Wadi Feiran Research Articles

Petrographical and Geochemical Studies of the Upper Cretaceous Sandstones in Wadi Feiran, West-Central Sinai, Egypt: Implications for Depositional Environment and Diagenesis

The main focus of this paper is on the sandstones from the Upper Cretaceous period found in the Wadi Feiran area. The study aims to investigate various aspects of the sandstones, including their petrographic characteristics such as textural maturity and mineralogical classification, as well as their paleoenvironment, diagenesis, and chemical composition. The results show that the sandstones are sub-mature and were formed in relatively shallow neritic environments. Based on their mineralogical composition, they are classified as quartz arenite. The paleoenvironmental analysis suggests that the sediments were deposited in an area of mild tectonic stability. During diagenesis, the sandstones underwent various physical and chemical stages. Analysis of their chemical composition indicates that they were deposited under relatively warm and slightly alkaline conditions in a relatively shallow and restricted medium, with major and trace components including Al2O3, SiO2, Fe2O3, CaO, MgO, K2O, Na2O, P2O5, Cl, SO3, Ti, Mn, Cu, Ni, and Sr.

State of the Practice Worldwide: Utilizing Hydrogeochemical Data and GIS Tools to Assess the Groundwater Quality in Arid Region: Example from Wadi Feiran Basin, Southwestern Sinai, Egypt

AbstractThe paper aims to study the physio‐chemical parameters of Wadi Feiran groundwater and classify it for use for drinking and irrigation. Twenty water samples collected from the WF have revealed a number of physio‐chemical parameters such as pH, TDS, SAR, EC, ions (Na+, Mg+2, Ca+2, K+, Cl−, SO4−2, NO3−, and HCO3−), and trace elements (U, Pb, Cd, Zr, and Fe). The study clarified that the major ion parameters are within the permissible limits according to WHO 2018, except for Ca+2, Cl−, SO4−2, and NO3−, but trace elements have high concentrations, except for Zn. To recognize the association between groundwater quality parameters and their collective impact on whole groundwater quality, correlation coefficient, factor, and cluster multivariate statistical analyses were carried out and confirmed with the constructed LU/LC map. These revealed that the increase of TDS, EC, Cl, SO4, Na, Mg, and NO3 is attributed to rainfall, leakage of municipal sewage Nile water, and human actions. GIS approaches were used to create thematic layers from groundwater physio‐chemical parameters, which were then weighted and combined to produce a groundwater quality model. This model was classified into potable, marginal, and un‐potable water. Potable and marginal water can be used for drinking and irrigation, but un‐potable water can only be used for irrigation.

Mineralogy and Geochemistry of the Upper Cretaceous Mudrocks, Wadi Feiran Region, West-Central Sinai, Egypt

The present paper aims to explore the mineralogy and geochemistry of the mud rocks that have been accumulated during the Late Cretaceous in Wadi Feiran, West-Central Sinai, Egypt. The investigated section comprises three distinct lithostratigraphic units, namely the Raha, Wata, and Matulla Formations. Mineralogical examination proposes the existence of several sorts of clay minerals (e.g., kaolinite, illite, muscovite, and montmorillonite). The recognition of these clay minerals proves deposition in alkaline environmental conditions. Besides, our findings suggest that the reported clay minerals probably originated first in the form of chlorite instead of illite, as illite is likely produced from the weathering of chlorite. The overflow dispersion of both main (Al2O3, SiO2, Fe2O3, CaO, MgO, K2O, Na2O, P2O5, Cl, and SO3) and minor (Ti, Mn, Cu, Ni, and Sr) constituents was assessed through applying chemical and physicochemical factors on the studied mudrocks. Our study concludes that reducing alkaline conditions were the limiting environmental factor in the deposition of these Upper Cretaceous rocks.

Geochemical Characteristics of the Syn-Tectonic Granitoids along Wadi El-Sheikh Area, South Sinai, Egypt.

Geochemical Characteristics of the Syn-Tectonic Granitoids along Wadi El-Sheikh Area, South Sinai, Egypt.

