ABSTRACT

Waterlogging and soil salinization are a threat to arid regions around the world. The study area is in the Northwestern Suez Canal Region (NWSCR), which has a high population density and significant agricultural activity. Waterlogging, salt-affected soil and land degradation are among the most common hazards caused by human activity in the NWSCR. In the current work, remote sensing digital data and global digital elevation model (GDEM) are integrated using Geographic Information System technologies to assess the prevalent geo-environmental hazards at the NWSCR. The findings indicate that the NWSCR is extremely vulnerable to water logging and soil salinization, with a strong relation to the latest human activities. The acquired results indicate that 1241 km2 of the NWSCR is permanently water-logged, 41.66 km2 is influenced by temporary water-logged areas, and 26.32 km2 is influenced by soil salinization. As a result of flood-irrigation practices, human activity, and arid conditions, the NWSCR has more water-logged zones and salinized soil. It is recommended that modern irrigation systems be used to avoid waterlogging and soil salinization.