CANAL EXTENSION CONFIRMED BY GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS, ASWAN OBELISK QUARRY, ASWAN EGYPT

CANAL EXTENSION CONFIRMED BY GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS, ASWAN OBELISK QUARRY, ASWAN EGYPT Adel Kelany, Richard R. Parizek, Shelton S. Alexander, David P. Gold, Amr El-Gohary, Katarin A. Parizek and Elizabeth J. Walters ABSTRACT A narrow, more than 2.5 m deep granite cut was discovered in a Supreme Council of Antiquities excavation at the Unfinished Obelisk Quarry, Aswan. A. Kelany postulated that due to the depth and length of this bedrock trench, it might be the end of a canal ancients used to transport obelisks and other blocks to the Nile gorge. Use of canals in ancient Egypt is supported by inscriptions that tell about canals being cut through granite during the Middle and New Kingdoms. Two independent geophysical methods were used to test this hypothesis. Shallow soil borings (0.4 m) were spaced 5 m apart along five- unpaved traverses within the quarry. Three were perpendicular to the canal’s assumed extension, one aligned along its backfilled location and another along its possible extension. Soil temperatures were measured within open pipes set in each hole, four days following construction during January 2006 and again in May 2006. Soil temperatures were 1.8°C higher near the center of the backfilled canal when compared to its head wall and sidewall where temperatures were 0.2 to 0.6°C warmer. Temperatures along traverses likely to cross its extension were from 2.8 to 3.3°C warmer than where granite shallowed approaching outcrops. These thermal surveys confirmed the presence of a deeper granite trench 150 m beyond its excavated position. Shallow seismic reflection and refraction surveys were conducted along these same traverses. Geophones were placed at all temperature stations and along three other lines. Seismic lines consisted of 24 seismometers oriented along the line at a uniform spacing of 2 m between sensors with source points located off both ends and some additional source points within the line. Observed seismic signals indicate the presence of a buried depression aligned on the projection of the walls of the exposed channel together with an increasing channel depth with distance from the quarry toward the Nile. Working deposits and surfaces exposed during excavation are being damaged by accumulation of salts. These unique artifacts document quarry methods and should be preserved as recommended. INTRODUCTION The famous Unfinished Obelisk Quarry at Aswan, Upper Egypt, is located on the east bank of the Nile nearly in the center of Aswan City (Fig. 1a). The site has taken its name because of the very large unfinished obelisk that was found there, 41.80 m long and estimated to weigh 1,168 tons (Fig. 1b). According to Kelany (2003a), ancient workers spent months attempting to extract this huge monolith of granite before stopping work, because a latent fissure propagated and threatened to compromise the integrity of the block. A follow-up project to make smaller obelisks from the original large block was terminated when new fissures were encountered (Engelbach, 1923). This has provided Egyptologists the unique opportunity to try to understand how ancient Egyptians worked in hard stone quarries. Knowledge of the quarry’s location is important to understanding why only the granite from Aswan was prized by Ancient Egyptians and continues to be extracted to the present day. Other important sources of stone such as the silicified sandstone from the west bank of Aswan, sandstone from north of Aswan and desirable stone far to the south of Aswan also were quarried by ancient people.

1

(a)

(b)

Fig. 1a. Location of the Aswan Unfinished Obelisk Quarry, Aswan, Egypt. (From National Geographic Atlas of the World 7th Ed.) and (b) the unfinished obelisk. (Photography by D.P. Gold, January 2006).

