Gulf Of Suez Research Articles

Appraisal of rock–water interaction and frailty of groundwater to corrosion and salinization, northwestern Gulf of Suez, Egypt

AbstractFrom 12 groundwater samples taken in Egypt's northwestern Suez Gulf, it can be concluded that the water is not suitable for drinking or irrigation purposes. The water is highly mineralized, has extreme hardness, and is very saline, with salinity levels above 3000 ppm. The dominant ions in the water samples are Cl, Na, SO4, and HCO3, and there are two distinct water types: SO4. Ca–Cl (90%), and SO4. Na-Cl (10%). The research also revealed that three wells had become salinized due to dominant ions from sewage water recharge and seawater invasion. The water samples were found to be oversaturated with carbonate, silicate, iron oxide, and evaporite mineral dissolution, which could be harmful to human health. The water was found to exhibit ion exchange, where alkaline earth's (Ca + Mg) ions associated with solids and alkalis' ions (Na + K) in water samples exchange ions. The water was also found to have a high propensity for corrosion, making it unsafe to move groundwater over long distances. The excessive salinity of the water in the research area also makes it undesirable for drinking and irrigation purposes. Overall, the research findings suggest that measures need to be taken to ensure the safety of the groundwater in the area and prevent further contamination. The findings also highlight the importance of regular monitoring and testing of groundwater to ensure that it meets safe levels for human consumption and agricultural use.

Seasonal dynamics of phytoplankton in the northern part of Suez Gulf, Egypt

This study was conducted to evaluate the seasonal variability of phytoplankton in the northern part of the Gulf of Suez (Suez Bay), considering the contribution of physicochemical parameters of bay water in shaping the dynamics, and eutrophication assessment. Water and phytoplankton samples were collected seasonally at nine stations in the Suez Bay during the period from the winter to autumn of 2012. A total of 423 phytoplankton species were identified, comprised mainly of 224 diatoms, 127 dinoflagellates, 33 cyanophytes, 20 chlorophytes, and 9 euglenophytes; the rest of the species (10 species) belong to other six groups. Of these, 28 species were potentially harmful. The total phytoplankton abundance exhibits a significant seasonal variation, with the autumn being the most fertile season, followed by the winter due to the proliferation of diatom species Thalassionema nitzschioides and Proboscia alata f. gracillima, respectively. While the seasonal species richness indicates that the winter attained the highest number of species, followed by summer. Generally, the major diatom genera were Chaetoceros (16 species), Navicula (15 species), Nitzschia (15 species), and Amphora (14 species), while dinoflagellates were principally composed of the genera Protoperidinium (34 species), and Tripos (26 species). Water temperature, pH, salinity, nitrate, and nitrite were the most important explanatory parameters in regard to phytoplankton abundance and chlorophyll a concentration. In addition, the phytoplankton stability exhibited a significant positive relationship with the mean values of dissolved oxygen and biological oxygen demand and the variability of salinity and phosphate, while a negative relationship was observed with ammonia and nitrite and the variability of nitrate. Based on the trophic index (TRIX), the bay water was classified as mesotrophic (moderately polluted) for almost the entire year except in the autumn as it turned eutrophic. The results explored the potential importance of the environmental heterogeneity in the bay as a key structuring mechanism of phytoplankton abundance and biomass, influenced by anthropogenic activities.

Sequence stratigraphy and reservoir quality of the Gulf of Suez syn-rift deposits of the Nukhul formation: Implications of rift initiation and the impact of eustacy and tectonic on deposition

