South Jeddah Research Articles

Phytochemical Composition, Antimycotic and In Vivo Antiinflammatory Activities of Marine Algae Inhabiting South Jeddah Seashore, Red Sea, Saudi Arabia

The Red Sea coastline is known for its diverse range of seaweeds, which have been hypothesized to possess therapeutic attributes. The primary aim of this research was to evaluate the antifungal and anti-inflammatory characteristics of the ethanol crude extract obtained from two types of algae, namely Padina pavonica (P. pavonica) and Laurencia catarinensis (L. catarinensis) from the Red Sea. It was revealed from FTIR analysis of P. pavonica and L. catarinensis ethanolic extracts that the strong band at 3366 cm−1 and 3339 cm−1 corresponds to alcoholic O-H stretching in both extracts. GC-MS phytoconstituent profile of the extract was dominant with a wide range of chemical classes mainly steroids, terpenes, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, retinoid derivatives, alcohols, carotenoids and alkanes. The results of the antifungal activity assay indicate that P. pavonica had the strongest activity against Aspergillus fumigatus, with a mean value of 23.50 ± 0.55 mm. Similarly, L. catarinensis demonstrated significant antifungal activity against Candida albicans, with a mean value of 21.00 ± 2.64 mm. The hemolysis exhibited a positive correlation with the dosage of extracts, with an observed increase in hemolysis as the dosage increased. Besides the antiinflammatory activity of the algal extracts induced by carrageenan demonstrating a dose-dependent relationship between the inhibition of paw edema and the dosage of the extract.

Phytochemical Composition, Antimycotic and In vivo Antiinflammatory Activities of Marine Algae Inhabiting South Jeddah Seashore, Red Sea, Saudi Arabia

The Red Sea coastline is known for its diverse range of seaweeds, which have been hypothesized to possess therapeutic attributes. The primary aim of this research was to evaluate the antifungal and anti-inflammatory characteristics of the ethanol crude extract obtained from two types of algae, namely Padina pavonica (P. pavonica) and Laurencia catarinensis (L. catarinensis) from the Red Sea. It was revealed from FTIR analysis of P. pavonica and L. catarinensis ethanolic extracts that the strong band at 3366 cm−1 and 3339 cm−1 corresponds to alcoholic O-H stretching in both extracts. GC-MS phytoconstituent profile of the extract was dominant with a wide range of chemical classes mainly steroids, terpenes, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, retinoid derivatives, alcohols, carotenoids and alkanes. The results of the antifungal activity assay indicate that P. pavonica had the strongest activity against Aspergillus fumigatus, with a mean value of 23.50 ± 0.55 mm. Similarly, L. catarinensis demonstrated significant antifungal activity against Candida albicans, with a mean value of 21.00 ± 2.64 mm. The hemolysis exhibited a positive correlation with the dosage of extracts, with an observed increase in hemolysis as the dosage increased. Besides the antiinflammatory activity of the algal extracts induced by carrageenan demonstrating a dose-dependent relationship between the inhibition of paw edema and the dosage of the extract.

Assessment of Soil Pollution in The Industrial Zone in South Jeddah Using Pollution Indices and Machine Learning Model

Assessment of Soil Pollution in The Industrial Zone in South Jeddah Using Pollution Indices and Machine Learning Model

Bacteriological Hazards at Some Barbershops in Jeddah-KSA

Background: As public services that are easily accessible for all community members, potential pathogens can be spread via barber shops including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Objective: To determine the bacteriological hazards of barber shops by To identify potential bacteria on the surfaces of barber shop equipment and materials, such as combs, brushes, shaving machines, clippers, customer aprons, shelves and towels. Methodology: Cross sectional study design was utilized to assess the bacteriological hazards of barber shops. Setting: Barber shops at South Jeddah. Subjects: All barbers within South Jeddah area who were willing to participate in the survey and whose barber shops have the needed materials and equipment.

Nutrient and physicochemical properties as potential causes of stress in mangroves of the central Red Sea.

