Protective Works on The Coast

A.M. Fanos[', A.A. Khafagyt and R.(;. Deant

tCoastal Research Institute tDepartment of Coastal and If) EI Pharaana Street Oceanographic Engineering EI-Shallalat University of Florida , Gainesville, FL ;t26 11, U.S.A. ABSTRA(~T"""""""""""""""""".

FANOS, A.M.; KHAFAGY, A.A., and DEAN, RG., 1995. Protective works on the Nile Delta Coast. Journal of Coastal Research; 11(2), f)16 52H. Fort Lauderdale (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

The Nile Delta Coast is a dynamic system which in historic times was in equilibrium or experienced an excess of sediment due to the large quantities of sediments discharged to the through the various Nile branches. With the construction of the nine barrages (dams) along the main course of the river commencing at the beginning of the 20th century, the Nile Delta coastal zone has exhibited a .... 1&-- sediment deficit and thus erosion, especially around the three main headlands, i.e., Rosetta, EI Burullus, ~nd D,amiet~. This erosion has. been particularly alarming since the construction of the Aswan High Dam III 1964, which trapped essentially all the flood sediments in its storage basin. Erosion is not the only tr~Hlble affecting the Delta coast. High rates of easterly longshore transport which cause shoaling of the N d~ m(~llths and the outlets of the northern lagoons are also a serious problem; they directly affect coastal navigation and the eco-system of the lakes and consequently fish production. The aims of this paper are as follows: (1) to present a brief review of the major existing coastal problems along the Nile Delta Coast, and (2) to provide a general description of the protective measures that have been implemented in the coastal zone to address these problems.

ADDITIONAL INDEX WORDS: Nile Delta, erosion, accretion, protective structures.

IN1~RonIJ(:1'1 ()N between 1800 and 1900, the Rosetta promontory The Nile Delta complex was formed by sedi­ advanced :t6 krn (:H) m/yr) while the Damietta mentary processes which occurred between the promontory advanced about.S km (:30 m/yr). Dur­ upper Miocene period (NIELSEN, 1977) and the ing about the same t.ime period, Burg El-Burullus present. In classical times, frorn GOO HC to 1100 village, east of Lake Hurullus outlet, had already AI) the Nile had several branches (SAID, 1981; been rnoved to the south two or three times be­ AL-AsKARY and FIUHY, 198G; COEHTELLIl':H and cause of a continuous trend of shoreline retreat , 1987) which have subsequently silted (C}{I/UNESC()/lJNl)P, 1978). ~)OO up and been replaced by the present two branches From 1 to the present, sediment discharge namely Rosetta and Damiett.a (Figure 1). The relative to that lost by dynamic factors was ef­ central headland of Hurullus was formed by the fectively eliminated because of the control works old "Schcnnet.ic" branch 1,000 years ago (()l{LOVA constructed on the river itself and/or coastal in­ and ZENKOVICH, 1974). terfering with longshore transport, i.e., construc­ The amount of river sediment discharged into tion east of EI-Arish Port. Shoreline erosion rates the Mediterranean relative to those sediments that accelerated after the construction of the High As­ are lost by the dynamic factors of wind, wave and wan Darn in 1964. Although earlier constructed current action governs the advance and retreat of darns had reduced the amount of sediment reach­ the coastline. Prior to 1~)OO, the sediment supply ing the sea, it was the High Aswan Dam that is was sufficiently large to maintain a reasonably credited with trapping essentially all the rest of stable shoreline. The sediment supply by the Nile the river's load, an amount estimated at being was estimated to be rnore than 100 million tons about 19 x l O" rn/year, (HAMMAD et al., 1979). per year (l-IAMMAD et al., 1979). It caine Irorn as Some erosion is probably due to profile equili­ far away as the Ethiopian Mountains, some 2,240 bration of the earlier prograded profiles. However, kin distant. Old maps (SESTINI, 1976) showed that the dominant erosion is believed to be a result of the strong gradients in longshore transport pri­ rnarily for those shorelines characterized by sig­

93106 receuwd :W Septemher 191M:llccepted If! rl'pisioTl 5 Ma.)' 1994. nificant planfonn convexity. Although highly Nile Delta Coast 517

