Skip to main content
Log in

Geological evolution of Nile Valley, west Sohag, Upper Egypt: a geotechnical perception

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Arabian Journal of Geosciences Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Based on distinct variations of textural characteristics, stratigraphical relationships and mineral composition of clastics sedimentary sequence (coarse aggregates) in west Sohag, Upper Egypt had been classified into six individual geological evolutionary stages. These stages were controlled mainly by geomorphology, paleo-climatic conditions, and regional and local tectonic events. In west Sohag, Upper Egypt, the suitability of the Oligocene–Pleistocene natural coarse aggregates have been examined in terms of pavement materials in a sub-base consideration. Depending on textual characteristics and mineral composition, these natural coarse aggregates indicated three distinct stages of geological evolution of the Egyptian Nile Valley. These aggregates are classified as well-graded gravels (GW) and distinguished by cubical shape with sub-angular to sub-rounded edges, as well as characterized by a relatively high abrasion resistance. This leads to a suitability of these natural aggregates in being used as a sub-base pavement course for higher shear strength, exhibiting a less fatigue life. The total estimated volume of these coarse aggregate is 2060.41 million m3. This volume of natural coarse aggregates can be dry sieved and crushed to produce base and surface pavement courses.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
Fig. 14
Fig. 15
Fig. 16

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • AASHTO M 147-65 (2004) Standard specification for materials for aggregate and soil-aggregate subbase, base, and surface courses. American Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials/4 pages

  • Abdel Hamid MA, Abdel Kawy WA, Ali RR, Ibrahim RA (2014) Study of land resources of some areas at Helwan Governorate. Int J Environ Sci 3(1):27–35

    Google Scholar 

  • Abdel Razzik TM (1972) Comparative studies on the upper Cretaceous-Early Paleocene sediments on the Red Sea coast, Nile Valley and Western Desert Egypt, 8th Arab Petroleum Congress, Algiers, paper No. 71(B-3), 1–23

  • Abu Seif ES (2014a) Geotechnical approach to evaluate natural fine aggregates concrete strength, Sohag Governorate, Upper Egypt. Arab J Geosci. doi:10.1007/s12517-014-1705-3

    Google Scholar 

  • Abu Seif ES (2014b) Geomechanical evaluation of Pliocene natural aggregates as pavement materials. Arab J Geosci 7:1567–1576

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Akawy A (2002) Structural geomorphology and neotectonics of the Qina; Safaja District, Egypt. Neues Jahrbuch fuer Geologie und Palaeontologie 226:95–130

    Google Scholar 

  • Akbulut H, Gȕrer C (2007) Use of aggregates produced from marble quarry waste in asphalt pavements. J Build Environ 42:1921–1930

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Akkad S, Dardir AA (1966) Geology of the Red Sea coast between Ras Ghagara and Mersa Alam. Egypt Geol Surv, 35–67

  • Ali T, Sengoz B (2005) Determination of fine aggregate angularity in relation with the resistance to rutting of hot-mix asphalt. Constr Build Mater 19:155–163

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Amoroso S, Leopardi M, Totani G (2008) From geotechnical and hydraulic researches to use of natural materials in mitigation works for river embankments: a case study

  • Asphalt Institute MS-4 (2003) Superpave mix design. Superpave Series SP-2, 3rd Edition, Lexington, Kentucky, USA

  • ASTM C127 (1999) Standard Test Method for Specific Gravity and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, 4.02, American Society for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, 64–68

  • ASTM C131 (1989) Method for resistance to degradation of small size coarse aggregate by abrasion and impact in Los Angles machine, ASTM C131, Philadelphia

  • ASTM C136 (2004) Standard Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates, ASTM Annual Book of Standards, Vol. 04–02

  • ASTM C33 (2003) Standard specification for concrete aggregates. American Society for Testing and Materials, ASTM specification, Philadelphia

  • ASTM D1241 (2007) Specification for materials for soil-aggregate subbase, base and surface courses. American Society for Testing and Materials

  • ASTM D4791 (2005) Standard test method for flat particles, elongated particles, or flat and elongated particles in coarse aggregate, ASTM, West Conshohocken

