  
Mediterranean Coast ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Mediterranean Populations ◽  
Genetic Diversity And Structure ◽  
Polymorphic Microsatellite ◽  
The Mediterranean

The Nile soft-shelled turtle (Trionyx triunguis) is distributed between Dalyan and Samandağ throughout the Mediterranean coast in Turkey. The Mediterranean subpopulation of the Nile soft-shelled turtle is listed as critically endangered in the IUCN Red List Categories. This investigation aimed to determinate levels of genetic variations and patterns of genetic structures among Mediterranean populations in Turkey by using T. triunguis-specific microsatellite primers. A total of 13 polymorphic microsatellite loci were studied among samples of 121 individuals collected from five populations in Turkey. Of 13 polymorphic microsatellite loci used, 3 new were identified in this study. The genetic differentiation among the 5 studied populations of T. triunguis was significant (p 0.001). The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that genetic variations occurred mainly within populations (89.7%) rather than among populations (10.3%). Structure analysis showed presence of two main groups among the Mediterranean T. triunguis populations. However genetic variations among populations were not correlated with geographic distance between the locations. Analysis of data showed that one of the populations (Dalyan) had undergone a bottleneck effect. Migration analysis indicates that T. triunguis migrates between five Mediterranean populations in Turkey. We concluded that based on our results the status of ‘critically endangered’ of T. triunguis should be maintained. Long term population genetic survey studies should be undertaken and changes in habitats of T. triunguis populations, as well as their population size and structure should be monitored for each population to be able to establish a clear strategy for protection of T. triunguis.

Alexandria, Kom el-Dikka. Fieldwork in the 2019 season

2020 ◽  
pp. 469-496
Author(s):  
Grzegorz Majcherek
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Direct Evidence ◽  
Geometric Design ◽  
Late Antique ◽  
Construction Work ◽  
Floor Tiles ◽  
Stone Material ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Late Roman

The report offers an account of archaeological and conservation work carried out at the site. Excavations in the central part of the site (Sector F) were continued for the fourth season in a row. Exploration of remains of early Roman houses led to the discovery of a well preserved multicolored triclinium mosaic floor with a floral and geometric design. A large assemblage of fragments of polychrome marble floor tiles, recorded in the house collapse, showed the scale of importation of decorative stone material from various regions of the Mediterranean. Overlying the early Roman strata was direct evidence of intensive construction work carried out in the vicinity in the form of large-scale kilnworks, supplying lime most probably for the building of the late Roman bath and cistern. Included in the presentation is a brief review of the limited conservation work that was conducted in the complex of late antique auditoria.

The Control of Pollution from River Discharges in the Mediterranean

1986 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 229-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khalil H. Mancy
Keyword(s):  
River Basin ◽  
Nile Delta ◽  
River Basin Management ◽  
Management Plan ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
European Continent ◽  
Marine Management ◽  
Circulation Patterns ◽  
Management Schemes ◽  
The Mediterranean

The pollution burden of river discharges in the Mediterranean far exceeds all other sources, e.g. land based sources. The main contributors are the Rhone, Po and Ebro. Contributions from the River Nile are expected to be much less than those from rivers in the European continent. Recent Nile management schemes and irrigation projects in Egypt are posing direct impacts on the Mediterranean. This includes the erosion of the Nile Delta and off-shore pollution due to wastewater discharges. In view of the prevailing circulation patterns in the Mediterranean, these impacts are dominant in the South Levantin region. Cutrent practices of river management do not necessarily include the protection of marine resources. Similarly, sea protection programs do not include pollution from sources in the river basin. Marine management programs are largely concerned with pollution loads at the points of river discharge. In the case of a land-locked sea, such as the Mediterranean, it is particularly important to integrate river basin management schemes in the sea protection program. Under a suitable management plan, it could be possible to determine main sources of sea pollution within the river basin. This should serve as the basis for the implementation of control measures, since the problem is not exclusively within the river basin.

The formation of the Egyptian Arabic dialect area

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Behnstedt ◽  
Manfred Woidich
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Coast ◽  
External Factors ◽  
Internal Factors ◽  
Dialect Contact ◽  
Historical Information ◽  
Egyptian Arabic ◽  
Transitional Area ◽  
The Mediterranean

This chapter deals with the sedentary dialects of Egypt, excluding the bedouin dialects of Sinai and the Libyan bedouin dialects on the Mediterranean coast. It attempts to combine historical information on the settlement of Arabic tribes in Egypt with accounts of present-day Egyptian dialects and those of the regions from which those tribes came, initially Yemen and the Levant, later Hejaz, and then the Maghreb. The diversity of the Egyptian Arabic dialect area is partly explained by external factors, namely different layers of arabization over centuries. It is also explained by internal factors, namely dialect contact, which implies phenomena such as hyperdialectisms. Egypt is seen as a dialect area in its own right, but one that shows phenomena of a transitional area between the Arab East and West. A case study of Alexandria deals with dialect death. The role of substrata is discussed, but is considered negligible.

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