Alexandria Beache~ Shatbi

Ibrahirnaya CD Stanley c Miyami ~ El- N EI-tvtlndara EI- COwIe ::iE El-Mamura 1 ~ co CD 0' 3 ~ ~ a. a. > 1> OJ ~. ::iE ~ l ~ (1) ~ VI OJ OJ -:J :J (1) 0.. ~ 0 0 ~. ~. c VI :3 eli· ~ :r , ~ € ii) ''o~ ,~ W ~ ,~, OJ , 0 ~ S"

Study Area L.Maryut n OJ :J ~ o 20 40 Ei) 80 100 Km

Figure 1. General map of the locations on Egyptian coast discussed in text.

variable, spatially net longshore sediment trans­ Damietta), two positive features of lesser prom­ port (ranging from 400,000 to as high as 3.2 million inence (Burullus and El-Bardawil), and is concave m'' per year) has been estimated (FRIHY et al., between (Figure 1). According to accepted coastal 1992; EL-FISHAWI et al., 1991). Siltation in the sediment transport principles, concave shorelines coastal lake outlets and in the exits of the Nile are areas of transport convergence and accrete, estuaries presents an additional problem. This whereas convex shoreline segments (promonto­ could lead to serious impacts, especially on es­ ries) erode. tuaries and lake fishery productivity and on coast­ In the delta there are four lakes connected to al navigation. the sea: Idku, Burullus, Manzalla and EI-Barda­ This paper presents a brief review of the Nile wil from west to east. In addition, there is a closed Delta Coast and its problems. It also provides a lake near Alexandria, Maryut Lake. There are general description of the protective measures that also four channels which empty into the sea, two are either in the planning stage or have been con­ distributaries of the Nile at Rosetta and Dami­ structed to address shoreline erosion and/or to etta, and two drains at Kitchener and Gamasa. improve lake flushing and navigation. Three major harbors are located on the coast: Al­ exandria Harbor, new Damietta Harbor and Port DESCRIPTION OF THE DELTA COAST Said Harbor. In addition there is a small one known The Nile Delta Coast (Figure 1) is situated in as El-Arish port (Figure 1). the southeastern part of the Mediterranean Sea. The coastline is sandy in nature except near It extends from the west at Alexandria to the east Alexandria where rocky formations prevail. Sed­ at Rafah, a total distance of about 450 km. The iment size gradually reduces from 0.35-0.15 mm coastline has two promontories (Rosetta and in Abu Quir Bay to 0.06-0.07 mm in the Damietta-

