Application of Remote Sensing and Structural Geology for Drainage Network Analysis and Environmental Hazard Assessment in East New Cairo – Egypt

Tawir, El Nazeer H.; Abdel Fattah, Tharwat A.; El- Maghraby, Magdy MS.; Osman, Manal M.; Lethy, Ahmed M.; Abbas, Abbas M.

doi:10.21608/ajst.2025.343324.1056

Application of Remote Sensing and Structural Geology for Drainage Network Analysis and Environmental Hazard Assessment in East New Cairo – Egypt

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Geological Department , Faculty of Science, Alexandria University

² Geology Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Egypt

³ National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics

10.21608/ajst.2025.343324.1056

Abstract

This study analyzes drainage network systems in East New Cairo, Egypt. It uses high resolution satellite imagery and DEM-derived data to assess environmental hazards, map structural features, and correlate them with drainage networks. Through Digital Elevation Model (DEM) analysis and hill-shaded relief imaging, we identified drainage patterns and their intensity across the region. The extracted drainage network revealed a complex system characterized by trellis and radial patterns, comprising five stream orders of varying lengths. Areas with high drainage density, particularly in the eastern part of the study area, raise significant concerns about potential subsurface infiltration and future soil condition alterations. However, the overall drainage suggests minimal surface flooding risk. Notably, rather than tectonic activity, regional slopes are the primary determinant of drainage patterns and fault orientations. A critical finding is an impermeable clay layer near the surface, which may cause water accumulation and rising water levels. Exacerbated by excessive irrigation, this shallow impermeable layer prevents water penetration into deeper soil strata, potentially creating substantial construction challenges. By correlating field-mapped structures with DEM-derived drainage patterns, the research identified 22 normal faults influencing the drainage network, several of which were confirmed through rigorous field observations. These findings provide crucial insights into the region's structural geology by identifying new fault geometries and their interactions with hydrological systems. These offer valuable perspectives for managing environmental risks associated with fault activity and soil instability.

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