Evaluation of Geological Hazards for Landuse Planning in Nabq Protectorate, Southeastern Sinai Using GIS Techniques

Abdel Hamid A. Taha, Elkhedr H. Ibrahim, Ahmed S. Shalaby, Mohamed Shawky

Geology Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, El Mansoura, Egypt.
Geology Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, El Mansoura, Egypt; Department of Geology & Geophysics, King Saud University, Riyadh, KSA.

DOI: 10.4236/ijg.2013.44076                

Abstract

Nabq protectorate is one of wonderful natural places in Egypt. It is characterized by diversity of bio-lives such as mangrove forests, coral colonies, wild life plants and migratory birds. Ongoing growth of tourism industries at Sharm El Sheikh northward into the Nabq protectorate causes severe hazards on its natural resources. The aim of the present study is to assess the present geo-environmental hazards in the Nabq protectorate. Assessment includes the analysis of satellite images, topographical, geological and other ancillary geological data using GIS technology. GIS data analyses indicate that the area is under threat from some of geo-hazards. Rough topography and mass wasting with high probability of flash flooding threaten different constructions in this area. The mobilization of coastal sand dunes, wave action and tidal currents are natural impacts on Nabq ecosystems, where moved dunes leave clay soils that are removed in some places by tropical storms increasing sea water turbidity that threaten the corals and other living organisms in the tidal flat region. The seismic activity hazard in the study area is usually active on lineaments extending parallel to the trend of the Gulf of Aqaba-Dead Sea transform fault where the Nabq protectorate occupies its southern segment. Unwise planning activities destroy the natural environmental resources in Nabq area by construction of new resorts on mangrove forests, coral colonies and raised beaches. Hazard assessment identifies land suitability and land use maps that are clearly exhibit models of traditional dams and buffer strips on coastal zone and highways as well as around the Bedouin communities which are worked on tourism and fishing. These maps are urgent in need of an assessment and rehabilitation program to mitigate geo-hazard.

Keywords

Natural Protectorates; Geo-Hazard Assessments; Land Use and Land Cover Maps

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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