The Aswan Quarry was the primary source of red granite used for monumental statuary, architectural elements of temples and pyramids throughout Egypt. The quarry contains important evidence, in particular dating from the New Kingdom (2nd millennium BC) and extending to the Greco-Roman Period that reveals how ancient Egyptians worked and extracted such hard stone including obelisks and colossal statues (Kelany, 2003b). Most investigators interested in hard stone quarries and obelisks focused their attention on the unfinished obelisk quarry. This important antiquity site continues to draw the attention of archeologists and is a popular, growing tourist attraction. Engelbach undertook the systematic excavations in the quarry during 1918, and unearth the unfinished obelisk. Previous investigators concentrated their studies to existing granite exposures. The Aswan Office of Supreme Council of Antiquities began a large excavation during 2002. The intent was to excavate and clean the site to expose the bedrock surface and to accommodate tourists. The site management plan included construction of buildings, a plaza, shops and related facilities needed to support growing tourist interests. Many discoveries were made during this excavation especially within area A2 near the middle of the quarry. Granite work surfaces were uncovered that revealed where the sides and bottoms of large blocks of granite had been extracted. Ancient graffiti were exposed on these surfaces that were made by quarry workmen. Included are striking black images of dolphins (Fig. 2), boats carrying blocks that might be obelisks and other markings. These images face westward toward the Nile. Ostriches outlined in red, also were uncovered facing eastward (Fig. 3). The significance of these two opposing directions on the same granite wall remains a mystery but must have meant something to the workmen who drew them. Other important epigraphic evidence include fish, boats, and many mason lines together with inscription that mentions the dispatching of two obelisks from the Aswan Quarry to Karnak Temple (in modern Luxor, Egypt) during the reign of Thutmosis III of the New Kingdom’s 18th Dynasty (Engelbach, 1923: Kelany, 2003b). A few meters south of the wall containing graffiti, the excavation uncovered insitu working deposits and quarry tools that revealed how quarrying progressed. Ash, burnt soil, potsherds dating from the New Kingdom, charcoal (Fig. 4a), and dolerite “hammer” stones were recovered in place (Fig. 4b). A possible source of the “hammer” stones, shown in Fig. 5, is from the dolerite dykes. Two dykes exposed in the quarry (see map, Fig. 6) intruded respectively in a northerly and NNE directions across the steeply dipping NW to NNW striking foliation (discontinuous planar fabric element) and the ENE “rift” joint in the granite ( sketch map, Fig. 6). Schlieren parallel the foliation, and rare, late quartz veins have the same orientation as the “rift”. The rock in this quarry is well suited for obelisk sculpturing because of a 1-5 m spacing of the sheeting joints (grain) and the 2

Fig. 2. Graffiti exposed on a granite wall in Area A2. The dolphins face westward. Excavated by the Aswan Office, Supreme Council of Antiquities. (Photograph by K.A. Parizek, May 2006).

Fig. 3. Ostriches facing eastward near the dolphins. Excavated by the Aswan Office, Supreme Council of Antiquities. (Photograph by K.A. Parizek, May 2006). 3

(a)

(b)

Fig. 4a. In situ, working deposits that reveal how granite was quarried. Potshards, charcoal, ash, burnt soil and (b) dolerite hammer stones date from the New Kingdom. Excavated by the Aswan Office, Supreme Council of Antiquities ((a) Photograph by R.R. Parizek, January 2004, (b) K.A. Parizek, May 2006).

Fig. 5. Dolerite dykes, Aswan Quarry. Possible source of hammer stones. (Photograph by D.P. Gold, January, 2006).

anomalously wide spacing (30- 50 m) of the incipient “hardway” fractures (cross strike joints) approximately perpendicular to the “rift” and “grain”. The preliminary results of these excavations have produced fresh insights into hard-stone production techniques and the logistics of obelisk and colossal stature extraction that until recently have been poorly understood. In particular, there is clear evidence for the comprehensive use of fire for trimming blocks with the use of mudbricks to control fire and focus heat. 4

Fig. 6. Site map, Aswan Unfinished Obelisk Quarry, locations of shallow soil temperature access holes, seismic reflection and refraction survey lines, cultural features and extension of “canal” based upon geophysical surveys. All temperature survey lines are designated by prefix T; seismic lines by prefix S. The prefix ST- means same line used for both surveys.

