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Department of Geology, University of Kuwait

ABSTRACT

This paper describes the Recent marine sediments of the Gulf of Suez and the possible factors influencing their distribution. The bottom of the Gulf of Suez is covered mainly by sand. Finer sediments cover less than one half of the Gulf floor. The composition of sand reveals that coral reef communities serve as its main source. Finer clastic material (mainly silt) was brought into the Gulf by a wadi system. Thus, two factors play a major role in influencing sediment distribution. The first is the abundance of fringing reefs and the second is the presence of wadis draining the surrounding areas into the Gulf. Other factors such as biological production, wind-generated currents, waves, tides and shore morphology also played some role in the formation of sediment distribution pattern.