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Journal of Environmental Hydrology
ISSN 1058-3912 |
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Electronic Journal of the International Association for
Environmental Hydrology
JEH Volume 17 (2009), Paper 6 Posted February 28, 2009 THE EVOLUTION OF THE RIVER GASH BASIN, EASTERN SUDAN
Abdalla E.M. Elsheikh1 2Central Petroleum Laboratory, Khartoum, Sudan ABSTRACT The study area covers the River Gash Basin located in the eastern part of the Sudan. The river is considered an intermittent stream originating in the highlands of Eriteria. It flows northwest across a flat plain and ends in the Gash delta, an important agricultural region. Remote sensing methods are used with sructural analysis and geophysics to detect river course changes and delta migration. The River Gash historically was part of the Nile River system. Dramatic river course changes have occurred due to tectonic activities, sedimentation, and climatic changes. The subsurface geometry and structural pattern of the basin have a strong influence on river course changes and delta migration. This study shows two paleodeltas of alluvial sediments towards the River Atbara. Structural analysis reveals four dominant fracture systems which are the main factors that control the river course. Geophysical investigations using electrical resistivity confirmed the existence of the paleodeltas and fracture systems. The geophysical survey identified a step faulting system caused by an E-W fracture trend, in which the depth of the basin increases toward the north. Reference: Elsheikh, A., I. Babikir, K. Zeinelabdein, and S. Elobeid. 2009. The evolution of the River Gash Basin, Eastern Sudan, Vol. 17, Paper 6. CONTACT: Abdalla Elsheikh Alneelain University Khartoum, Sudan E-mail: elsheikhabdalla@hotmail.com |
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