The Nukhul Formation represents the sediments deposited during the earliest phase of the syn-rift period in the Gulf of Suez rift. It is the primary hydrocarbon reservoir for fifteen fields in the region. However, the timing of rifting needs to be better constrained, and the influence of local tectonics and global eustatic sea-level fluctuations on reservoir quality and deposition is still being determined. This research aims to establish a stratigraphic sequence framework, determine the age of the Suez Rift commencement, use changes in paleobathymetry, and assess reservoir quality. The methods employed involve the analysis of four boreholes in the Abu Rudeis-Sidri field, incorporating biostratigraphy, well-logs, and 3D seismic data. The integrated paleo-structure and biostratigraphic analyses indicate that the beginning of rifting in the Gulf of Suez occurred at 23.53 Ma at the first common occurrence (FCO) of Trilobatus primordius. The paleobathymetric analysis of the Nukhul Formation reveals deeper paleo-water depths during certain intervals, indicating deposition during a phase of high subsidence and rift-climax. The Nukhul stratigraphic sequence reflects sea-level changes leading to shifts in accommodation, and facies changes, erosion, and sequence formation during the late Chattian and early Burdigalian stages. However, the reservoir characterization of the Nukhul Formation is significantly affected by various factors, including cementation, pore system properties, sediment sorting, rift system geometry, and relative sea-level fluctuations. These factors must be carefully considered in any regional exploration or development efforts. The study also reveals that tectonic activity played a role in forming fault-bounded basins, and eustatic sea-level changes influenced the rate and timing of sediment accumulation. These findings can aid in predicting the distribution of the Nukhul sedimentary deposits and improve the ability to explore and develop their resources.

Quantifying microplastics pollution in the Red Sea and Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba: Insights from chemical analysis and pollution load assessment

Microplastics (MPs) constitute the majority of marine plastic litter. The pollution caused by MPs has been categorized as a gradual and persistent crisis, but little is known about its extent along the shores of the Red Sea, particularly on the Egyptian side. The Red Sea is a rapidly developing region and home to critical ecosystems with high levels of endemism. This study represents the first comprehensive survey investigating the extent of MP pollution along the Egyptian shores of the Red Sea, including the Gulf of Suez and Aqaba. Mean concentrations ranged from 23.3 ± 15.28 to 930.0 ± 181.9 MPs/kg DW. Out of 17 beaches surveyed, 12 had mean concentrations of <200 items/kg, indicating a low occurrence of MPs compared to the shores of the Mediterranean Coast of Egypt. The pollution load index varied from low to medium levels in most locations. Ras Mohamed, a marine protected area, showed high vulnerability to MP pollution. All the investigated particles were fragments of secondary MPs. The sources of pollution mainly come from maritime activities, including cargo shipping and intense recreational activities. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy identified four plastic polymers, with polyethylene and polypropylene being the most common. The surface morphology of plastic particles was examined using scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. All the particles exhibited signs of degradation, which could generate countless plastic pieces with possible deleterious impacts. This work has highlighted the importance of conducting region-specific assessments of mismanaged plastic waste, focusing on the role of tourism and recreational navigation as contributors to plastic litter, to estimate plastic waste inputs into the waters of the Red Sea Coast of Egypt. Efforts are needed to develop strategic plans to reduce the disposal of plastic waste in the region.

Multiscale hydrodynamics modeling reveals the temperature moderating role of the Northern Red Sea Islands

A growing interest in the hydrodynamics of the Red Sea has been observed since the beginning of the 21st century. However, the interaction between the Gulf of Suez (GOS) and the Red Sea along with possible natural mitigation mechanisms of heat stress on its southern coral reef zones have not been adequately investigated. This study evaluated different Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) simulations of the Red Sea using a nesting approach in the southern parts of the GOS to elucidate the three-dimensional nature of thermal variability. The developed regional ROMS model simulated the general circulation patterns and sea surface temperature on the TSUBAME 3.0 supercomputer operated by the Tokyo Institute of Technology. Ultimately, remotely sensed satellite data of Sea Surface Temperature (SST) spanning the period 2016–2020 were used to validate the regional model results. A further challenge posed by the scarcity of distributed depth-varying temperature data on the northern islands' region was overcome by using an offline nesting approach (i.e., incorporating boundary conditions from the parent domain) to simulate the local 3-D thermal regimes. Intriguingly, the results of the nested model scenarios confirmed unique northern islands-enhanced thermal moderating mechanisms where islands act as barriers to the impacts of the relatively warmer water originating from the eastern boundary current. Additionally, this study introduces a new approach to applying higher-resolution models to the precise spatial and temporal representation of thermal indices in a way that surpasses the widely adopted remote sensing approaches. In short, multiscale modeling provides a valuable approach for assessing the thermal regimes around one of the most precious marine ecosystems in the world.

