Cluster
analysis and mineral provenance of sand dunes, Red Sea Coast, Egypty
Abbas M. Mansour and Kadry N.
Sediek1
Geology Dept., Fac. Sciences, Assiut Univ. (Qena);
1Geology Dept.,
Fac. Sciences, Alexandria Univ., Egypt. |
Mineral study of the Red Sea coastal sand
dunes, with cluster analysis, has led to the definition of five areas with characteristic
mineral provenances; Gulf of Suez, south Hurghada, north Safaga, south Safaga, and
Quseir-Marsa Alam.
Older rocks and beach sediments near the coastal dunes are the main factors influencing
the observed mineral patterns. The effect of beach sediments on the mineral composition is
clearly manifested in the area between Safaga and Marsa Alam.
Selective chemical decomposition and hydraulic fractionation by shape and density have
played a role in the heavy mineral variations in these coastal dune sands.
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