  • Barron T (1907) The Topography and Geology of the District between Cairo and Suez. Egyptian Survey Department, 1–133

  • Beadnell HJL (1905) The Topography and Geology of the Fayum Province of Egypt. Survey Department, 1–101

  • Benson FJ (1970) Effects of aggregate size shape, and surface texture on the properties of bituminous mixtures—a literature survey. Highway Res Spec Rep 109:12–21

    Google Scholar 

  • Blair TC, McPhersonb JG (1994) Historical adjustments by Walker River to lake-level fall over a tectonically tilted half-graben floor, Walker Lake Basin, Nevada. Sed Geo 92(1–2):7–16

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bosworth W, Huchon P, McClay K (2005) The Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Basins. J Afr Earth Sci 43:334–378

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bown TM, Kraus MJ (1988) Geology and paleoenvironment of the Oligocene Jebel Qatrani Formation and adjacent rocks, Fayum Depression, Egypt: U.S. Geol Surv Prof Pap 1452:1–60

    Google Scholar 

  • Brennan MJ, O’Flaherty CA (2002) Highways. 4th edition, Elsevier Ltd. ISBN: 978-0-7506-5090-8

  • Brookes IA (1999) Geomorphic maps of Egypt’s Western Desert. Abstracts XV Congress International Association for Quaternary Research (INQUA), Durban, South Africa, 33

  • Brookes IA (2001) Possible Miocene catastrophic flooding in Egypt’s western desert. J Afr Earth Sc 32:325–333

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brown SF, Pell PS (1974) Repeated loading of bituminous materials. CAPSA 74. National Institute for Road Research, Republic of South Africa, Durban

  • BS EN 1097-6 (2000) Tests for mechanical and physical properties of aggregates: Part 6: Determination of particle density and water absorption

  • Butzer KW (1959) Contributions to the Pleistocene geology of the Nile Valley. Erdkunde 13:46–67

    Google Scholar 

  • Butzer KW, Hansen CL (1968) Desert and River in Nubia. Wisconsin University press, Madison, 562p

    Google Scholar 

  • CEN, European Committee for Standardization (1997) EN 933-3. Tests for general properties of aggregates: part 3, determination of particle shape, Flakiness index, Brussels

  • Chen WF (1995) The civil engineering handbook. CRC Press, Florida

    Google Scholar 

  • Chun-Yi K, Freeman RB (1998) Image analysis evaluation of aggregates for asphalt concrete mixtures. Transp Res 1615:65–71

    Google Scholar 

  • Collinson JD (1996) Alluvial sediments. Sediment Environ: Process Facies Stratigraph 3:37–82

    Google Scholar 

  • Conoco (1987) The Egyptian general petroleum corporation, geological map of Egypt 1: 500,000

  • Da Silva M (1979) Provenance of heavy minerals in beach sand, south eastern Brazil; from Rio Grande to Chui (Rio Grande do sul state). Sed Geo 24:133–149

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dec T (1992) Textural characteristics and interpretation of second-cycle, debris-flow-dominated alluvial fans (Devonian of Northern Scotland). Sed Geo 77(3–4):269–296

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Edelman CH, Doeglas DJ (1932) Reliktstructuren detritischer pyroxene und amphibole. Tschermaks Mineral Petrogr Mitt 42:482–490

    Google Scholar 

  • Edelman CH, Doeglas DJ (1934) Über umwandlungserscheinungen an detritischem staurolith und anderen mineralien. Tschermaks Mineral Petrogr Mitt 44:225–234

    Google Scholar 

  • El Aref MM, Abou Khadrah AM, Lotfy ZH (1987) Karst topography and karstification processes in the Eocene limestone plateau of El Bahariya Oasis, Western Desert, Egypt. Zeitschrift fur Geomorphologie, NF 31(1):45–64

    Google Scholar 

  • El Asmar H, El Fawal F (1994) Depositional history of prenile, west of the Delta, Egypt and its correlation with eastern Mediterranean stratigraphy. Sedimentol Egypt 2:41–53