Wild Plant Diversity and Soil Characteristics of Desert Roadside Vegetation in the Eastern Desert

The wild vegetation of the Eastern Desert is characterized by openness and comprises perennials and ephemerals. The current study investigated the relationship between the edaphic factors of the natural vegetation along El Sheikh Fadl–Ras Gharib Road, Southwest Suez Gulf, in the northern sector of the Eastern Desert. The vegetation structure of the study area is relatively simple. The surveyed plants included 93 species from 22 families (51 perennials and 42 annuals). Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Amaranthaceae, and Fabaceae were the richest families, constituting the majority of plant species (53.76%). Therophytes were the most frequent life forms. About 83.87% of the total flora were pluriregional elements of different affinities. Most of the recorded taxa occupied the Irano-Turanian/Mediterranean/Saharo-Sindian/Sudano-Zambezian chorotypes. The application of TWINSPAN classification resulted in grouping the vegetation into three main vegetation groups (A, B, and C), representing distinct microhabitats. The CCA ordination indicates diversity in vegetation group A. Group B was highly associated with Na, Mg, CaCO3, silt, clay, and C/N. Group C showed a high correlation with sand, K, and N. The differences in wild plant life forms, richness, and diversity along the studied desert roadsides, in association with the soil differences, provide a good indication of plant biodiversity.

A comprehensive evaluation of water quality and its potential health risks using physicochemical indices in coastal areas of the Gulf of Suez, Red Sea

The Gulf of Suez plays a significant role in Egypt's economy and strategic position in the region, making it a critical waterway domestically and internationally due to being an essential hub for Egypt's oil and gas industry, housing numerous offshore oil and gas fields in the region. This paper aimed to comprehensively present the environmental status of the Gulf of Suez, the Red Sea, and pollution sources using one of the most fundamental ways to evaluate a water body. The Water Quality Index (WQI) measures nitrate levels in marine water and determines their potential harm to human health and the ecosystem. Excessive amounts of nitrate can pose non-carcinogenic health risks. Trophic state index (TSI), trophic index (TRIX), and Organic Pollution Index (OPI) are practical applications for surface water quality investigation and categorization based on contamination level. Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and Cluster Analysis (CA), were used to get better information for the studies on the water quality of surface waters. This study tested 38 subsurface locations during February 2021 for physical, chemical, microbiological, and nutritional salts. The WQI revealed that 71.23% of seawater samples were classified as having good water quality. However, TRIX and TSI metrics indicated eutrophication, with an average mean of 55.20, categorizing the water quality fairly. OPI values ranged between (3.50–3.75) which can be classified as moderate water quality. Finally, the current study's findings indicated the NO3− non-carcinogenic health hazards (HQ < 1) in all groups, but children are at a higher risk of NO3− exposure. Therefore, it can be concluded that Periodic assessments of water quality and strict regulations are necessary to safeguard this vital resource from pollution and ensure the well-being of future generations.

New insights into Coniacian-Santonian palynology in the Neo-Tethys (Egypt), with special emphasis on the ecological and depositional significance of the freshwater alga Pediastrum

Integrated palynological and palynofacies investigation based on hundreds of samples recovered from surface and subsurface successions in Sinai and the Gulf of Suez, Egypt, offer reliable data on the depositional framework of the Coniacian-Santonian Matulla Formation. The results reveal that the palynofacies contents of the three members of the Matulla Formation differ in that the lower Matulla-3 Member is Pediastrum-dominated, Matulla-2 Member is phytoclast-dominated, and the upper Mautalla-1 Member is AOM-dominated. However, some gradational mixing is observed. The assumed subdivision is very important as the Matulla Formation is a significant hydrocarbon reservoir in the Gulf of Suez, especially since this subdivision is strongly correlated with previous informal lithostratigraphic units.Furthermore, the peak occurrence of Pediastrum and its allied colonial algae that dominate the palynological assemblage, especially in the lower member of the Matulla Formation (Matulla-3), which is marginal marine, clearly implies freshwater incursions. Hence, these fossil algae are useful tracers of river runoffs as well as suspended load, enabling reconstruction of paleo-river discharge and sediment source area determination, especially if they have a promising reservoir potential, as in this case. This noteworthy record may specify an important ecozone at this time, not only in Egypt but also regionally, based on similar records from neighboring North African regions. Ultimately, the presence of Pediastrum demonstrates a sea level fall and its good preservation argues for a deposition in lowstand system tracts, which greatly conforms to sequence stratigraphic data.