Journal of Coastal Research, Vol. 11, No.2, 1995 518 Fanos, Khafagy and Dean

Port Said coastal stretch. Pockets of much coarser (INMAN and JENKINS, 1984) to be approximately sediment, up to 0.45 mm have been found along 1~3 x lO" m' of sand annually. the shores in the areas of Abu Quir and Burullus (MANOHAR, 1981). Erosion of Burullus Headland Erosion of the Burullus Headland stretch, which is located 90 km east of Alexandria and extends COASTAL PROBLEMS ALONG THE for 60 km, has been occurring since the ninth NILE DELTA SHORELINE century AD, when the ancient Sebennetic Nile As noted, problems along the Delta coast can be branch (Figure 1) seems to have become inactive divided into three types: (1) problems due to re­ and its water and sand were diverted to both the duction in sediment supply, (2) problems due to Rosetta and Damietta branches (CRI/UNESCO/ structures, and (3) problems due to the siltation UNDP, 1978). The rate of erosion was about 6 of lake outlets and the mouths of Nile branches. m/year (TETRA TECH, 1984) causing erosional The following provides more details on each group damage to El Burg village. Figure 3a shows the of problems. Areas discussed extend from west to shoreline change west and east of Burullus outlet east. during the period from 1909 to 1989. On the western side of the lake outlet, erosion PROBLEMS DUE TO THE LOSS OF SAND occurred from 1909 to 1964. Following construc­ Erosion of Alexandria Beaches tion of the western jetty at the Burullus Lake There are nine beaches in the Alexandria area outlet in 1971, which impounded the strong net that appear to be experiencing slow but persistent easterly transport, accretion occurred to the west erosion. There is evidence that both waves and of the outlet (FANOS, 1990). The western barrier currents are causing sand loss at many locations between the sea and Burullus Lake has a history including beaches of Shatbi, Ibrahimiya, Stanley, of southward migration due to wind-blown sand Miyami, EI-Asafra, EI-Mandara, EI-Montaza transported from the coast side to the lake side Cove, El-Mamura and Abu Quir beaches. This where it is deposited (SHEREET, 1990). area is updrift of modified outlets and thus the Along the eastern side of Burullus outlet, the erosion is probably due to natural causes. shoreline was straight until 1947 when a concrete sea wall was constructed to protect EI Burg village Erosion of Rosetta Promontory from erosion and flooding. This seawall has pre­ The erosion of this promontory, located some vented erosion behind it but has transferred the 50 km to the east of Alexandria, started about the erosion farther to the east of the eastern terminus time of construction of the Aswan Low Dam (1902). of this seawall, where the shoreline is retreating This erosion has been well documented and thor­ rapidly and continues to cut into the high sand oughly studied by many investigators (NIELSEN, dunes backing the beach in this area. 1977; KHAFAGY et al., 1981; FANOS et al., 1989). Erosion of Baltim Beach Resort Figure 2a shows shoreline positions at various times. The erosion rates for the western part of Baltim Sea resort (Figure 1) is located on a very the promontory for the periods 1900-1941, 1941­ active convex shoreline some 120 km to the east 1964, 1964-1971, 1971-1982 and 1982-1989 were of Alexandria. This shoreline has a net long-term 18, 33, 93, 230 and 40 m/year respectively, and shoreline retreat of about 4-5 m/year (Figure 4a) were 16, 26, 115, 130 and 100 m/year for the east­ (TETRA rrECH, 1984). Annual shoreline fluctua­ ern part of the promontory during the same pe­ tions due to moving cusps, however, have been riods (FANOS et al., 1989). The old Rosetta light­ documented to be on the order of about 100 m, house, which was 950 m inland from the tip of and a number of houses have been lost to the sea. the western part in 1889, became isolated in the sea in 1942. The second lighthouse which was 1 Erosion of Ras El Bar Sea Resort km inland in 1970, became an offshore island in 'T'he resort town of Ras El Bar, located 185 km 1976 and still stands as an isolated offshore struc­ to the east of Alexandria and immediately to the ture (NIELSEN, 1977). The primary reason for this west of the Damietta entrance, has experienced erosion is the reduction in sediment supply erosion and shoreline retreat resulting in the loss through the Rosetta branch of the Nile River of buildings and streets. It has also adversely im­ which, prior to dam construction, was estimated pacted recreational resort beaches. Figure 5 shows

Journal of Coastal Research, Vol. 11, No.2, 1995 Nile Delta Coast 519

1900 !\t """'. \ --;. ,~ Old Light lousc J- \, , () \ \ \. .,/ I \ \. " .A i \. ~ " 1J \. 1J . v ': "t-

o ~ v -z.

';b'"'v/" ~/.

I Q ICXX) SCX) 0 1m) 2CDJ m. EI-Abd Fort ~ ~------'-----"E~ ~ a -Shoreline Retreat and Protection Works

c, 0 , 1,';"'> Core 1 - 160 ~~!f!_~_!LI_~r

Figure 2. Rosetta Promontory. a, Shoreline retreat and protection works. b, Cross-section of protection works.

the shoreline evolution of Ras EI Bar peninsula stabilization works on the western side of the for the period from 1895 to 1991. The average Damietta outlet. retreat of this area was about ~-30 m/yr before the construction of the western jetty in 1941. This Retreat of the Shoreline along Damietta jetty has stabilized the northern part of Ras EI Promontory Bar shoreline, although the remainder of the coast has continued to erode but with a decreasing rate This promontory is located approximately 200 for a distance of 3 km west of the jetty (FANOS et km to the east of Alexandria. It was formed from al., 1989). Much of this erosional stress is due to the large amounts of sediment brought by the the combined effects of reduced sediment supply Damietta branch to the coast. They are estimated from the Nile and also the shoreline and channel to be 6 x 106 mt/year (INMAN and JENKINS, 1984),

Journal of Coastal Research, Vol. 11, No.2, 1995 520 Fanos, Khafagy and Dean

MEOITERRA NE AN SEA

N r o sex> KXX) 1500 m Scale

a - Shoreline Changes of Bur uIIus Area( 1909 - 1989 )

b - Cross - Section of the New Eastern Jetty

C~J)('s 2_Tg}

~~-~-

-4 1--.._-- 8.0m---+lIO l--

C- Cross - Section of the Concrete Sea Wall

Figure 3. Burullus headland. a, Shoreline changes of Burullus area (1909-1989). b, Cross-section of the new eastern jetty. c, Cross­ section of the concrete sea wall.

