UpDate - Vol. 14, No. 37, Page 9
July 20, 1995
Visiting Fulbright fellow is conducting research on Nile

     The Nile, one of the longest rivers in the world, running 4,160 miles
from its source to the sea, is the lifeline of Egypt.
     Fulbright fellow and visiting scientist Magdy Farag is conducting
research on the river's vast triangular delta at the Center for Remote
Sensing in the College of Marine Studies.
     A professor of environmental studies at the University of Alexandria,
Farag said he chose to come to Delaware because he was familiar with the
work of Vic Klemas, the center's director.
     The Nile delta is important to Egypt for shipping, ports, agricultural
use and fishing, Farag said. Remote sensing, using satellite imagery, gives
an overall picture of the Nile delta and the changes that are occurring,
induced by the currents, waves and sediment deposits, which have been
altered by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.
     Since the high dam was built (1960-70), the character of the Nile has
changed, with a considerable impact on the delta, according to Farag. Prior
to the dam's construction, flooding was an annual occurrence, except in
time of drought, and the river water contained suspended particles and
sediment that flowed into the delta.
     With the building of the high dam, the flooding has ceased, the
particle count has been greatly reduced and consequently, the Nile delta
coast line has changed and eroded-a major problem for Egypt. However, Farag
pointed out, thanks to the high dam and the water stored in Lake Nasser,
the country was able to survive a recent seven-year drought through crop
irrigation. The dam also supplies the region with hydroelectricity.
     By studying the dynamics of the Nile delta and the factors that are
causing changes, it is possible to predict what is happening, and the
government can take steps to combat erosion. Farag said. Already, man-made
structures and jetties have been put into place to help solve the problem.
     Farag also is conducting research on the atmosphere of the region as
it interacts with the Nile delta.
     Farag, who will be at Delaware until September, received his doctorate
from University of Alexandria under a joint program with the University of
London, where he studied for three years.
                                                        -Sue Swyers Moncure