Nile Delta case study

Question 1

What is the Nile delta?

Answer 1

The Nile Delta is delta formed in Northern Egypt where the Nile spreads out and drains into the Mediterranean sea.

Question 2

How long is the Nile delta?

Answer 2

160Km

Question 3

Name Coastal processes that occur at the Nile delta?

Answer 3

Couse materials are deposited at the end of the delta due to a loss of energy when the delta meets the sea.

This causes new channels to be formed.

Outer edges of the delta are being eroded by waves.

Coastal lagoons have seen an increase in salinity levels due to sea level rise.

Vegetation is well established on the delta since the alluvial deposits are highly fertile.

Question 4

What Challenges does the Nile face?

Answer 4

30 cm sea level rise by 2025 - which will flood 200km2

The city of Alexandria will be submerged

This will force farmers off land, which could trigger food shortages.

Question 5

How should we mitigate these?

Answer 5

Changing land use

Switch cropping activates to aquaculture

re-use drainage water for agriculture

Strengthen existing coastal engineering structures.

Integrated coastal zone management.