Estimation of crustal movements along the Nile Delta, Egypt using GNSS measurements

Abstract

The Nile Delta is the oldest delta in the Mediterranean Basin, situated in the middle of its eastern geodynamics progress. It represents a major strategic area for Egypt. Beside the Mediterranean Sea level rise, the Nile Delta may suffer from subsidence due to the reduction of the sediments supply after building the Aswan High Dam. In addition, oil and gas production plays an effective role in the Delta deformation. Nowadays, monitoring the Delta's crustal deformation is regarded as one of the most essential interests for research studies due to the strategic importance of the huge landform created by the Nile. This research aims to determine and interpret the crustal movements for the Nile Delta either locally or regionally using GNSS data during the period 2013-2020. For this purpose, data from 14 GNSS permanent stations were analyzed. The results showed that the Delta is characterized by heterogeneous movements. The local horizontal movement rate is averaged by 2.5 mm per year, which represents a low rate. In addition, the eastern and western sides of the Delta showed different geodynamic behavior related to its structural properties. The vertical velocities showed a significant subsidence ranging from -0.11 mm per year at Helwan to -9.1 mm at Mansoura.