Assessment of microplastic pollution in the Gulf of Suez: Abundance and polymeric composition in beach sediments

Assessment of microplastic pollution in the Gulf of Suez: Abundance and polymeric composition in beach sediments

Reproductive Aspects of Two Octopus Species, Amphioctopus Aegina and A. Membranaceus in the Gulf of Suez, Northern Red Sea, Egypt

Reproductive Aspects of Two Octopus Species, Amphioctopus Aegina and A. Membranaceus in the Gulf of Suez, Northern Red Sea, Egypt

Evaluation of green hydrogen production using solar, wind, and hybrid technologies under various technical and financial scenarios for multi-sites in Egypt

The importance of energy storage is increased with the intermittent nature of renewable energy resources (RERs). Green hydrogen is increasingly being employed to address its shortcomings. Furthermore, lowering carbon emissions has accelerated the quest for green alternatives instead of fossil-based fuels. This research focuses on Egypt's capacity to generate green hydrogen using natural renewable resources to serve islanded electrical and hydrogen loads. To obtain the lowest net present cost (NPC), cost of hydrogen (COH), and levelized cost of energy (LCOE), the state-of-the-art prices of the system elements are investigated and optimized using the HOMER professional software. Three situations with solar photovoltaic (PV), wind, and hybrid RERs are evaluated in three separate Egyptian cities. A sensitivity analysis is investigated based on the influence of the system's reliability and hydrogen load variance on the cost. The results of the three locations are compared to indicate the best site for green hydrogen production. The results obtained with the wind scenario located on the coast of the Suez Gulf provided the lowest LCOE, ranged from 0.308 $/kWh to 0.353 $/kWh, and the COH ranged from 3.73 $/kg to 4.13 $/kg.

Petrophysical analysis and hydrocarbon potential of the Matulla Formation in the Muzhil Field, central part of the Gulf of Suez, Egypt

Purpose. The research is aimed at evaluating the petrophysical characteristics of the Late Cretaceous Matulla Formation in the central part of the Gulf of Suez in order to detect its hydrocarbon reservoir potential. Methods. Well logs from five wells (Muzhil-1, -2, -4, -7, -8) were used to evaluate the Matulla reservoirs based on a computerized approach. Petrophysical parameters and fluid types were calculated, verified using core data, and represented vertically as lithosaturation cross plots and laterally as isoparametric variation maps.. Findings. Evaluation of total porosity (Φt), effective porosity (Φe), shale content (Vsh), water saturation (Sw), permeability (K), bulk volume of water (BVW), and net pay characteristics of Matulla Formation in the Muzhil wells showed the following weighted average values: 18-23%, 15-19%, 21-40%, 20-100%, 1.1-281 mD, 3-21% and 0-83 ft, respectively. The Log-derived lithology identification indicates that the major matrix component of the Matulla Formation is quartzose sandstone with minor shale and carbonate contents. The upper zone is a poor reservoir, while the middle and lower zones are considered good reservoirs in all studied wells. It is expected that Muzhil-2 will produce oil without water; however, Muzhil-1 and Muzhil-4 will produce oil with water; while Muzhil-7 and Muzhil-8 will produce water only. Originality. Detailed log-derived petrophysical evaluation, verified by core analysis and well tests (DST and MDT), construction of lithosaturation cross plots for each well and isoparametric petrophysical maps are performed for the first time for Matulla Formation in the Muzhil field. Practical implications. The obtained results on lithosaturation and petrophysics have expanded the knowledge about the characteristics of the Matulla Formation sediments, hosting promising reservoir intervals, and should be taken into account in future exploration and development of the Muzhil field.

