Abstract

Heavy mineral compositions of closely spaced bottom samples off the central Nile delta are evaluated to determine provenance, dispersal patterns and sediment sources of a former branch, the Sebennitic. Q-mode factor analysis applied to heavy mineral data of 83 samples yields two factors: factor 1 (augite and hornblende), and factor 2 (opaques, garnet, zircon, monazite, rutile, epidote). The two factors correlate negatively with each other. The observed mineralogic pattern is attributable to selective transport processes of the sediments related to a former subdelta. They probably originated from extensive progradation of the remnant promontory of the extinct Sebennitic branch which flowed across the subaerially exposed continental shelf during the last Holocene sea-level low stand. Grain sorting patterns of heavy minerals provide additional proof for the presence of a large Sebennitic channel extending across the continental shelf off the central Nile delta.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.