    Google Scholar 

  • El-Bastawesy M, Faid A, Gammal ESE (2010) The Quaternary development of tributary channels to the Nile River at Kom Ombo area, Eastern Desert of Egypt, and their implication for groundwater resources. Hydrol Process 24:1856–1865

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Goudie AS (2005) The drainage of Africa since the Cretaceous. Geomorphology 67:437–456

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hadlari T, Rainbird RH, Donaldsan R (2006) Alluvial, eolian and lacustrine sedimentology of a paleopreterozoic half-graben, Baker lake basin, Nunavut, Canada. Sed Geo 190:47–70

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hamzah MO, Puzi MAA, Khairun Azizi AM (2010) Properties of geometrically cubical aggregates and its mixture design. IJRRAS 3(3):249–256

    Google Scholar 

  • Hegab O (1989) Old Nile alluvium in Upper Egypt. Bull Fac Sci El Mansoura Univ Egypt 16:73–94

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoggs SE (1982) Sheet-floods, sheet wash, sheet flow. Earth Sci Rev 18:59–76

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huber GA, Shuler TS (1992) Providing sufficient void space for asphalt cement: Relationship of mineral aggregate voids and aggregate gradation, ASTM SPT 1147, Philadelphia, PA

  • Imran H (2009) Impact of hot mix asphalt properties on its permanent deformation behaviour. Ph D. thesis, Civil Engineering Department, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Civil Engineering and Technology, Taxila, Pakistan

  • Issawi B (2005) Archean-Phanerozoic birth and the development of the Egyptian Land. 1st Int. In Conf. on Geol. Tethys, Cairo University, 339–380

  • Issawi B, McCauley JF (1992) The Cenozoic Rivers of Egypt; the Nile problem. In: Friedman R, Adams B (eds) The followers of Horus. Oxford Monograph, Oxford, pp 121–138

    Google Scholar 

  • Issawi B, McCauley JF (1993) The Cenozoic landscape of Egypt and its river systems. Egypt Geol Surv 19:357–384

    Google Scholar 

  • Issawi B, Osman R (2008) Egypt during the Cenozoic: geological history of the Nile River. Bull Tethys Geol Soc Cairo 3:43–62

    Google Scholar 

  • Issawi B, El-Hinnawi M, Francis M, Mazhar A (1999) The Phanerozoic geology of Egypt—a geodynamic approach. The Egyptian Geological Survey Press, Cairo, 462p

    Google Scholar 

  • Kim YR, Park MH, Aragâo STF, Lutif SEJ (2009) Effects of aggregate structure on hot-mix asphalt rutting performance in low traffic volume local pavements. Constr Build Mater 23:2177–2182

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Krijgsman W, Hilgen FJ, Raffi I, Sierro FJ, Wilson DS (1999) Chronology, causes and progression of the Messinian salinity crisis. Nature 400:652–655

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kröpelin S (1993) Geomorphology, landscape evolution and paleoclimates of Southwest Egypt. Catena Suppl 26:31–65

    Google Scholar 

  • Krutz NC, Sebaaly PE (1993) Effect of aggregate gradation on permanent deformation of asphaltic concrete. Proc Assoc Asphalt Paving Technol 62:450–473

    Google Scholar 

  • Kuo C-Y, Freeman RB (1998) Image analysis evaluation of aggregates for asphalt concrete mixtures, Transport Res Rec, No. 1615, TRB, National Research Council, Washington, D. C., 65–71

  • Langer WH (1993) Natural aggregates of the conterminous United States. US Geol Surv No. 1594, 2nd Printing

  • Langer WH, Knepper DHJr (1995) Geologic characterization of natural aggregate: a field geologist’s guide to natural aggregate resource assessment: US Geol Sur Open-File Report 95–582, 32p

  • Lee S, Chough S (1999) Changes in sedimentary facies and strata patterns along the strike-slip margin, northeastern Jinan Basin (Cretaceous), southwest Korea, implications for differential subsidence. Sediment Geol 128:81–102

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lewis DW (1984) Practical Sedimentology. Hutchinson Ross, Stroudsburg, PA, 229p