Spaceborne SAR-Based Detection of Ships in Suez Gulf to Analyze the Maritime Traffic Jam Caused Due to the Blockage of Egypt’s Suez Canal

With the convenience and connectedness of the oceans in recent years, there has been an increase in naval traffic, which has prompted maritime surveillance to attract special attention due to its significant application in marine operations. Ships, because of their uneven and rugged design, appear as a brighter patch, which aids in their identification by the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), an active remote sensing technique. In this study, Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 datasets are used to detect vessels in the Gulf of Suez in order to examine the increasing maritime traffic induced by the Suez Canal blockage caused by the Ever Given ship becoming stranded in the canal on 23 March 2021 and being freed after 6 days on 29 March 2021. The usefulness of dual-pol spaceborne SAR datasets in ship detection is also determined. The analysis was performed within a time window spanning before, during, and after the blockage event. On the basis of the experimental results, Sentinel-1 images proved to be more effective compared to Sentinel-2 images for ship detection due to the all-weather capability of the Sentinel-1 dataset. Furthermore, the ship detection results obtained in dual polarization were substantially more accurate than the results obtained in a single polarization.

Managing the Risk of Wellbore Instability Using Geomechanical Modeling and Wellbore Stability Analysis for Muzhil Shale Formation in Gulf of Suez, Egypt

Managing the Risk of Wellbore Instability Using Geomechanical Modeling and Wellbore Stability Analysis for Muzhil Shale Formation in Gulf of Suez, Egypt

Spatial distribution and risk assessment of heavy metals in the coastal waters of the Gulf of Suez, Red Sea, Egypt

To assess ecological and health risks connected with heavy metal contamination in the Gulf of Suez, Red Sea seawater during winter 2021. The selected heavy metals were detected using the “AAS” Technique. The results presented that; the average metal concentrations ranged between (0.57, 1.47, 0.76, 5.44, 0.95, 18.79, and 1.90 μg/l) for Cd, Pb, Zn, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Ni along the investigated area. Pollution Index for overall Gulf sectors <1, indicating a slightly and moderately affected region. Metal Index for the Gulf is >1, representing the existence of heavy metal pollution, which is alarming in this area. (HPI) Heavy metal pollution index <100 indicates low contamination of heavy metal “and is apposite for consumption. The Gulf's ecological risk index (Eri) mostly fell under the low-ecological risk. The risk health estimation revealed that CDI values for carcinogenic were (10−5 to10−7), (10−6 to10−8), and (10−9 to10−11) for ingestion, dermal, and inhalation, respectively. Ingestion for children is twice as high as the proportions documented for adults. At the same time, THQ values for non-carcinogenic ingestion, dermal, and inhalation were (10−5 to 10−8), (10−4 to 10−5), and (10−10 to 10−12), respectively. Also, the total hazard quotient (THQ ing. + THQ inh.) values were <1 acceptable limit, indicating no non-carcinogenic risk to the residents through dermal adsorption and oral water intake. The ingestion pathway was the main pathway for total risk. In conclusion, the overall hazard risks are lower than the permissible limit of <1 regarding heavy metals.

Movable hydrocarbon index as a tool for evaluating reservoir quality: a case study of the Nubia sandstone in West Hurghada province (southern Gulf of Suez, Egypt)

Movable hydrocarbon index as a tool for evaluating reservoir quality: a case study of the Nubia sandstone in West Hurghada province (southern Gulf of Suez, Egypt)

Implication of the diagenetic evolution, litho- and microfacies types on the storage capacity of the carbonate rocks in West Esh El Mallaha area, SW onshore Gulf of Suez, Egypt