Mangrove ecosystems are some of the most productive and important sinks for sediment globally. Recently, there has been an increasing interest in possible causes of stress in mangroves, such as nutrient limitation, high salinity, solar radiation and temperature. We measured different factors casing stress and determined how they influenced oxidative stress and growth biomarkers in six study sites dominated by mangroves; Al Lith, South Jeddah, Dahban, Thuwal, Rabigh and Mastorah. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were recorded in water salinities and temperatures, nitrogen and phosphorus content in sediments, and antioxidant enzyme activities in different study sites. The highest salinity (40.75 ‰) and temperature (29.32°C) were recorded in the Rabigh mangrove stand, which corresponds to the lowest dissolved oxygen (5.21 mg/L). Total organic carbon, total nitrogen and total phosphorus in sediment across the study areas were in the order Rabigh>Thuwal>Dahban>Al Lith>South Jeddah>Mastorah. Total nitrogen in mangrove leaves at Rabigh was the highest and about 1.3 times higher than the total nitrogen in South Jeddah mangrove ecosystem, very different from the ratio of total nitrogen in the sediments at Rabigh and South Jeddah mangrove ecosystems. The average values of δ13C (-17.60‰) and δ15N (2.84‰) in the six mangrove ecosystems, and the highest δ13C (-13.62‰) and δ15N (4.39‰) at Rabigh in the sediments suggest that nutrient input differed among study sites. Higher nutrient levels at Rabigh mangrove ecosystem were attributed to restricted circulation, camel grazing and land runoff with agricultural waste during seasonal flooding events. However, N limitation and possibly salinity contributed to stress in Al Lith, South Jeddah, Dahban, Thuwal, Rabigh, and Mastorah mangrove ecosystems. Salinity (r = 0.9012) contribute more to stress at Rabigh.

Fractionation and Distribution of Rare Earth Elements in Marine Sediment and Bioavailability in Avicennia marina in Central Red Sea Mangrove Ecosystems.

Rare earth element fractionation and distribution in the coastal ecosystem have been of significant concern and are recognized worldwide as emerging micro-pollutants. However, unlike other metals such as trace elements, little is known about their uptake by aquatic plants such as the mangrove Avicennia marina, especially in the central Red Sea. We investigated the fractionation of rare earth elements in six mangrove ecosystems in the central Red Sea and bioavailability in mangrove A. marina. The concentrations of rare earth elements, sediment grain sizes, multi-elemental ratios, geo-accumulation index (Igeo) and bioconcentration factor (BCF) vary significantly (p < 0.05) across the six mangrove ecosystems. Higher concentrations of rare earth elements were recorded at Al Lith (LT) (101.53 mg/kg) and South Jeddah (SJ) (73.38 mg/kg) mangrove ecosystems. However, multi-elemental ratio R(M/L) reveals positive values. In contrast, multi-elemental ratio R(H/M) reveals negative values corresponding to fractionation patterns enriched with medium rare earth elements and heavy rare earth elements depletion across the six mangrove ecosystems. BCF values for rare earth elements were <1, but Lutetium (0.32) had the highest BCF among the rare earth elements, suggesting an efficient accumulation of Lutetium than any other rare earth elements. The scale of Igeo revealed strong contamination (4 ≤ Igeo ≥ 5) of sediment with Lanthanum, Cerium, Praseodynium, Samarium, Godolinium, Holmium, Erbium, Ytterbium, and moderate contamination with Thulium, Terbium, and Dysprosium (1 ≤ Igeo ≤ 3). Principal component analysis showed that clay silt sediment grain size influences rare earth element concentrations in the central Red Sea. Our results provide new evidence for rare earth element fractionation and accumulation in sediment and the potential use of mangrove A. marina for rare earth element monitoring in mangrove ecosystems in the central Red Sea.

Sediment Metal Contamination, Bioavailability, and Oxidative Stress Response in Mangrove Avicennia marina in Central Red Sea

