Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-15-2013

Abstract

AspectS of the geomorphic evolution of Wadi El-Arish. Fhe largest ephemeral drainage system in the Sinai Peninsula, are still ambiguous, and its paleachannels remain undefined. One of the obstacles that impede recognition of these palcodrainage features is the variation in topography from past to present. Some of this variation is attributable to the post Miocene tectonic activity in the region. This activity might have con- tinued to the present, and led to developing an alternative course for the paleoriver. The folded Syrian Arc Belt in North Sinai had a significant influence on the shape and direction of Wadi EI-Arish. Anticlinal ridges ap- pear to have formed natural barriers that blacked the water flow across the main drainage course during humid periods, and forced Wadi El-Arish to deviate from its original course. In this research, we attempt to re- construct the structural deformation and simulate the paleotopography to understand the evolution of the paleodrainage systems of the region. The unique perspective offered by space-borne radar data was used to define the structurally controlled paleolakes along Wadi El-Arish and to trace its former course. With a length s of109 km, the former main channel course of Wadi El-Arish was depicted west of Gebel Halal. Three major palcolakes were defined within structurally controlled depressions, The largest lake occupled an area of at least 337 km² and contained approximately 10.7 km* of water when filled during pluvial phases, The simula- tion of the paleotopography was confirmed by field observations, and led to a concept for improved manage- nent of the renewable water resources in the study area. Thus, a 2 km long canal with a depth of 6 m is ecommended to be established within the structural uplif This canal would redirect the occasional runoff to a vast flat area west of Gebel Halal to provide water for approximately 1400 km* of fertile land for agricul- tural development. The flow redirection would also help to mitigate the negative effects of flash floods in El-Arish City and maximize the harvesting of rain water that would otherwise be lost to the sea.

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