Facies Analysis and Geochemistry of Upper Cretaceous Carbonate Rocks, Wadi Feiran District, West Central Sinai, Egypt

The current study focuses on the geochemistry and facies analysis of the Upper Cretaceous carbonate rocks deposited in Wadi Feiran, West-Central Sinai, Egypt. The study area is defined by the careful petrographic and geochemical examination of four stratigraphic units, including Raha, Wata, Matulla, and Sudr formations. Ten microfacies types were recognized, listed from bottom to top; Fossiliferous-micrite, Bio-micrite, Pell-Bio-Micrite, Argillaceous Dolo-Biomicrite, Glauco- Dolo-Sparite, Glauco-Dolo-Microsparite, Dolo-Silty-Micrite, Bio- Pell-Sparite, Micrite and Foraminifera Biomicrite. The vertical distribution of these microfacies types indicates cyclic alternation between open and confined marine (bank interior deposits) deposition environments. The carbonate rocks were exposed to subaerial and submarine depositional settings diagenetically. The overflow dispersion of both main and minor components was determined by applying chemical and physicochemical parameter assessments to the selected samples. The review demonstrates that shallow sea conditions prevailed during the Upper Cretaceous.

Seasonal Changes of Some Metabolites in Hyoscyamus boveanus (Dunal) Asch. & Schweinf – Saint Katherine, South Sinai, Egypt

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of seasonal fluctuations on some metabolites and to explore the correlation between soil and plant analysis in Hyoscyamus boveanus (H.boveanus) at the Wadi El-Sheikh Awad in Saint Katherine, South Sinai, Egypt. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed for physical and chemical properties of the soil associated with H. boveanus during 0-20 and 20-40 cm depths, which increased most of them during the first depth. All chemical composition contents of H. boveanus are influenced significantly (p < 0.05) by seasons studied, except Na+, glycosides, total phenol, crude protein contents. A substantial increase in mineral composition (Na+, K+, P and Fe2+), total alkaloids, glycosides, total phenol, proline, total carbohydrates and all photosynthetic pigments contents were recorded in H. boveanus during the summer season. While, the mineral composition (Ca2+, Mg2+, S, N and Cl-), water content and crude protein contents appeared to be higher in the winter season. The relationships between soil and plant variables were delineated by performing the principal component analysis (PCA). The PC1 and PC2 displayed differences between the soil and plant variables, also, the variables Mg2+, Cl-, pH, EC, Ca2+ and K+ in the soil associated with H. boveanus are variables with better chemical properties of the soil, which affect the plant distribution in Wadi El-Sheikh Awad during the two seasons. The PCA revealed high positive correlations among soil variables as well as among plant variables. Soil magnesium correlated highly and positively with the plant variables i.e., crude protein, water content, Chl b, Chl a+b, carotein and total pigment contents. The pH, EC, and Ca2+ in soil were positively correlated with all chemical composition contents of H. boveanus. Some metabolites in H. boveanus were significantly increased during the summer season compared to the other season, due to the activation of plant physiological stress tolerance mechanisms.

Assessment of borehole geophysical logging and DC resistivity/transient electromagnetic methods for subsurface mapping in Wadi Feiran, Sinai, Egypt

Assessment of borehole geophysical logging and DC resistivity/transient electromagnetic methods for subsurface mapping in Wadi Feiran, Sinai, Egypt

Soil assessment for agricultural uses: Case study, selected localities from Wadi Feiran basin, Southwestern Sinai, Egypt

Soil assessment for agricultural uses: Case study, selected localities from Wadi Feiran basin, Southwestern Sinai, Egypt

The flint artefacts from two workshops at Wadi el-Sheikh, Eastern Desert, Egypt

The flint artefacts from two workshops at Wadi el-Sheikh, Eastern Desert, Egypt

Hydrologic analysis of the challenges facing water resources and sustainable development of Wadi Feiran basin, southern Sinai, Egypt

Wadi Feiran basin is one of the most promising areas in southern Sinai (Egypt) for establishing new communities and for growth in agriculture, tourism, and industry. The present challenges against development include water runoff hazards (flash flooding), the increasing water demand, and water scarcity and contamination. These challenges could be mitigated by efficient use of runoff and rainwater through appropriate management, thereby promoting sustainable development. Strategies include the mitigation of runoff hazards and promoting the natural and artificial recharge of aquifers. This study uses a watershed modeling system, geographic information system, and classification scheme to predict the effects of various mitigation options on the basin’s water resources. Rainwater-harvesting techniques could save more than 77% of the basin’s runoff (by volume), which could be used for storage and aquifer recharge. A guide map is provided that shows possible locations for the proposed mitigation options in the study basin. Appropriate measures should be undertaken urgently: mitigation of groundwater contamination (including effective sewage effluent management); regular monitoring of the municipal, industrial and agricultural processes that release contaminants; rationalization and regulation of the application of agro-chemicals to farmland; and regular monitoring of contaminants in groundwater. Stringent regulations should be implemented to prevent wastewater disposal to the aquifers in the study area.