Anthropogenic activities have been on the increase in the urban environment and have led to contamination of the environment with toxic metals. However, mangrove plants’ response to heavy metal stress due to anthropogenic activities explains the metal bioavailability and its potential ecotoxicological effect. We carried out a multi-approach study to investigate i) if the concentrations of metals (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Mo, Cd, Pb, Sr, and V) in mangroves at the central Red Sea are due to the anthropogenic influence and are above the sediment quality guidelines and ii) if an increase in metal concentration influences height and antioxidant enzyme (catalase, CAT; glutathione S-transferase, GST; and superoxide dismutase, SOD) activities in Avicennia marina. There were significant variations (p &amp;lt; 0.05) in metal concentrations and antioxidants across the six mangrove ecosystems with higher concentrations at Al Lith (LT) and south Jeddah (SJ). Even though the concentrations of metals in mangrove leaves are slightly higher in LT than SJ, principal component analysis showed that higher concentrations of Cr, Co, Zn, Cd, and Pb in mangrove leaves from SJ influence higher antioxidant enzyme activities and the lowest average mangrove height (2.01 m). This suggests that higher metal concentrations be factors for the biggest stress in these mangrove ecosystems. However, among the 13 metals, Cr (82.07 mg/kg), Cu (41.29 mg/kg), and As (10.30 mg/kg) in sediments have values within the ERL range of probable effect, while Ni (53.09 mg/kg) was above the ERM threshold. Hence, there is need to focus on monitoring these metals in mangrove sediments and their anthropogenic sources.

Evaluation of Neighborhood Socio-Economic Status, as Measured by the Delphi Method, on Dengue Fever Distribution in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia.

Dengue fever, a mosquito-transmitted viral disease, is present in many neighborhoods in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia. One factor likely to affect its distribution is the socio-economic status of local neighborhoods; however, the absence of socio-economic census data in Saudi Arabia has precluded detailed investigation. This study aims to develop a proxy measure of socio-economic status in Jeddah City in order to assess its relationship with the occurrence of dengue fever. The Delphi method was used to assess the socio-economic status (high, medium or low) of local neighborhoods in Jeddah City. A Geographic Information System (GIS) was applied to understand the distribution of dengue fever according to the socio-economic status of Jeddah City neighborhoods. Low-socio-economic status neighborhoods in south Jeddah City, with poor environmental conditions and high levels of poverty and population density, reported most cases of dengue fever. Nevertheless, dengue continues to increase in high socio-economic status neighborhoods in the northern part of the city, possibly due to ideal breeding conditions caused by the presence of standing water associated with high levels of construction. Moreover, the low-socioeconomic-status neighborhoods had the highest average number of cases, being 3.95 times that of high-status neighborhoods for the period 2006–2009. The Delphi approach can produce a useful and robust measure of socio-economic status for use in the analysis of patterns of dengue fever. Results suggest that there are nuances in the relationship between socio-economic status and dengue that indicate that higher status areas are also at risk. A useful additional tool for researchers in Saudi Arabia would be the development of census data or other systematic measures that allow socio-economic status to be included in spatial analyses of dengue fever and other diseases.

Prevalence of Abnormal Vaginal Discharge among Pregnant Women

Abstract Background: Vaginal discharge is a common gynecological condition among women of childbearing age that frequently requires care affecting about one-third of all women and half of pregnant women. Pregnant women commonly develop increased vaginal discharge, which in many instances is not pathological, which may lead to pregnancy complications like abortions, premature birth, low birth weight and other mor-bidities. Aim of Study: The awernes of saudi female regarding vaginal discharge during pregnancy and the impact that on her's antinatal care. Patient and Methods: A cross sectional study was con-ducted among 1407 of pregnant women, Jeddah, KSA. The study aimed to determine increased vaginal secretions during pregnancy. Participants were married Saudi women attending the Obstetrics & Gynecology Department, King Abdulaziz Hospital in Almina, South Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A pre-designed disseminated questionnaire was distributed for data collection, and data were entered and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS Inc. Chicago, IL, USA) version 23. Results: Increased vaginal secretions during pregnancy reported in 73.9% of cases. As regard characters of secretions; 41.9% had white translucent secretions, the majority of cases 72.1% had odorless secretions. 26.1% of cases had abnormal secretions due to bacterial infection, 24.7% fungal infection. The majority of cases 71.3% seeking medical advice and recovery occurred in 62.9% of cases. Conclusion: This study concluded that the prevalence of abnormal vaginal discharge among pregnant women was 73.9%, the most common causes was bacterial infection with reported by 26.1 %.

