The Retreat of Sea Water in Alexandria: A Natural Phenomenon or an Environmental Threat?

The governorate of Alexandria in northern Egypt has witnessed an unusual phenomenon that has raised concerns among citizens, as a noticeable retreat of sea water has been observed, leading to the emergence of sandy beaches that were previously covered by water.

Images and videos documenting this phenomenon have spread on social media, prompting many to question its severity.

In response to these inquiries, the National Institute of Oceanography clarified that the phenomenon is a natural occurrence, linked to the regular cycles of tides.

This phenomenon is primarily affected by the movements of the moon and the sun, in addition to some climatic factors such as atmospheric pressure.

Dr. Amr Zakaria Hamouda, head of the Marine Risk Reduction Center at the National Institute of Oceanography, revealed that the retreat of sea water results from known natural effects that recur periodically, as tides occur twice daily due to the mutual gravitational pull between the moon and the sun.

He added that this phenomenon is also influenced by the lunar month, where the variation in sea level is more pronounced during the full moon or new moon.

Hamouda explained that high atmospheric pressure can contribute to a temporary decrease in sea level, known as the "inverse barometer effect," where high atmospheric pressure causes water levels to temporarily recede.

Despite the concerns raised by the phenomenon among citizens, the National Institute of Oceanography confirmed that these changes do not pose any threat or danger to the city or its beaches.

Dr. Hamouda added that this temporary retreat in water levels returns to its natural levels in due time and does not threaten the marine environment or coastal life.

He pointed out that all marine phenomena along the Egyptian coasts are continuously monitored using precise scientific instruments and advanced observation models, confirming that the recent data collected shows that the retreat observed at Alexandria beach falls within the expected natural fluctuations in this area.

It is worth noting that the National Institute of Oceanography regularly monitors and observes marine phenomena along all Egyptian coasts, ensuring the institute's ability to provide accurate assessments of marine conditions continuously.

 

The phenomenon witnessed at the beaches of Alexandria is a natural occurrence resulting from known astronomical and environmental interactions, and there is no need to worry about it.

It is expected that water levels will return to their natural levels in the coming days according to the usual patterns of tides.