Impacts of fossil anisotropy on the electric and permeability anisotropy of highly fossiliferous limestone: a case study

The Middle Eocene Lutetian Samalut formation is among the best examples of anisotropic fossiliferous rocks in Egypt, where the effect of the anisotropic Nummulite Gizehensis fossils on the petrophysical behavior can be traced. The Samalut formation has been sampled and studied at Wadi Feiran in SW Sinai. Petrographically, it is composed of two microfacies; Nummulitic packstone and Fusulinid mudstone. Tight cementation by micro to pseudosparite, aggrading neomorphism and compaction with increasing load pressure are the most important porosity-reducing factors. The anisotropy of the fossil content (λF), due to shape and orientation, and its effect on the petrophysical properties were assigned by measuring the lengths of the longest and shortest axes. Petrophysically, both microfacies are characterized by low porosity values (1.47 ≤ $${\emptyset _{{\text{He}}}}$$ ≤ 5.29%). The formation resistivity factor (F) and permeability (k) were measured in the horizontal and vertical directions (parallel and perpendicular to the bedding plane, respectively). The studied samples are characterized by high to very high formation resistivity factor (190 ≤ F ≤ 8938) and relatively very low permeability (0.012 ≤ k ≤ 0.110 md). The studied samples are characterized by fair to medium electric anisotropy ‘λE’, which is attributed to a relatively medium to fair degree of electric foliation. It has been shown that, the fossil shape anisotropy and orientation ‘λF’ (1.5 ≤ λF ≤ 3.5) is the main contributor for the electric and permeability anisotropy that corrected for the same porosity value (1.61 ≤ λEC ≤ 2.25 and 1.03 ≤ λkC ≤ 2.04; respectively). Foliation of the studied microfacies has been contributed to the orientation of the fossil remains parallel to the bedding plane. The anisotropy degree is relatively greater for the Nummulitic packstone microfacies than that of the Fusulinid mudstone. The present study refers to the possible anisotropic effect of fossil content (due to shape and orientation) on the petrophysical properties of the studied rocks which may be extended to the anisotropy of reservoir rocks on the bedding scale.

Chert for the Masses… Mining Archaeology in Wadi el-Sheikh. A Preliminary Report

The chert mines of Wadi el-Sheikh in Middle-Egypt have been well known for over 100 years now; however, archaeological research on this important raw material source is still lacking. In 2014 and 2015 the Vienna Middle Egypt Project of the University of Vienna in cooperation with the University of Virginia and the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum conducted surveys and archaeological excavations in Wadi el-Sheikh. In this article new results concerning chert mining, mining technology and the organization of labor in this desert valley are described.

GENETIC DIVERSITY OF NATURAL POPULATIONS OF Moringa peregrina IN EGYPT

The genetic diversity of two populations of Moringa peregrina in South Sinai was performed by inter-simple sequence repeat markers (ISSR) using ten primers. The investigation was carried out as a primary step towards developing effective conservation strategies for the protection of Moringa peregrina germplasm. The aim of this study was to assess the genetic diversity within and among twenty individuals of Moringa peregrina collected from two populations in Wadi Zaghra and Wadi Feiran, South Sinai. The ISSR marker analysis showed a significant level of genetic variation within and among the populations, reached 95.45% of polymorphism. Cluster analysis was performed to construct a dendrogram using UPGMA. The dendrogram clustered the individuals into two major clusters, the first one for Wadi Zaghra individuals (about 78% polymorphism) and the second one for Wadi Feiran individuals (about 75% polymorphism). The obtained results indicate the high genetic diversity between the individuals of Moringa peregrina in South Sinai.

Geomorphic and lithologic characteristics of Wadi Feiran basin, southern Sinai, Egypt, using remote sensing and field investigations

Wadi Feiran is an important drainage basin in southern Sinai Peninsula covering an area of about 1785 \(\hbox {km}^{2}\), its streams drain into the Gulf of Suez crossing variety of rocks and sedimentary units varied in age from Precambrian to Quaternary. Field investigations, geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing studies including Landsat-7 ETM+, Radarsat-1, and SRTM DEM were integrated to reveal its lithologic, geologic and geomorphic features. Besides the field investigations, rock units including basement and pre- and syn-rift sedimentary units were discriminated using band ratios and principal component analysis techniques (PCA). Such techniques revealed that the crystalline rocks covering W. Feiran are unaltered rocks lacking OH-bearing minerals. Radar data successfully displayed the structures and geomorphic features related to topography. Moreover, the techniques allowed the extraction of the dyke-like structures along faults and shear zones. This also characterized the topographic variations through analysis of the shaded terrain and the altitudinal profiles. The results of data integration, lineament analysis and lineament density maps revealed that the structural grain in the present study has four different trends: N20–45E, N30–45W, N–S and E–W. Based on analysis of radar data and geomorphic indices, W. Feiran is an asymmetrical basin, its left side occupies \(\sim \)34% of the total area that leads to a supposedly massive tilt towards the south which caused the southwestward slope.

