Impacts of climate change and black sand on Red Sea, Egypt. A comprehensive review

• Published in: Regional studies in marine science 2024-12, Vol.78, p.103787, Article 103787
• Main Authors: Hamed, Mohamed, Khaled, Mostafa A., Said, Rashad E.M., El-Aal, Mohamed Abd, Ghoneim, Sobhi M., Omer, Mohsen Y., Soliman, Hamdy A.M., Saad, Eman, Bakr, Zeinab, Lee, Jae-Seong, Sayed, Alaa El-Din H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: absorption; Black sand; Challenges; Climate change; coasts; color; corals; dust; Egypt; fluorescence; habitat destruction; heat; hematite; humans; landscapes; magnetite; marine ecosystems; marine environment; marine science; mountains; pollution; Red Sea; Red Sea, Coral Reefs; sand; silica; social welfare; solar radiation; tectonics; titanium dioxide; X-radiation; X-ray diffraction
• ISSN: 2352-4855; 2352-4855
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rsma.2024.103787

Global climate change, resulting from natural processes, external forces, and human activities, poses a significant threat to human well-being and development. Rising sea levels and temperatures are making various regions increasingly uninhabitable, with marine ecosystems facing substantial risks, particularly from coral bleaching events. The Red Sea a young oceanic zone formed by the divergence of the Arabian and African tectonic plates, spans approximately 2250 km in length and 355 km in width, reaching depths of up to 2200 m. This region is characterized by arid landscapes and mountainous terrain. One of the significant concerns for the Red Sea is the presence of black sand along its coast in Egypt. This sand is rich in dark-colored minerals such as magnetite, ilmenite, and hematite, whose composition includes silica, iron oxide, and titanium oxide. Techniques like X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) have been utilized to analyze its composition. The albedo effect of black sand, characterized by its low ability to reflect solar radiation, contributes to higher heat absorption and localized warming. This warming influences the Red Sea surface temperatures, which are affected by factors such as air-sea interactions and dust storms. The environmental implications of black sand mining are profound, with risks including habitat destruction and pollution. These activities emphasize the need for comprehensive studies and sustainable management practices in the Red Sea region. Addressing the environmental impacts associated with black sand mining is crucial for conserving the Red Sea ecosystem. Furthermore, international collaboration and sustainable practices are vital in protecting the Red Sea ecosystem from the adverse effects of climate change. By understanding the interplay between climate change and human activities, such as black sand mining, and implementing effective conservation strategies, we can work towards mitigating the negative impacts on this unique and vital marine environment.