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Remote sensing applications to geological problems in Egypt: case study, slope instability investigation, Sharm El-Sheikh/Ras-Nasrani Area, Southern Sinai

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Abstract

The Sharm El-Sheikh/Ras-Nasrani area is one of the most attractive tourist resorts in Egypt particularly and in the world in general. The area has been rapidly growing during the last few years. Many construction projects including villages, hotels, beaches, and roads have recently been undertaken. The following study demonstrates the use of high-resolution satellite images, QuickBird imagery, acquired on June 2nd, 2007 (0.61 m spatial resolution), for detailed mapping of the recent developments and the slope instability hazard zones. The results were confirmed by field reconnaissance. Our findings indicate that there are many development areas threatened by unstable zones. The hazard areas have been delineated and classified, and a final slope instability hazard map has been established. Different factors were found to have a crucial impact on the slope instability, some natural and others man-made. These unstable localities need to be remediated and/or monitored to avoid any loss in property and/or lives.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Applied Geology Section, Geological Hazard Department, Saudi Geological Survey, Jeddah, 21514, Saudi Arabia

    Ahmed M. Youssef

  2. Missouri University of Science and Technology, 1006 Kingshighway, Rolla, MO, 65409-0660, USA

    Norbert H. Maerz

  3. Geology Department, Faculty of Science, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt

    Abdallah Mohamed Hassan

Authors
  1. Ahmed M. Youssef
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  2. Norbert H. Maerz
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  3. Abdallah Mohamed Hassan
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Correspondence to Ahmed M. Youssef.

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Youssef, A.M., Maerz, N.H. & Hassan, A.M. Remote sensing applications to geological problems in Egypt: case study, slope instability investigation, Sharm El-Sheikh/Ras-Nasrani Area, Southern Sinai. Landslides 6, 353–360 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10346-009-0158-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10346-009-0158-3

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