    Google Scholar 

  • Li MC, Kett I (1967) Influence of coarse aggregate shape on the strength of asphalt concrete mixtures. Highw Res Rec 178:93–106

    Google Scholar 

  • Maerz NH (2004) Technical and computational aspects of the measurement of aggregate shape by digital image analysis. J Comput Civil Eng ASCE 18:10–18

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mahran TM (1992) Sedimentological development of the Upper Pliocene-Pleistocene sediments in the area of El Salamony and El Sawamha Sharq, NE Sohag, Nile Valley, Egypt. Sohng Pure App Sci Bull Fac Sci Assiut Univ Egypt 8:251–276

    Google Scholar 

  • Mahran TM (1997) Cyclicity in Nakheil formation (Oligocene), West of Quseir, Red Sea, Egypt. Egypt J Geol 42(2A):309–546

    Google Scholar 

  • Mahran TM (1999) Late Oligocene lacustrine deposition of the Sodmin Formation, Abu Hammad Basin, Red Sea. Egypt: sedimentology and factors controlling palustrine carbonates. J Afr Earth Sc 29(3):567–592

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mahran TM, El-Shater A, Youssef AM, El-Haddad BA (2013) Facies analysis and tectonic-climatic controls of the development of Pre-Eonile and Eonile sediments of the Egyptian Nile west of Sohag. The 7th international conference on the geology of Africa, Assiut, Egypt, (Abstract)

  • Mandanici E, Bitelli G, Curzi PV (2010) Hyper and multispectral image analysis in north-eastern Libyan Desert. Hyperspectral Workshop, Frascati, Italy, 17–19th March, ESA SP-683

  • Marek CR (1991) Basic properties of aggregate. In: Barksdale RD (ed) The aggregate handbook, Ch. 3. National Stone Association, Washington, D.C, pp 1–81

    Google Scholar 

  • McCauley J, Breed C, Schaber G (1986) The megageomorphology of the radar rivers of the eastern Sahara. JPL Second Spaceborne Imaging Radar Symposium, 25–36

  • McCauley JF, Schaber GG, Breed CS, Grolier MJ, Haynes CV, Issawi B, Elachi C, Blom R (1982) Subsurface valleys and geoarcheology of the Eastern Sahara revealed by Shuttle Radar. Science 218:1004–1020

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Miall AD (1996) The geology of fluvial deposits: sedimentary facies, basin analysis and petroleum geology. Springer, Berlin, 582p

    Google Scholar 

  • Milner HB (1962) Sedimentary petrography, part II. Principals and applications. Macmillan, New York, 715p

  • Moore RB, Welke RA (1979) Effects of fine aggregate on stability of bituminous mixes, research report No. 78 TB-34-79F, Testing Laboratory Section, Testing Research Division, Michigan Department of Transportation, Lansing, MI

  • Morton AC, Hallsworth CR (1999) Processes controlling the composition of heavy mineral assemblages in sandstones. Sediment Geol 124:3–29

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mousa B (1990) Petrology and soil genesis of the surface Quaternary deposits, east of the Nile Delta. Ph.D. thesis, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Egypt, 391p

  • Nichols FP (1991) Specifications, standards, and guidelines for aggregate base course and pavement construction. In: Barksdale RD (ed) The aggregate handbook: National Stone Association, Washington, D.C. 1–33

  • Omar GI, Steckler MS (1995) Fission track evidence on the initial rifting of the Red Sea: two pulses, no propagation. Science 270:1341–1344

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Omran AA (2008) Integration of Remote Sensing, Geophysics and GIS to Evaluate Groundwater Potentiality: A Case Study in Sohag Region, Egypt. The 3rd International Conference on Water Resources and Arid Environments and the 1st Arab Water Forum

  • Pettijohn FJ (1975) Sedimentary rocks. Harper and Raw Publisher, Inc., New York, 638p

    Google Scholar 

  • Philobbos ER, El-Haddad AA, Mahran TM (1989) Sedimentology of the syn-rift Upper Miocene (?)-Pliocene sediments of the Red Sea areas: a model from the environs of Marsa Alam. Egypt J Geol 33:210–226

