RT journal article
T1 Assessing the impact of Nile water level fluctuations on the structural stability of the Philae temples in Aswan, Egypt
A1 Fahmy, Abdelrhman
A1 Basell, Laura
A1 Domínguez Bella, Salvador
A1 Molina Piernas, Eduardo
A2 Ciencias de la Tierra
K1 Aswan
K1 Decay
K1 Nile river
K1 Philae area
K1 Sandstone
K1 Stone weathering
K1 Structural damage
K1 UNESCO
K1 Water fluctuations
AB The ancient Egyptian temples at the Philae UNESCO World Heritage Site in Aswan face conservation challenges due to fluctuating water levels, which threaten their building material resistance. Following a summary review of the hydrological changes to the natural responses of the Nile caused by the construction of the Aswan dam, our research employs a novel approach, combining remote sensing data analysis, literature review, fieldwork, and multiple high-specification materials analyses, to assess the impact of these changes on the temples in Philae. The new data permit the identification of the most at-risk areas and inform the long-term monitoring and conservation of Philae. Our approach enhances understanding of the causes and effects of building material decay and underscores the urgent need for conservation strategies to mitigate ongoing water-induced deterioration. The research highlights the impact of human-induced hydrological changes, offering a case study that informs future climate change effects. It is clear that tough decisions will be required for the long term heritage conservation of the Philae temples in the face of modern infrastructural developments and climate change, and that cultural heritage management guidelines before and after dam construction is urgently required. The issues identified, are not unique to the Philae Temples so the results and recommendations are relevant to other World Heritage sites that are currently facing similar environmental and conservation challenges.
PB Elsevier Inc.
SN 1095-9238
YR 2025
FD 2025
LK http://hdl.handle.net/10498/38719
UL http://hdl.handle.net/10498/38719
LA eng
DS Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Cádiz
RD 10-may-2026