Environmental pollution assessment of Al-Musk Lake, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Jeddah represents the second largest city in Saudi Arabia and has more than 3.5 million residents. The daily estimated water used per capita is 200 L. The absence of a well-done network of sewage in some places especially in south Jeddah (Old Jeddah) considered a serious environment. In Jeddah, the potable water used for municipal purposes is mostly returning to the surrounding environments as wastewater (e.g., Al-Musk Lake). The site Al-Musk Lake uses as sewage dumping lake without any purification processes till the year 2010. The wastewater of this lake caused various environmental dangers owing to heavy metal contamination of surface sediments, groundwater, soil and air. Its areal distribution has been increased during last 17 years (2000–2017). Its surface fine-grained sediments are including a huge amount of heavy metals and organic contaminants owing to accumulation of sewage water during the last two decades. The climate of the Saudi Arabia is mostly dry hot continental condition so that, the topmost clayey sediments of this lake are enriched in pollutants. That means, wind will carry these pollutants directly to Jeddah and the surrounding regions and are inhaled by residing citizens in these regions during respiration and thus could cause a variety of respiratory diseases or other infections. Owing to accumulation of sewage water-bearing organic materials during last 17 years, Al-Musk Lake subsurface sediments contain considerable amounts of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, As, Cu, Co and Hg) and organic materials. The organic matter content (OMC) of the studied surface soil samples varies from 4.2 to 11.3%. The OMC has a significant strong relationship with both silt and clay contents of the studied soil samples.

Endometriosis as a Cause of Primary Infertility in Western Regions of Saudi Arabia

Background: Endometriosis is defined by the presence of viable extrauterine endometrial glands and stroma with unclear etiology and pathogenesis. It has been associated with female infertility. Infertility is defined as the failure of sexually active couple, not using contraception to achieve a clinical pregnancy after one year or more of regular sexual intercourse. Infertility is a symptom of endometriosis in up to 50% of women. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Kind Abdulaziz Hospital in Almina, South Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The total sample obtained was 507 participants. Participants were married Saudi women attending the outpatient or inpatient departments in the hospital. Pre-designed disseminated questionnaire was distributed for data collection, and data were entered and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS Inc. Chicago, IL, USA) version 23. Results: Most (47.9%) of the studied women aged 31 - 40 years, 41.9% were obese and 1.2% were smokers while 42.2% were passive smokers, and only 3.7% exercise regularly. Prevalence of infertility was 23.3% and endometriosis was 10.7%. It was found that there was a significant correlation between endometriosis and infertility (P = 0.025). Conclusion: Although many women with endometriosis get pregnant and deliver healthy infants, endometriosis is highly associated with infertility. More studies are needed to investigate the pathobiology of this condition.

Environmental Hazards of Sand Dunes, South Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: An Assessment and Mitigation Geotechnical Study

This study presents a concise evaluation of sand dune environmental hazards in Al-Lith area, Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), where active sand dune migration forms serious environmental risks. The study area represents a strategic and very well promising area for extension of urbanization. The study area was characterized by hyper-arid climate where wind erosion plays a critical task in the formation and migration of sand dunes. The most frequent forms of aeolian sands are sand sheets, asymmetrical barchans, longitudinal dune and star-like shape dunes. These dunes are composed mainly of fine sands, medium sands and coarse sands with scarcely amounts of silts and clays. Texturally, the sand particles consist of sub-angular, sub-rounded, rounded, angular, well rounded and very angular. These sands are composed of mono-crystalline quartz with few grains of carbonate rock fragments. The environmental hazards of dune migration need integrated studies to assess and reduce these hazards through successfully long-term stabilization methods.

Oral and Dental Health Status among Adolescents with Limited Access to Dental Care Services in Jeddah.

The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of dental caries and periodontal diseases among 14–19-year-old schoolchildren with limited access to dental care services. A cross sectional study design was conducted during field visits to seven governmental schools in Al-Khomrah district, South Jeddah, over the period from September 2015 to May 2016. Clinical examinations and administered questionnaires were carried out in mobile dental clinics. The dentists carried out oral examinations using the dental caries index (DMFT), the simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S), and the community periodontal index for treatment needs (CPITN). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 20. A total of 734 schoolchildren were examined. The prevalence of decayed teeth was 79.7% and was significantly higher among boys (88.9%) than girls (69.0%). About 11% of students had missing teeth, with a significantly higher figure among females than males (15.9% versus 7.3%); 19.8% of students had filled teeth. Moreover, a DMFT of seven or more was significantly more prevalent among males (43.3%) than females (26.8%), while the percentage of females with sound teeth was significantly higher than for males (20.4% and 9.6% respectively). The CPITN revealed 0, 1 and 2 scores among 14.6%, 78.2%, and 41.6% respectively. Males had a significantly higher percentage of healthy periodontal condition (23.8%) than females (3.8%). Dental caries prevalence was moderate to high, calculus and gingival bleeding were widespread among schoolchildren, and were more prevalent among students with low socioeconomic status.

