Correlation between coastal sediments along Burullus-Damietta stretch, Egypt

The most conspicuous physiographic features of Egypt are the Nile Valley and the Nile Delta coast. The present study investigates the relationship between the coastal environments of the Nile Delta. The area of study lies between longitudes 30 55' and 31° 52' E. It extends for about 87 km along the coast between Burullus and Damietta mouth. The coastal area could be subdivided into 5 environments according to the geomoiphology and the nature of sediments. Coastal dunes, backshore, beach, breaker and nearshore are well developed here and extend in narrow strips up and down the length of the coast. The coastal sediments are evaluated depending upon: 1. Mean grain size statistical parameter. 2. Correlation coefficient of mean grain size. 3. Shape measurement for sand grains (roundness value). 4. Number frequency for some species of heavy minerals. The sediment characteristics of the coastal environments indicated strong relationship normal to the shoreline in moving from littoral to eolian environments. The dynamic forces effecting the coast play an effective role in sorting processes within each coastal environment