prior to the start of dam construction in the early old road which ran parallel to the coast north of 1900's. Figure 5 also shows the severe erosion that lake Manzala no longer exists. It is expected that resulted in shoreline retreat, destroying the coast­ with time, erosion will claim the old road entirely al road and its protection, as well as the walls and encroach upon land that is presently under around the lighthouse. cultivation. The Damietta- road was re­ located. However, flooding and wave action now Flooding of Damietta-Port Said Road threaten the new road in the vicinity of EI-Gamil. The Damietta-Port Said road was constructed originally on a recently formed spit to the east of Erosion of Port Fouad Beaches the Damietta Promontory (Figure 1). With the Shoreline retreat along the beaches in the vi­ reduction in sediment supply, shoreline retreat cinity of Port Fouad immediately to the east of destroyed the original road in many areas along the Port Said entrance has occurred since the the coastline, particularly along the stretch of construction of the Canal jetties. Recent shoreline immediately to the south of the Dami­ construction of the eastern navigation canal by­ etta spit formation (Figure 1). This erosion also pass and breakwaters has further changed the wave destroyed the protective walls around a light­ climate along this area resulting in additional house causing its abandonment and the construc­ trapping of the easterly transport longshore sed­ tion of a replacement to the landward. Thus, the iment. This interpretation is supported by the

Journal of Coastal Research, Vol. 11, No.2, 1995 Nile Delta Coast 521 accretion that took place to the west of the new tion in river flow. The combination of which has breakwater (TETRA TECH, 1984). caused a decrease in the equilibrium cross-sec­ tional area of the Nile channels. This problem has PROBLEMS WITH EXISTING STRUCTURES progressed to shoaling and at certain times the As in the case of beach erosion discussed above, closure of the Nile and its lake outlets, resulting problems associated with structures from west to in navigational hazards and associated impacts on east, starting at Alexandria. fishing and the national economy. The following are the outlets which are affected by this problem Flooding of Alexandria Corniche (Sea Wall) (Figure 1): Maadia outlet, Rosetta exit, Burullus The Alexandria corniche was constructed be­ outlet, Damietta exit, Manzala outletat El-Gamil, tween 1903-1940. The problem is created by wave El-Bardawil Outlet No.1 and El-Bardawil Outlet energy penetration through the wide gaps of the No.2. breakwater which shelter the eastern harbor. COASTAL PROTECTIVE WORKS These waves cause overtopping and flooding of the corniche during storm conditions. Along much Protective works on the Nile Delta Coast, which of the sea wall, there is very little or no beach in began as early as 1780, are in progress and others front which has led to undesirable wave agitation are planned for the future. From 1780 to about inside the harbor, high runup and frequent ov­ 1964, all these works were planned and designed erwash along most of the wall. This problem has according to the recommendations and observa­ probably been worsened by a gradual sea level tions made by foreign experts (PRIEST, 1960; WAS­ rise since its construction. The uprush of the waves SING, 1964). Coastal structures built in the period was especially damaging because of the almost 1964 to 1975 were based on short-term local stud­ vertical face of the sea wall. ies. Since 1975, a wealth of coastal information and data has been derived and stored in a com­ Erosion in Front of Abu Quir Sea Wall puter data base (FANOS, 1989). The data have (Mohamed Ali Sea Wall) become the basis for the planning and design of the new protection works and also for modifying This sea wall is located in Abu Quir Bay and the previous works. The following describes the extends from west of El hammara Fort for a total protection works completed and under construc­ length of about 10 km (Figure 6a). It was initially tion progressing from the west to east. constructed in about 1780 to protect the low level West of Alexandria agricultural land and the old and new industrial coastal developments against flooding. Progres­ This new drain at Western Nobariya drain out­ sive erosion from deep water to shallow water let is about 20 km to the west of Alexandria. Two (CRI/UNESCO/UNDP, 1979), sea level rise of 20 jetties of 65 m length were constructed in 1986 to protect the exit from siltation, and they are func­ em since its construction, and the almost vertical face of this sea wall (Figure 6b) caused its dete­ tioning effectively. The net longshore sediment transport in this area appears to be nearly zero rioration and hence the loss of important resi­ as indicated by the nearly symmetrical deposi­ dential and industrial improvements. tional patterns on the two sides of the jetties. Erosion East of EI-Arish Port Alexandria Beaches Erosion started in 1984 after the construction Five beaches, EI , Stanley, Miyami, El­ of the breakwaters of El-Arish Port. This has Asafra and El-Mandara, were nourished by me­ caused serious erosion for an area 1,500 m long dium to coarse sand transported from the desert and 50 m inland to the east of the port. About near Cairo. The nourishment sand was reasonably one thousand palm trees have been lost, and many compatible to that originally present on the beach. more are expected to be destroyed. On these five projects, only Miyami Beach lost most of its sand at an early stage; the other proj­ PROBLEMS DUE TO THE SILTING OF THE ects have met or exceeded expectations. MOUTHS OF THE NILE RIVER AND LAKE OUTLETS Abu Quir Bay The siltation problem is a result of longshore The Abu Quir Sea Wall was built in 1780 and transport, cross-shore transport and the reduc- has been maintained by placement of additional