Ecological assessment of heavy metals in the grey mangrove (Avicennia marina) and associated sediments along the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia

Summary Mangroves play an integral role as a metal accumulator in tropical and subtropical marine ecosystems. Twenty-one sets of sediment samples and portions of mangroves were collected along the Saudi Arabian coast of the Red Sea to assess the accumulation and ecological risks of heavy metals. Results showed that the following mean concentrations of heavy metals in sediments: Cr (46.14 μg g−1 ± 18.48) > Cu (22.87 μg g−1 ± 13.60) > Ni (21.11 μg g−1 ± 3.2) > Pb (3.82 μg g−1 ± 2.46) > Cd (0.75 μg g−1 ± 0.87). The maximum concentrations of the studied metals were above the threshold effect level, indicating a limited impact on the respective ecosystems. The maximum concentration of Cd exceeded its toxic effect threshold, revealing a harmful risk to biota in the sediments. Based on metallo-phytoremedation, biological concentration factors were >1, suggesting that Avicennia marina can accumulate heavy metals, especially Cr and Pb. The translocation factor was above the known worldwide average. The geo-accumulation index revealed that sediments in mangrove areas ranged from moderately to heavily contaminated with Cd at Al-Haridhah and moderately contaminated at South Jeddah, Rabigh, Duba, and the wastewater treatment station near Jazan. The ecological risk index revealed that Cd could pose a relatively very high risk to the mangrove ecosystem. The present study emphasized the possibility of establishing a framework for the management of the coastal aquatic ecosystems along the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia.

Current microbiological pattern and role of respiratory syncytial virus infection in children with acute otitis media in South Jeddah

IntroductionOtitis media is one of the most commonly encountered pediatric ENT diseases. Antibiotic resistance is increasing partly because of their overuse and largely because of changing microbiological strains leading to the disease. In this study, we aimed to determine the current microbiological pattern of the disease in children.Participants and methodsEar discharges of 200 children with acute otitis media between 6 and 14 years of age were microbiologically examined.ResultsVirus-only infection was positive in 13% of patients, 30% were only bacterial (48% of which is Proteus mirabilis), and 57% had combined viral and bacterial infections.ConclusionChanging trends in microbiological patterns warrant further researches to achieve better prevention and treatment.

The Extent and Reasons behind Herbal Medicine use among Saudis Herbal Consumers in Jeddah

Background: Herbal remedies became common in both developed and developing countries although it is more prevalent in the latter. It is considered as a natural, acceptable, safe alternative to routine medicines. Objectives: This study aims to determine the extent and the character of herbal medicine use among Saudis in Jeddah and to identify the reasons behind its use and perceptions about its therapeutic outcome. Subjects and Methods: This comparative cross sectional study was conducted in randomly selected three primary health care centers in south Jeddah, Saudi Arabia over two consecutive weeks in 2016 by using a self-administered questionnaire. Data analysis was done by Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 16.Results: Three hundred Saudis participated in the study with mean age (25 ± 11.4) year. 70% of the participants were using herbs in the past with 70% of them having used it for the treatment of acute conditions. A high significant prevalence of herbal use was recognized among the older age group (86.20%), females (87.50%), and people with low educational levels (83.40%). Myrrh (57.10%), ginger (50.40%), and black seeds (42.80%) were the most commonly used herbs by the participants. The most common reasons behind herbal use as a medication were accessibility (50%) and family and friends recommendation (50%). Conclusion: Herbal medicine use is considered common among Saudi citizens in Jeddah, especially among the older age, females and low educational levels and these groups should be targeted with orientation programs about the eff ectiveness, benefi ts and side effects.

