Slope Stability as a Function of Lithology in the Gorge of the Nile, Ethiopia
Department
Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering
Major
Geological Engineering
Research Advisor
Abdel Salam, Mohamed G.
Advisor's Department
Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering
Funding Source
NSF; Missouri S&T Geological Sciences and Engineering
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to examine slope stability in relation to lithology in a segment of the Gorge of the Nile in Ethiopia. This ~1.4 km gorge exposes ~1.1 km thick Mesozoic sedimentary rocks at the base followed by ~0.3 km thick Cenozoic basaltic rocks. The base of the sedimentary section is dominated by sandstone exposures, its central part is characterized by exposures of shale and gypsum units, and its upper part is where limestone units are found. Analysis of Digital Elevation Model (DEM) extracted from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) data shows that the basaltic rocks are characterized by 0 to10 degrees slope and most of the sedimentary rocks have 10- 20 degrees slope with the exception of the upper and lower parts of the limestone where slopes ranging between 60 and 70 degrees are found. These steep slopes are characterized by rockslides and debris slides whereas the gentle slopes are dominated by frequent occurrence of earth flow. The nearly flat tops of the basaltic rocks are the most stable parts of the Gorge of the Nile.
Biography
Alfred is a junior majoring in Geological Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology. He transferred from Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City Missouri where he was born and raised with an emphasis in engineering basics and plans to become a professional geotechnical engineer.
Research Category
Engineering
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Document Type
Poster
Location
Upper Atrium/Hallway
Presentation Date
06 Apr 2011, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Slope Stability as a Function of Lithology in the Gorge of the Nile, Ethiopia
Upper Atrium/Hallway
The purpose of this study is to examine slope stability in relation to lithology in a segment of the Gorge of the Nile in Ethiopia. This ~1.4 km gorge exposes ~1.1 km thick Mesozoic sedimentary rocks at the base followed by ~0.3 km thick Cenozoic basaltic rocks. The base of the sedimentary section is dominated by sandstone exposures, its central part is characterized by exposures of shale and gypsum units, and its upper part is where limestone units are found. Analysis of Digital Elevation Model (DEM) extracted from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) data shows that the basaltic rocks are characterized by 0 to10 degrees slope and most of the sedimentary rocks have 10- 20 degrees slope with the exception of the upper and lower parts of the limestone where slopes ranging between 60 and 70 degrees are found. These steep slopes are characterized by rockslides and debris slides whereas the gentle slopes are dominated by frequent occurrence of earth flow. The nearly flat tops of the basaltic rocks are the most stable parts of the Gorge of the Nile.
Comments
Joint project with Ahmed Elshiekh