Nature of the Paleocene/Eocene (P/E) boundary in Sinai, Egypt

The P/E boundary is studied at eight stratigraphic sections in Sinai, Egypt, which are nearly distributed in a stratigraphic profile from north to south as follows: Al-Hasanah, Sudr Al-Hitan, Wadi Sudr, Al-Thamad, Abu Qada, Wadi Matulla, Wadi Nukhul and Wadi Feiran. This study includes field, litho- and bio-stratigraphic analyses that enabled to delineate several hiatuses which may be due to the occurrence of tectonic activity that may be related to the echo of the Syrian Arc Orogeny at the P/E boundary. Generally, in Egypt the P/E boundary is marked by the occurrence of distinctive five beds, named by El Dababiya Quarry Member. At Wadi Nukhul, Wadi Matulla and Wadi Feiran sections, El Dababiya Quarry Member is well represented and the P/E boundary is conformable and resembles the GSSP section. Although El Dababiya Quarry Member is represented at Al-Hasanah section, the P/E boundary is marked by the occurrence of a minor hiatus at the end of Paleocene. Moreover, at Al Thamad section, El Dababiya Quarry Member is partially represented. On the other hand, at Sudr Al-Hitan, Wadi Sudr and Abu Qada sections, El Dababiya Quarry Member is completely absent due to a major hiatus.

Wadi el-Sheikh: A new archaeological investigation of ancient Egyptian chert mines

This article provides an overview of the first results from archaeological investigations at Wadi el-Sheikh in Egypt by the University of Vienna Middle Egypt Project. Chert was an important raw material used to produce tools, implements and jewelry in ancient times. Wadi el-Sheikh was exploited over thousands of years as it was probably the most important source of chert in Pharaonic civilization. The results of our new investigations that involved surveys and test excavations indicate the presence of large scale mining activities in the first half of the 3rd Millennium B.C.E. which allow for detailed insights into the amount of raw material extracted, the mining methods used and the lithic products manufactured in this area. These aspects are contextualized on the background of ancient Egyptian state-organized resource acquisition strategies and economy.

Genesis, maturity and weathering of some Upper Cretaceous Egyptian glauconites: Mineralogical and geochemical implications

Mineralogical and geochemical studies were carried out on Upper Cretaceous (Cenomanian – Maastrichtian) glauconites from Egypt by means of polarizing microscope, XRD, SEM, microprobe and XRF techniques. Most of the investigated glauconite grains display zoning-like appearance. X-ray diffraction analyses reveal the presence of glauconite, quartz, dolomite, jarosite, goethite and glauconite (illite)-smectite mixed layer minerals. SEM and microprobe investigations revealed that jarosite is present as a weathering product of pyrite especially in Abu Tartur and Wadi Feiran areas. However, goethite was encountered as oxidation product of both pyrite and glauconite. The microprobe analyses of the glauconite grains reflect clearly their low Alumina (<10%) content at the different localities; suggesting therefore their development at depths from 50 m downwards. The Cenomanian glauconites of Wadi Feiran, Saint Paul and Gabal Dist show slight enrichment in K2O content relative to the Campanian – Maastrichtian glauconite of Abu Tartur, indicating more mineralogical maturity.The microprobe analyses also reflect the loss of K and Fe from the glauconite grains. Fe and K can be contributed to aqueous solution media during weathering, leaving aluminous clay minerals in the soil. As result, argillaceous glauconite (illite)-smectite mixed layer, in some cases, is found associating the green pellets of glauconite in many of the investigated samples; most probably produced by weathering of the glauconite grains.Regarding glauconites, Wadi Feiran bulk samples are enriched in TiO2, Al2O3, MgO, Zr, Ce and La, whereas those of Saint Paul exhibit richness in Y and Rb. Gabal Dist samples display appreciable content of Fe2O3(t), K2O, Pb, Zn, Ni, Co, Sc and V whereas the P2O5 and SO3 show their abundance patterns at Abu Tartur locality. These fluctuations could be attributed to their differences in the mineralogical content (pyrite, goethite, and jarosite).The strong correlation between TiO2/Al2O3 and Zr/Al2O3 ratios may reflects mixed origin or reworking of sedimentary rocks from the continental hinterland in all the studied areas.The values of trace elements indices, such as Ni/Co, V/Cr and V/(V + Ni), suggest oxic to suboxic environments. However, some of the chalcophile elements (Pb, Zn, Ni, Co, Cu, Fe and Ga), which are correlated with pyrite and its alteration product (goethite), occur with relatively high concentrations in some studied glauconite beds reflecting reducing and/or suboxic conditions during the precipitation of these beds.