ASSESSMENT OF JEDDAH PARKS HEALTH STATUS BY Cyperus rotundus AND SOIL ANALYSIS UNDER WASTE WATER IRRIGATION

ABSTRACT To investigate the health status of public parks in Jeddah city, a field survey was conducted based on the Cyperus rotundus weed and soil analysis of wastewater-irrigated parks during 2012. The city was divided into five different locations (North, South, East, West and Middle) and five parks were randomly sampled from each location; thus, the total number of sampled parks were twenty five. Toxic metals concentration were analyzed in the soil and in the plants while bacterial count was determined from the weed leaves. All studied toxic metals have significantly crossed the European Union safety limits for plant samples, while soil samples were just beyond the limit. The highest concentration was perceived for Lead (133-232 mg kg-1) and was followed by Chromium (80-141 mg kg-1). The microbial analysis of one gram leaf sample of C. rotundus demonstrated a maximum bacterial count of 45,955 cfu g-1, number of total E. coli form 34 and fecal coli form 8.65 at South and East Jeddah locations. These locations have also produced the highest concentration of toxic metals for both plant and soil samples. In crux, C. rotundus weeds may serve as an indicator of parks health by toxic metals and bacterial analysis that may infect the visitors, especially children's playing on it.

Association between sleeping hours and cardiometabolic risk factors for metabolic syndrome in a Saudi Arabian population

ObjectivesEpidemiological and molecular studies have shown that sleep duration is associated with metabolic syndrome (MtS), a disease that is on the rise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We aim...

Hydrochemistry, evolution, and origin of brines in supratidal saline pans, south Jeddah, Red Sea coast, Saudi Arabia

The supratidal, saline pans and surrounding wet sabkha area, south Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, have seawater seepages with a salinity of 40 ‰ that increases to 80–140 and 220–375 ‰ during deposition of gypsum and halite, respectively. The concentration order of the dominant cations and anions in the saline pans is sodium (Na+) > magnesium (Mg2+) > potassium (K+) > calcium (Ca2+) and chloride (Cl−) > sulfate ions (SO42−) > bicarbonate ions (HCO3−), respectively. The dominant brine type is Mg and sodium chloride. Correlations of the various ions in the saline pans indicate positive relations between Na+ and Cl−, Na+ and total dissolved solids (TDS), and Cl− and TDS due to halite precipitation at a high salinity value. Negative correlations between Ca2+ and SO42− and between Ca2+ and HCO3− are related to the reduction of SO42− and oxidation of organic matter by sulfate-reducing bacteria, which is confirmed also by the positive correlation of HCO3− and alkalinity. The high Mg/Ca ratio is related to the enrichment of the brine with bittern salts such as MgCl2 and KCl. The chemical data of the brines indicate their source from recent and old marine waters of MgCl2 and CaCl2 characters. The contribution of meteoric water has a minor effect on the composition of the brine in the saline pans.

Structural and textural characteristics of surface halite crusts of a supratidal, ephemeral halite pan, South Jeddah, Red Sea Coast, Saudi Arabia

Two saline (halite and gypsum) pans have recently developed overlying lagoonal and sabkha sediments in the Şarūm area, south Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as a result of the construction of an asphaltic road 30 years ago. Structural and textural characteristics of the halite layers reflect their formation during flooding, evaporative concentration, and desiccation stages of the ephemeral halite pan. The flooding stage textures record partial dissolution of the halite crusts, resulting in the formation of truncation surfaces, microkarst pits, pipes, and vugs. Microbial mats can flourish within dissolution vugs, despite the ambient high salinity of the brine. The evaporative concentration stage is characterized by the formation of thick, flat, halite crusts, in addition to isolated masses resembling cauliflowers, mushrooms, and platforms. The halite crusts and isolated masses consist of cumulate rafts and pyramidal hoppers, chevrons, and cornets. Agitation of the brine by waves or currents induced by wind favors the formation of rippled and clastic halite. Desiccation stage textures are represented by polygonal fractures and ridges, chaotic mud-halite filling microkarst pits and pipes, overgrowths, and displacive and efflorescent halite crystals. Field and petrographic studies and major element geochemistry of the brine indicate that the main recharge to the halite pan is from numerous seawater seepage points without direct connection to the Red Sea water or surface drainage. The results of this study provide valuable sedimentological information that could be useful in the interpretation of similar ancient halite.