Adjacent to these working surfaces and deposits, the Supreme Council uncovered a 2.5 m deep rock trench, but was not successful in exposing its underlying granite surface due to the presence of excessive amounts of groundwater (Fig. 7). This led to the hypothesis that this granite trench might be a harbor linked somehow by a small canal (Kelany, 2003b). If true, it might have been used to transport obelisks and other granite blocks from the Unfinished Obelisk Quarry and other quarries to the north to the Nile. Kelany (2003b) and others offer the following evidence in support of the canal hypothesis. 1) Excessive amounts of groundwater were encountered while excavating alluvium and other overburden deposits from within the narrow granite trench. The trench must extend beyond the quarry and provide a pathway for the groundwater encountered. 2) Fish and boat graffiti were found only in this part of the quarry and in no other place. 3) The elevation of the area around the quarry and postulated canal fit in very well with wild river branches of the Nile during periods of flood shown by Sampsell (2003). 4) Although no inscriptions are available that indicate that canals were used to transport stone from the Aswan Quarry to the Nile, Egyptologists are quite sure from many ancient Egyptian inscriptions that the Nile River was the main way for transporting stones from quarries located close to the Nile to the Nile Valley and desert. A relief of “Unas causeway granite columns transport” shows their transport by boats from Aswan (Lehner, 1997). Various methods could have been used to transport granite blocks the short distance from the quarry to the Nile gorge. These might have included the construction of ramps, embankment roads, roads, causeways or even 5

(a) (Photograph by A. Kelany, 2003).

(b) (Photograph by K.A. Parizek, May 2006). Fig. 7(a). Headwall of the partially flooded 2.5 m deep Aswan Office, Supreme Council of Antiquities excavation, and (b) now partially backfilled trench. The bottom of this trench did not extend into granite and required extensive pumping to control the persistent inflow of groundwater. Its large size suggests that it might have served as a harbor.

small canals. However, no inscriptions are available to confirm the use of canals for this short haul (Kelany, 2003b). Inscriptions tell that ancient Egyptians constructed canals that allowed boats to sail within the Nile cataract area to the southwest of the obelisk quarry.

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According to Fourtau (1905), work to construct canals within the cataract date very early from the Middle Kingdom. Sesostris III ordered a new canal, “the most beautiful rock” to be built in his name. Tuthmosis III also recorded making canals in this same area. These inscriptions are on Sehel Island facing the Nile (Fourtau, 1905). Kelany (2003b) suggested that these may not have been real canals. Rather, debris may have been cleared from old branches of the Nile that contained water during high floods. Two such floodwater branches now abandoned are shown in Sampsell (2003). GEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATIONS The Penn State University Hierakonpolis Temple-Town mission offered to conduct geophysical surveys either to support or refute the canal hypothesis as part of its technology transfer initiative. An alternate prospecting method was required because the pumping and related equipment available during excavation was inadequate to control the inflow of groundwater. By 2005, the entrance to the Unfinished Obelisk antiquity site was closed by construction of a new building that prevented further excavation work. Objectives Objectives of this study included the following: 1.

Determine the depth of alluvial fill within the portion of the quarry that was excavated to a depth of 2.5 m below the level of soil overburden and former camp ground. This excavation was rather narrow (10 to 12 m), had steep

granite sides and might represent a canal used to transport granite blocks to the Nile (Fig. 7a). 2. Determine if this deep, elongate water filled channel extends beyond its previously exposed location within Ministry property. If this was the beginning of a “canal”, it would have to be rather straight in order to transport blocks as long as an obelisk. Only two routes to the Nile appear possible within Aswan city given topographic limitations within and near the obelisk quarry. 3. Determine if shallow (less than 1 m) soil temperature surveying methods can be used to detect the known and/or inferred location of this “canal” on Antiquities property. If so, this technique might prove useful in mapping the extension of the “canal” within densely populated portions of Aswan where other geophysical surveying methods cannot be used and within the Moslem cemetery located adjacent to the quarry. 4. Determine the optimum time of year to conduct shallow soil temperature surveys for this and other groundwater exploration purposes within granitic and other terranes under Egypt’s desert climate. SOIL TEMPERATURE SURVEY O’Brien (1970), Bair and Parizek (1978), Parizek and Bair (1990), Parizek and Parizek (2005) and others have shown that shallow (0.5 to 1.0 m) soil temperature surveying methods can be used to define (a) the locations of water bearing deposits to depths of approximately 20 m, (b) water bearing channels within carbonate rocks, (Ebaugh and Parizek and Greenfield, 1976; Parizek and Parizek, 2005), (c) groundwater pathways below dams, near quarries (Parizek, 2005), (d) surface water-groundwater interactions (O’Driscoll, DeWalle and Parizek, 2004), and (e) for similar other geotechnical purposes. Solar energy causes soil and rock to be heated during the summer, which in turn, cools during winter. This solar sine wave, repeated each year, is transferred into underlying soil and rock by conduction. Geothermal energy from the Earth’s interior serves as a heat source that produces a thermal gradient from the Earth’s interior. These two sources of energy combine to produce a variable seasonal temperature gradient that dampens with depth. Below about 10 m, no seasonal temperature variations are expected. However, active groundwater circulation may heat or cool soil or rock below this depth, depending upon the sources and seasonal timing of groundwater recharge. This distorts the geothermal gradient. It is reasonable to assume therefore, that if a rather deep sediment filled canal exists within the quarry site and beyond, groundwater circulation would be more active within overburden deposits that fills this channel when compared to dense, nearly impermeable 7

