GEO-ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES ON WADI QENA, EASTERN DESERT, EGYPT. BY USING REMOTE SENSING DATA AND GIS.

Geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing data confirmed by field checks have been used to investigate the geoenvironmental characteristics at Wadi Qena area. The study area is mainly covered by sedimentary rock units (Paleozoic to Cenozoic) and a small basement exposure in its northeastern corner. It exhibits different types of structural elements represented by anticlines (Wadi Qena and Wadi Hamama) and synclines (El Serai and Abu Had) and four main fault trends (NE-SW, NW-SE, ENE-WSW and N-S). The basin analysis studies show that the most dangerous risk area is located at the southern part of the wadi drained by Wadi El-Jurdi and Wadi Shahdeen. Quantify the hydrogeologic situation, land-use map and a plane for flood risk protection of the investigated area are delivered to support the decision-making processes. However, many locations are suggested for new cities along Wadi Qena which accommodates the residential and the industrial activities required for developments. The most dangerous zones are located at the downstream of Wadi El-Jurdi and Wadi Shahdeen. So, the entire development plan should avoid this buffer zone.