Challenges Facing Coptic Heritage Tourism in Egypt A Case Study On: Wadifeiran Region

Despite the fact that Egypt owns a huge fortune of Coptic heritage sites (i.e. The Monastery of Saint Anthony, El Bagawat Necropolis, the Red Monastery and the White Monastery, etc.), heritage tourism in Egypt is known only by Pharaonic monuments. Accordingly, it is necessary to focus on the Egyptian Coptic heritage. The current paper aims at shedding light on the importance of the Egyptian Coptic heritage as a main component of the Egyptian heritage tourism as well as exploring the different challenges facing Coptic heritage in Wadi Feiran Region. Within this context, interviews were conducted with key representatives of Coptic heritage experts. It was concluded that different challenges are facing Coptic heritage in Egypt such as: there is no department of Coptology in the Egyptian universities; Coptic conservators are quite rare in Egypt; Mismanagement of Coptic heritage sites endanger them as well as Lack of security measures worsened the situation.

Groundwater potentiality mapping of hard-rock terrain in arid regions using geospatial modelling: example from Wadi Feiran basin, South Sinai, Egypt

Identifying a good site for groundwater exploitation in hard-rock terrains is a challenging task. In Sinai, Egypt, groundwater is the only source of water for local inhabitants. Interpretation of satellite data for delineation of lithological units and weathered zones, and for mapping of lineament density and their trends, provides a valuable aid for the location of groundwater promising areas. Complex deformational histories of the wide range of lithological formations add to the difficulty. Groundwater prospect mapping is a systematic approach that considers the major controlling factors which influence the aquifer and quality of groundwater. The presented study aims to delineate, identify, model and map groundwater potential zones in arid South Sinai using remote sensing data and a geographic information system (GIS) to prepare various hydromorphogeological thematic maps such as maps of slope, drainage density, lithology, landforms, structural lineaments, rainfall intensity and plan curvature. The controlling-factor thematic maps are each allocated a fixed score and weight, computed by using a linear equation approach. Furthermore, each weighted thematic map is statistically computed to yield a groundwater potential zone map of the study area. The groundwater potential zones thus obtained were divided into five categories (very poor, poor, moderate, good and very good) and were validated using the relation between the zone and the spatial distribution of productive wells and of previous geophysical investigations from a literature review. The results show the groundwater potential zones in the study area, and create awareness for better planning and management of groundwater resources.

Vegetation dynamics and species distribution patterns in the inland desert wadis of South Sinai, Egypt

The present study aims to investigate the variation in vegetation and species diversity in three inland wadis (Wadi Solaf, W. Romana and W. El-Akhdar) which drain their water from surrounding high mountains to the main channel of Wadi Feiran in South Sinai. It attempted to compare the floristic diversity between these wadis to recognize the different distribution patterns of species, and to assess the role of the edaphic factors which control the distribution of the plant communities. Forty-five sample plots were selected to represent as much as possible the variation in the vegetation, and georeferenced using GPS techniques. A total of 116 species (45 annuals and 71 perennials) belonging to 95 genera and 37 families were recorded, with Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Fabaceae, and Zygophyllaceae represented the species-rich families. Therophytes constituted the main bulk of the flora, followed by chamaephytes, phanerophytes and hemicryptophytes. As part of the Saharo-Arabian region, the Saharo-Arabian chorotype dominated the others. Classification of the vegetation resulted in 5 vegetation groups : (A) Zilla spinosa, (B) Artemisia judaica-Zilla spinosa, (C) Artemisia judaica, (D) Anabasis articulata-Artemisia judaica-Fagonia mollis, and (E) Fagonia mollis-Zilla spinosa. Species richness was significantly negatively correlated with chlorides, while the Shannon’s diversity index showed significant negative correlation with chlorides and positively correlated with calcium. Vegetation-soil relationships were assessed by Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) using 13 soil factors indicated that gravel, coarse sand, fine sand, silt, clay, sodium and chlorides were the key soil variables that affect the distribution of plant communities in the inland wadis of South Sinai.