    Google Scholar 

  • Prowell BD, Zhang J, Brown ER (2005) NCHRP Report 539 Aggregate properties and the performance of Superpave-designed hot mix asphalt, Transport Res Board, Washington, D.C

  • Roberts FL, Kandhal PS, Brown ER, Lee D-Y, Kennedy TW (1996) Hot mix asphalt materials, mixture design and construction, 2nd ed. Lanham, MD, NAPA Research and Education Foundation

  • Roden J, Abdelsalam MG, Atekwana E, El-Qady G, Tarabees EA (2011) Structural influence on the evolution of the pre-Eonile drainage system of southern Egypt: insights from magnetotelluric and gravity data. J Afr Earth Sc 61:358–368

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Said R (1962) The geology of Egypt. Elsevier, Amsterdam-New York, 377p

    Google Scholar 

  • Said R (1975) The geological evolution of the River Nile. In: Wendorf F, Maks AF (eds) Problems in Prehistory of Northern Africa and the Levant. Southern Methodist University Press, Dallas, pp 1–44

    Google Scholar 

  • Said R (1981) The geological evolution of the River Nile. Springer, New York

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Said R (1983) Proposed classification of the Quaternary of Egypt. J Afr Earth Sc 1:41–45

    Google Scholar 

  • Said R (1990) The Geology of Egypt. S.A., Balkema, Rotterdam, Brookfield, 731p

  • Said R (1992) The geology of Egypt. Elsevier Science Ltd, Rotterdam

    Google Scholar 

  • Said R (1993) The River Nile: geology, hydrology and utilization. Pergamon Press, Oxford, 320p

    Google Scholar 

  • Shihui S, Huanan Y (2011) Characterize packing of aggregate particles for paving materials: particle size impact. J Construc Build Mater 3:1362–1368

    Google Scholar 

  • Shukri NM (1954) On cylindrical structures and coloration of Gebel Ahmar near Cairo, Egypt. Bull Fac Sci Cairo Univ 32:1–23

    Google Scholar 

  • Shukri NM, Ayouty MK (1954) The mineralogy of Eocene and later sediments in the Anqabia Area, Cairo-Suez District. Bull Fac Sci Cairo Univ No 32:47–61

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith MR, Collis L (2001) Aggregates–sand, gravel and crushed rock aggregates for construction purposes (3rd edition). Geol Soc London, Chapter 8:199–224

    Google Scholar 

  • Su Z (1996) Mineral aggregates; their classifications and properties, ESHA Research Report, RT010-96-02, Department of Research and Technology, Smid & Holland Services B.V

  • Tarrer AR, Wagh V (1991) The effect of the physical and chemical characteristics of the aggregate on bonding. Strategic Highway Research Program, National Research Council, Washington, D.C

  • Thurmond AK, Stern RJ, Abdelsalam MG, Nielsen KC, Abdeen MM, Hinz E (2004) The Nubian swell. J Afr Earth Sc 39:401–407

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tickel FG (1965) The techniques of sedimentary mineralogy. Elsevier, Amsterdam, 220p

    Google Scholar 

  • Tucker ME (2003) Sedimentary rocks in the field, 3rd edition. John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 250p

  • Wadell H (1932) Volume, shape and roundness of rock particles. J Geol 40:443–451

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wendorf F, Schild R (1976) Prehistory of the Nile Valley. Academic, New York, p 404

    Google Scholar 

  • Zaki R (2007) Pleistocene evolution of the Nile Valley in northern Upper Egypt. Quat Sci Rev 26:2883–2896

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhu H, Nodes JE (2000) Contact based analysis of asphalt pavement with the effect of aggregate angularity. Mech Mater 32:193–202

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The author is deeply grateful to Prof. Dr. A.M. Al-Amri (the Editor-in-Chief) and the anonymous reviewers for insightful comments and criticism that improved the original manuscript.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to El-Sayed Sedek Abu Seif.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Seif, ES.S.A. Geological evolution of Nile Valley, west Sohag, Upper Egypt: a geotechnical perception. Arab J Geosci 8, 11049–11072 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-015-1966-5

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-015-1966-5

Keywords

Navigation