Geology, geography and global energy

Scientific and Technical Journal

Human impact on changing the geomorphology of Lake Marjut, Alexandria, Egypt

2013. №3, pp. 145-152

M. Khalifa Moataz - Post-graduate student, Astrakhan State University, 1 Shaumyan sq., Astrakhan, Russian Federation, 414000,, m_khalifa@yahoo.com"com

Kondrashin Ruslan V.  - C. Sc. In Geography, Assistant professor, Astrakhan State University, 1 Shaumyan sq., Astrakhan, Russian Federation, 414000,, georus71@mail.ru"ru

The present Lake Mariut occupies a small portion of large ancient lake (Lake Mareotis) found in Roman time from 6000 years. During that period the lake covered a large area south of Alexandria. It covered an area of approximately 2400 km2. The width of the lake was estimated by 40 km while its length was about 70 km. The lake has gone over the years many changes to the extent that it became dry in several years. The width of the lake was estimated, at that time, by 24.5 km while its length was about 44.5 km. In ancient time, this lake was fed by Naukratis and El-Hagir canals from Nile branch (Canopic branch). During Roman period used Naukratis navigation canal to transport of goods from the Mediterranean Sea to River Nile. The Canopy branch of the Nile disappeared between XII to XVIII, by gradual silting and depositions. During the 12th century, the Canopy branch was completely blocked depriving the lake from its water sources thus the lake lost most of its water by evaporation leaving only swamps of salt marches. There five stages of cultivated and reclamation lands projects. The first stage from 6000 years after18th century, it covered an area of approximately 2400 km2.The second stage in 18th century. It covered an area of approximately 700 km2. The third stage in 19th century. It covered an area of approximately 252 km2. The fourth stage in 20th century, it covered an area of approximately 182 km2. The fifth stage in 21th century, it covered an area of approximately 63.46 km2.

Key words: history of Mariut Lake,Alexandria,Egypt,stages of cultivated,reclamation lands

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