Rising Sea-Level and Subsidence of the Northern Nile Delta: A Case Study

  • Mahmoud Kh. El-Sayed
Chapter
Part of the Coastal Systems and Continental Margins book series (CSCM, volume 2)

Abstract

The northern Nile Delta is particularly vulnerable to a rise of sea level and subsidence. Due to its high population, key economic activities, agricultural and reclaimed lands, as well as lagoonal fish production, rising sea level will have major implications on Egypt’s economic future. A 1-m rise in relative sea level, for example, may affect 15% of Egypt’s current gross domestic product (GDP).

The northeastern region of the delta is more likely to be affected by a rise of sea level than other regions due to more rapid subsidence. Due to scanty or inaccessible information, however, the actual impact is difficult to quantify. Recommendations are outlined to overcome some of the information gaps.

Prevailing conditions and socio-economic realities in Egypt need to be taken into consideration in any future studies or development plans for the northern delta. Instead of imposing highly developed capital-intensive industrial and agricultural systems, for example, development should aim at controlling erosion, water conservation and engineering measures to protect this region from rising sea level. This approach should preferably last until a more meaningful prediction model is available for the region, one based on more concrete data.

Keywords

Gross Domestic Product Land Subsidence Coastal Lagoon Coastal Erosion Nile Delta 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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© Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 1996

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  • Mahmoud Kh. El-Sayed

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