Coasts- Nile Delta CS

Question 1

Where is the Nile Delta located?

Answer 1

-Located in North East Africa where the Nile meets the Mediterranean sea

Question 2

What are the physical factors in the Nile Delta which influence the formation of landforms within that system?

Answer 2

-High discharge brings substantial amounts of water and sediment to the delta
-When the river reaches the Mediterranean Sea, the decrease in water velocity allows the sediment to settle and contribute to the delta’s growth
-The decrease in flow velocity leads to sediment settling, forming distributaries and creating a complex network of channels and waterways
-The ebb and flow of tides can affect sediment transport and shape the delta’s morphology
-Wave erosion, sediment transport, and the interaction with marine forces contribute to the shaping of coastal landforms (Wave action/current)

Question 3

What are the long term impacts on the Nile Delta?

Answer 3

-Rising sea levels can exacerbate coastal erosion, salinization of agricultural lands, and impact low-lying settlements
-However, changes in water management, the use of fertilizers, and the diversion of water for irrigation can impact soil quality and sedimentation
-The interaction of waves, tides, and currents with the delta’s coastline can result in the loss of land, impacting agricultural areas and communities
-Human interventions, such as the construction of dams and levees, can alter sedimentation patterns and exacerbate erosion in certain areas

Question 4

What are the physical landforms within the Nile Delta?

Answer 4

-Distributaries
-Natural levees
-Estuaries
-Lagoons
-Mudflats
-Sand dunes

Question 5

What are the physical characteristics of the Nile Delta?

Answer 5

-Prevailing wind goes NW
-Eastward movement of sediment
-Waves approach from in between the West to North 60 degrees of the time
-Extends around 160km
-Suspended sediment load of 30% clay, 40% slit and 30% sand
-Average annual sediment yield of 4.26