Journal of Coastal Research, Vol. 11, No.2, 1995 522 Fanos, Khafagy and Dean

-_ ...

Grand Hotel

.... ~()30 ········

?3'Je~...•• ..«: o ...... ' Light House ...... •••• 2CX) 0 2CO L[JJ 6CXJ m . ... Scale

a - Shoreline Changes ( 1955 -1990 )

o Scale Light House b - Detached Breakwater for Protection Works (Now Under Construction 2 Completed, 1992) L.OO kg L...rderla r I---/..5m-4 L. Ton Ddos (~)

O.6m. Geotextile

c - Cross Section of Detached

Figure 4. Baltim Sea Resort area. a, Shoreline changes (1955-1990). b, Detached breakwater for protection works (now under construction. 2 completed 1992). c, Cross-section of detached breakwater.

large concrete blocks. This wall was modified and new long jetties (Figure 7) were constructed which reinforced in 1980 by constructing a sloping face significantly reduced siltation of the outlet and (2:1) and placing modified cubes of 0.5 ton each improved conditions for ingress and egress of fish­ as an armor layer (Figure 6c). This modification ing vessels. At this time, a revetment was con­ has performed very well and has stimulated many structed to the south of the western jetty to pre­ development projects behind the sea wall. vent Maadia village from flooding (Figure 7).

Maadia Outlet Jetties Rosetta Promontory Sea Walls Two small jetties were constructed in 1962 on Two dolos sea walls were constructed as pro­ both sides of the Lake Idku outlet. In 1980, two tective works in 1989-1991 (Figure 2). The west-

Journal of Coastal Research, Vol. 11, No.2, 1995 Nile Delta Coast 523

Detached Break w at er s

( New Under c o nstru~tion 2 Ccmp leled, 1992) w. Je tty( 19 L. 1) ~ - Con c rete Sea Wa ll

Co n tou r( _ .0 0)

Old Coastal Road 10 Por t Said o lCO) 1:0) ?J:X) rn .

.·' ip, ure 5. Shoreline retreat (1895- 1991) and protective measures (1941-1991) at Damietta Pr omontory (Ras EI-Ba r).

ern promon tory is prot ect ed by a sea wall of 1.5 icit (eastern side) and tra ns port rev ers als (west­ km length and the nor th ern end of the eastern ern side) (FANGS , 1990) (Figure 3a an d b). pro montory by a sea wall of :t5 km length. The sea has reached the weste rn struc tures a nd to date Burg EI-Bu rullus Sea Wall is perform ing well, while the eastern one is still located inland (Figure 2a a nd b). Four to n dolos Du ring the per iod 1937 to 1940, a series of five were used as armor and are designed to be sta ble groins was constructed to limit the eros ion in front for a scour of 8 m and wave height of 5.:{ m. of Burg El-Buruilus village which is located im­ med iately downdrift (east) of th e Burullus Lak e outlet. In 1950 a wall of 600 m len gth was con­ Burullus He adland structed between th e groins to limi t landward re­ trea t. Man y pa rts of this wall have collapse d du e In 1972 a jetty was constructed on th e western to erosion and unde rmini ng and extensive main ­ side of the Burullus Lak e outlet which , due to the ten a nce was carried out pri or to 198 1. In 1982, strong eas terly directed tra nsport, becam e com ­ the conc rete wall was modi fied (Figure 3c). To th e plet ely filled in 1980, advancing th e shore line sea ­ east end of this wall a basalt wall was attached in ward by more th an 500 m (Figure :la). A new order to provid e erosion a nd flooding pr otection project, now being implemented , consists of an for the rem ainder of the village. T o date the wall extens ion of the western jetty to a wate r dep th of has per for med effectively. 3.5 m and construction of a new eas tern jetty which will narrow th e cha nnel th ereb y improvin g its flush ing characteristics. The outle t cross-section Baltim Sea Resort was designed accord ing to th e det ail ed study per­ T o lim it erosion in the Baltim Sea Resort area formed by the Coasta l Resear ch Institute (F ANGS and to provid e a sheltered recreational area, con­ et al., 1986). In additio n to the je tties, revetm en ts stru ctio n of four detached breakw aters, eac h of were built on both sides of the outlet. They will 250 m len gth, was sta rte d in 1991 (Fi gure 4b and limit shoreline fluct uations du e to transp ort def- c). Sand nourishmen t is planned immedi ately fol-

