Spatial Analysis for Sustainable Development of El Fayoum and Wadi El Natrun Desert Depressions, Egypt with the Aid of Remote Sensing and GIS

Abstract

El Fayoum and Wadi El Natrun are typical examples of desert depressions, differ in nature;              El Fayoum is connected with the Nile Valley by a major irrigation network, while Wadi El Natrun is inserted in the Eaolian desert landscape. Remote sensing and GIS spatial analysis were employed to assess the magnitude and geographical distribution of land resource and environmental hazard susceptibility, in addition to create and develop different thematic layers to evaluate potentiality for sustainable development in the studied depressions. The land resources database shows that the soils associated with recent alluvial terraces dominate the depressions. Multi-temporal satellite images revealed that urbanization mainly occurred on the account of most fertile soils of El Fayoum depression, hence shrinking the high and moderate capable soils. Wadi El Natrun depression and its expansion are potential areas for agricultural purposes. Land use/ cover maps clearly show that the El Natrun depression does not undergo significant hazards, as the expansion of urban and agricultural areas occur on the count of bare land. It could be concluded that desert depressions represent promising areas for sustainable development. The depressions connected to active river systems, such as El Fayoum, may support integrated sustainable development. The establishment of basic infrastructure in isolated depression areas, such as Wadi El Natroun, encourages sustainability in areas located at the open deserts.