The timed geomorphological map during low water spring tide on 29th march 1998 morning,

in Ras Seder beach , Red Sea, Egypt

Dr.M.Magdy Torab *

* Prof. of Geomorphology, Department of Geography, Alexandria University, Faculty of Arts, Damanhour, Egypt

E-mail: magdytorab@hotmail.com.

Abstract

        Geomorphological mapping is one of the most important techniques used in geomorphological and environmental management researches , but there are some problems when mapping several  mobile geomorphological features whose characteristics and dimensions change rapidly .

       This paper suggests a new technique for drawing timed geomorphological maps of some temporal and mobile landforms, which can not be drawn by vulgar mapping methods , as these geomorphological features do not appear on topographical maps or on areal photographs, such as temporal channels which appear after torrents on semi arid wadies and  alluvial fans, wind deposition features particularly ripple marks, also rapid mass movement materials as earth and mud flows, landslides and rock fall .

      Coastal deposition features formed between low and high water spring tides is an obvious example of temporal landforms associated with refluence of water at low tides . The study utilizes rapid surveying method using the total survey station and vertical photography of these landforms during the lowest tide level in 1998,  which took place at 6.10 am on March 29  th , applied to Ras Sedr beach on the eastern side of Suez gulf , about 43 km. South of the gulf apex.

      This paper aims to propose timed geomorphological map during low water spring tide and to  study the characteristics of temporal geomorphological features which appear between the highest and lowest spring tide levels in Ras Sedr beach which were seen after the refluence of the low tide, The paper also aims to study contribution of tide currents in formation of the morphological features and  beach profile .