.Iournal of Coas ta l Research , Vol. I I, No.2, 1995 524 Fanos, Khafagy and Dean

Abu Quir Sea Wall ~, \ , \ \ EI-Ha mra Fort Maadia Out let \ I, -~Z \ \ \ ' -; _~':-a.9 .!-!"5!m AI~xandria to Ros~tta ------. o 2 a - General Location Scale

1<1.L.°JO

MWL

b - Initial Cross _Section Sea bed .....f/$ =1'7 r- 2.50m-1 ~1.L.O~4.50~ Co c r ete S ton es 50 _100 K go

MWL

Bas alt

Geotextile

Quarry Run 0.1_ 3 Kg.

c - Mod ifi e d C r 0 S S _ Sec t i on

Figure 6. Mohamed Ali (Abu-Quir) wall. a, General location. b, Initial cross-section. c, Modified cross-section.

lowing completion of the breakwater construc­ 1963 to join it with the land. Three concrete groins tion. The project is almost finished and tombolos were constructed in 1971 to the southwest of this began to be built up. wall, with a basalt wall between. Presently, four detached breakwaters are under construction with Damietta Promontory sand nourishment to the shoreline (Figure 5). The Ras EI Bar Peninsula is located on the Two short breakwaters were constructed in 1980 western side of the Damietta entrance. In 1941 a on both sides of the navigation channel at the new jetty was constructed to reduce sand deposition Damietta Harbor Channel which extends in the in this branch of the Nile. This succeeded in stop­ sea to 15 m contour. Accordingly, periodic dredg­ ping the reduction of the length of this summer ing of the un protected part of this channel is still sea resort. Due to progressive erosion at the south­ required due to the siltation caused by the long­ ern end of this jetty, a seawall was constructed in shore drift and the on/offshore transport of the

Journal of Coastal Research, Vol. 11, No.2, 1995 Nile Delta Coast 525

MEDITERRANEAN SEA

N Q) en t 3 1 Fort

Maadia Vil \age "

Scale .....-- To Alexandria ======t:===:l To Fbsettta

a - Plan of Maadia Outlet

l:J- r- 2m.-ti ~,,;)\\I1X\\ "" ":-":":.:.: .. "~ .;:': : .

o~ DO v.'1~ b - Cross Section 1- 1

Stone 0.8 Ton Stone L.OO kg

! ( 0.0)

Section 2- 2.

Figure 7. Protective works for Maadia outlet. a, Plan of Maadia outlet. b, Cross-section 1-1. c, Cross-section 2-2.