The present study shed the light on the main litho- and microfacies of the Upper Cretaceous- Miocene sequence exposed at West Esh El Mallaha area (Egypt) with more focus on the carbonate rocks. Delineating the implication of the recorded facies and the diagenetic processes on the storage capacity of the entire sequence is among the prime targets of this study. The studied Esh El Mallaha sequence includes the Nubia, Duwi, Dakhla, Tarawan, Esna, Thebes, Abu Gerfan, Gharamul and Gemsa Formations, from older to younger respectively. The carbonate rocks exposed in the studied sequence were deposited in shallow marine, lagoonal outer ramp and environments with high energy and/or open marine conditions. These depositional environments are represented by ten microfacies types: lime-mudstone, foraminiferal wackestone, bioclastic wackestone, algal wackestone/packstone, foraminiferal packstone, bioclastic packstone/grainstone, phosphatic packstone/grainstone, oolitic and bioclastic grainstone, oyster rudstone and bafflestone. Aggrading neomorphism, calcite cementation (drusy calcite, pseudosparite, and poikilotopic calcite), silicification (silica cementation in the form of amorphous silica, micro-quartz, chalcedony and spherulitic quartz), compaction, clay mineral alteration, dissolution, fracturing and dolomitization are the main diagenetic processes recorded in the studied section.The storage capacity of the different rock units were primarily obliterated by multi-cementation phases by calcite, silica and/or clay minerals. Nonetheless, fracturing, dissolution and dolomitization enhanced the storage capacity and can be considered the main storage capacity-enhancing features in the studied sequence. These diagenetic features are more abundant in the studied Duwi, Thebes, Abu Gerfan and Gharamul Formations. This achievement indicates that the studied Upper Cretaceous- Miocene carbonate sequence may be promising in its subsurface extensions in the Gulf of Suez and other analogues in Egypt.

Geophysical structural interpretation of Esh El Mallaha basin, southern Gulf of Suez: implications for oil potential in South Malak and Rabeh fields

Esh El Mellaha area is located at the western margin of the Gulf of Suez rift system. It is one of the most important potential hydrocarbon resources in the north Eastern Desert. Satellite images, field observations (e.g. measure relevant structures, lineaments mapping, compile maps at the outcrops) and seismic data were used to delineate the surface and subsurface structural elements of the area west of Esh El Mellaha range. The present study revealed that, the main structural trends have the directions NW–SE, NE–SW to NNW–SSE, WNW–ESE and ENE–WSW. The NW–SE trending faults are the major dominating trend which is related to the Gulf of Suez rift opening. The seismic interpretation step led to the identification of four prominent continuous reflectors and five depositional seismic sequences. The recognised seismic reflectors were named; Q, F, R and K and ranging in age from the Lower Miocene to the Middle–Upper Miocene. The petrophysical examination exhibits good reservoir quality for the sandstones of Matulla Formation in Rabeh and South Malak fields, southern Esh El Mellaha area. These reservoirs display low shale volume (5–20%); high effective porosity (10–20%), relatively low water saturation (40–55%) and pay thickness varies between 30 and 85 ft. Accordingly, this study highlights the oil potentiality of the Matulla sandstones for further exploration purposes in both Rabeh and South Malak fields.

Some reproductive features of blue swimmer crab (Portunus pelagicus) in the Gulf of Suez, Egypt.

Some reproductive features of blue swimmer crab (Portunus pelagicus) in the Gulf of Suez, Egypt.

Reconstructing the Tectonic History of the Arabian–Nubian Shield in Sinai: Low-Temperature Thermochronology Implications on Wadi Agar Area

The Arabian–Nubian Shield envelops the entire regional tectonic history from its formation during the Ediacaran to the Red Sea/Gulf of Suez rifting in the Oligocene–Miocene. The occurrence and extent of the expected successive tectonic events on Sinai basement rocks remain uncertain. Integration of thermochronological techniques with time–temperature modelling has proven to be a powerful tool for thermal-tectonic history reconstruction. Therefore, we collected representative samples from the Arabian–Nubian Shield basement rocks of the Wadi Agar area at the eastern flank of the Suez rift. Zircon fission-track data show two cooling age possibilities of Ediacaran and Devonian ages. Meanwhile, apatite fission-track data represent three cooling age spans of Carboniferous, Triassic, and Cretaceous. The integration of these data with the modelled time–temperature histories reveals four different cooling events synchronous with the regional events; (1) the Neoproterozoic post-accretion erosional event that causes near-surface rock uplift, (2) the Devonian–Carboniferous Hercynian tectonic event which affected the region with rocks exhumation of ca. 4.2 ± 1.4 km, (3) the Triassic Gondwana breakup initiation, and (4) the Oligocene–Miocene Gulf of Suez rifting which caused flanks uplift in the studied region of ca. 1.2 ± 0.4 km. The Gulf of Suez is a passive rift with a dominant mechanical component that is divided into two differently exhumed northern and southern segments, where an additional far-field thermal overprint was restricted to the southern segment.