Journal of Coastal Research, Vol. 11, No.2, 1995 526 Fanos, Khafagy and Dean sediments in this area. A second jetty was con­ Table 1. Wave charactcristic« uscd in the design uf jetties structed on the eastern side of the Damietta Es­ and breakuaters. tuary entrance in 1976 to reduce siltation in the Heturn Period (years) outlet. However, some shoaling still occurs and limited periodic dredging is required due to the 10 :20 50 reduction in the equilibrium cross-section result­ Wave height in deep water ing from the impoundments constructed on the H,,(m) :t4 t, G 6.8 Nile. Wave period (sec) G 8.;) 10 15 In 1972 a vertical concrete wall 1,500 m long was constructed to protect the coastal road lo­ cated in the eastern part of the Damietta Prom­ longshore sediment transport. The groin lengths ontory. However, erosion continued (Figure 5) and are tapered with the greater lengths immediately the road was damaged and is no longer passable. downdrift of the breakwater. The erosion continued and threatened the light­ house which was then protected by an earthen DESIGN ()F THE PR()TE(:TIVE MEASURES embankment in 1991. This protection was also The design of the jetties and sea walls depends ineffective against the extreme erosional pres­ on the waves expected at the structure and the sures, and the lighthouse has now been aban­ maximum water level in the site. The selection of doned and replaced by one farther inland (Figure the design wave depends on the wave period and 5). whether the structure is subjected to the attack of nonbreaking, breaking or broken waves and on Protection of El Gamil Outlet the geometrical and porosity characteristics of the Two jetties 225 m west and 200 m east length structure (COE, 1984). were constructed to protect El Gamil regulator Directional wave data have been measured over and its outlet from migrating and siltation. Also nearly a continuous six year period using a CAS the two sides and the bottom were revetted. This system (Cassette Acquisition System) designed project is performing very efficiently. by Scripps Institute of Oceanography (LOWE et al., 1984). The wave rose developed from the mea­ Protection of the Highway between Damietta and sured data showed that the predominant wave Port Said direction is NW while the swells are NE. The A small bituminous dike of 3,925 m length was maximum observed wave height is 7.5 m in deep constructed to protect the low parts of the coastal water and according to a statistical analysis will road near Port Said from flooding. occur 0.2 ('(' of the time. Table 1 summarizes the design wave characteristics. Protection of EI-Bardawil Lake Outlets The various design characteristics of the pro­ There are two controlled outlets to El-Bardawil tective measures have been developed in accor­ Lake termed Outlet No.1 and Outlet No.2 (Fig­ dance with the Shore Protection Manual (COE, ures 1, 8). The primary purpose of these outlets 1984). is to provide for ingress and egress of fish and salinity stabilization. The proposed stabilization SUMMARY projects for the two controlled outlets include: (1) This paper has presented an analysis of the modifying the deteriorated western jetties and ex­ problems affecting the B:gyptian coast and a sum­ tending them to water depths of 5.0 m, (2) con­ mary of the protective works which have been structing new jetties on the eastern sides to water implemented or are under construction. The depths of 3.00 m, and (~3) in anticipation of future problems can be organized as: erosion construction of two embankments on the eastern side, one facing the sea and the second (1) Erosion due to the absence of sand and Nile facing the outlet with sand filling behind them. sediments such as those at Rosetta, Burullus and Damietta. Protection of the Area to East of EI-Arish Port (2) Erosion associated with existing structures Fifteen groins were constructed on the eastern such as those at Mohamed Ali Sea Wall, El­ side of the EI-Arish port to protect this area from Arish Port and the eastern Harbor at Alex­ erosion caused primarily by the interruption of andria.

.Iournal of Coastal Research, Vol. 11, No.2, 199G Nile Delta Coast 527

MED ITERRANEAN SEA _...... _. __ --__ -ci:--Conlour! 500)-'" ~ -- -- -

New Ellientian I 'i

"'\ EmbanklTloe nt

General Plan lor

I--- s.oom

One l ayer ct Mxli,ied Cube s 0.5 Ion

MSLl.oOO) I-Z.oom-l,...... !::ill~ ., (- 100 )

lone 0.5 _5k

Cross - Seclion 1 - 1

1--7.50m ---l l-'OOm-j

Cross - Section 2 - 2

1---- 5.00 m ---I----woo ' .50m -.j

Stones SOkg It I. Stones 250 kg /."/ Sand Fill (+1.00) Stones 50 kg ( .1.00 F iller La et 01 xII O.51----'OOm --j05 rs,onesQ5_5k 1-'00 -i Cross - Seclion 3 - 3 Figure 8. Protection works for El-Bardawil Outlet No. 1.

(3) Siltation problems of the lake outlets and the LITERATURE CITED exit of the Nile branches. AL ASKARY, M.A. and FRIHY, O.E., 1986. Depositional To address these problems various kinds of ap­ phases of Rosetta and Damietta promontories on the Nile delta coast. Journal of Africa Earth Scienc es, 5, proaches have been utilized including: detached 627-633. breakwaters, sea walls, groins, artificial nourish­ COERTELLIER, V. and STANLEY, D.J. , 1987. Late qua­ ment, jetties, and revetments. ternary stratigraphy and paleography of the eastern All the protective measures implemented since Nile delta, Egypt. Marin e Geology, 27,257-275. 1981 are performing quite well. The Coastal Re­ CRI/U NESCO/U NDP , 1978. Coastal protection stud­ ies. Final Technical Report , I and II. search Institute is conducting a program for doc­ CRI/U NESCO/uNDP , 1979. Coastal protection stud­ umenting the effectiveness of these structures and ies. Project Findings and Recommendations, Tech­ of their impacts on surrounding neighborhoods. nical Report .

Journal of Coasta l Research, Vol. 11, No.2, 1995 528 Fanos, Khafagy and Dean

EL-FISHAWI, N.M.; KHAFAGY, A.A., and BADR, A.A., 1991. Technical Reports (Shore Protection Authority), Coastal erosion as indicated by fluorescent sand ex­ 1987-1990. periments, Rosetta coast, Egypt. MESS Newsletter LOWE, R.L. and INMAN, D.L., 1984. Wave parameters, N, June 1991. Ahu Quir array, Egypt. SIO Series (Scripps Institu­ FANOS, A.M., 1989, Importance of nearshore data col­ tion of Oceanography, University of California). lection in solving Nile delta coastal problems. Water MANOHAR, M., 1981. Coastal processes on the Nile delta Science, 5,64-74, Water Research Center, April 1989. coast. Shore and Reaches, 8-15 January 1981. F ANOS, A.M., 1991. A prototype model for stabilizing NIELSEN, E.V., 1977. Shore evolution. CRI/lJNDP/ Burullus Outlet and deepening its channel, Egypt. UNESCO, Proceedings Seminar Nile Delta Coastal International Conference and Exhibition Report Processes (Academy Scientific Research and Tech­ (University of Manchester, U.K.), 2~~--26 April 1991, nology), 15--59. 12 p. ORLOVA, O. and ZENKOVICH, V.P., 1974. Erosion of the FANOS, A.M. and KHAFAGY, A.A., 1986. A study for the shores of the Nile delta. Geoforum, 18,68--72. protection and dredging of Burullus outlet. A Tech­ PIH}<~ST, M.S., 1960. Some engineering problems along nical Report submitted to the Shore Protection Au­ the Mediterranean coast. A report prepared for UAR thority (Cairo, Egypt). (United Nations, T.A.O.). FANOS, A.M.; KHAFAGY, A.A., and SHARAF, EL I)IN, 1989. SAID,R., 1981. The geological evolution of the river Nile. Coastal changes along the Egyptian Mediterranean New York: Springer-Verlag, 151p. coast. International Seminar Management, 11-14 SESTINI, G., 1976. Geomorphology of the Nile Delta. December 1989, Cairo, Egypt. CRI/UNDP/UNESCO, Proceedings Seminar on the FRIHY, O.E.; FANOS, A.M.; KHAFAGY, A.A., and KOMAR, Nile Delta Sedimentology (Academy of Scientific Re­ P.D., 1992. Patterns of sediment transport along the search and Technology, Alexandria), 12-24. Nile Delta, Egypt. Coastal Engineering, 15,409-429. SHEREET, M.M.S., 1990. Coastal Changes Along the Sides HAMMAD, H.Y.; MOBAREK, 1.;KHAFAGY, A.A., and SIDKY, of Lake Burullus Outlet. M.S. Thesis, Faculty of Sci­ S., 1979. A short note on the sediment regime of the ence, Alexandria University. river Nile. Bulletin, Institute of Oceanography and rrETHA-TECH, 1984. Shoreline master plan for the Nile Fisheries, A.R.E. 7, Alexandria, 314-~322. Delta Coast. Progress Report No.1, December. INMAN, D.L. and JENKINS S.A., 1984. The Nile littoral U.S. ARMY, CORPS OF ENGINEERS (COE), 1984. Shore cell and man's impact on the coastal zone of the south­ Protection Manual I and II, Coastal Engineering Re­ eastern Mediterranean. SIO Reference Series 84-31 search Center. (Scripps Institute of Oceanography), 4~3 p. WASSING, F., 1964. Design for the Protection of the KHAFAGY, A.A.; FANOS, A.M.; SIDKY, S.; EL FISHAWI, Existing Sea Wall and Improvement of Lake Bu­ N.M., and FRIHY, O.E., 1987 to 1990. Six reports on rullus Exit. U.N. Beach Erosion expert for DAR, Al­ shoreline changes of Rosetta Promontory. Internal exandria.

-loumal of Coastal Research, Vol. 11, No.2, 1995