granite and unsaturated soil deposits. Shallow soil temperature differences also are expected where saturated and unsaturated overburden deposits vary in thickness even in the absence of active groundwater circulation. Given the general lack of precipitation in the Aswan region, heat transfer by advection due to infiltrating and percolating surface water, is not significant. The temperature signal produced by solar heating becomes dampened with depth until it is no longer detectable “seen” on an annual basis at a depth of about 10 m. The detectable depth of this temperature signal depends upon the period of the solar sinusoidal wave that extends between the summer maximum and winter minimum temperature. Longer periods related to climate change for example, will have a greater depth of penetration and will be preserved within deeper strata. The rate of temperature change with depth below the surface can be predicted by the diffusion equation: Dð2T = ðT ðz2 ðt

(1)

where T is temperature and D is the thermal diffusivity of the soil in m2/sec soils

The thermal duffisivity of a material is the ratio of its thermal conductivity to the products of its density and its specific heat capacity: D=

k/pc

(2)

where k is the thermal conductivity of the soil or rock in J/m/sec/°C; p is density in kg/m3, and c is specific heat in J/°C/kg.

Solution to this one-dimensional conductive heat flow equation neglects advective dispersion resulting from groundwater recharge and circulation: a good approximation within the vicinity of the quarry headwall. Study Method The assumed extension of the known, rather narrow granite trench was projected across the recently landscaped antiquity site. The area contains pavements, tourist shops and related facilities not present during 2004. Unfortunately, some areas were eliminated from study, because of these land use changes. Following approval by the Permanent Committee, work began during January 14 and 15, 2006. Auger holes were drilled along survey lines assumed to be perpendicular to the “canal’s” extension (Figs. 6 and 7). Holes were spaced 5-m apart starting from the paved plaza and terminating in front of a sidewalk boarding a granite outcrop. The available working space had been covered with gravel and coarse sand that was leveled and compacted. Because of the difficulty of auguring into this rocky layer, holes were drilled to 0.43 m rather than the planned 1.0 m depth. Open small (3.17 cm) diameter poly-vinyl chloride (PVC) pipes were inserted into each hole. These were numbered and their tops taped shut. Survey lines used solely for soil temperature measurement are designated by prefine T-; to distinguish them from the seismic only lines, designated by prefine S-. Temperature access holes were aligned along four of the same lines (labeled ST-1, ST-2, ST-3 and ST-4 Fig. 6) used to conduct seismic reflection and refraction surveys. This allowed comparison of two independent geophysical techniques. The locations of all survey lines are shown in Fig. 6. Three temperature survey lines were located in the unpaved portion of the plaza (Lines ST-1,ST-2, and ST-4). Line ST-3 was oriented parallel to the deep rock cut and inferred canal, now partially backfilled with gravel (Fig. 7b). Line T-5 was located between Mubarak Street and edge of the granite quarry, perpendicular to a topographic swale that might contain the canal (Fig.6). Line ST-1 contained 14 survey stations; Line ST-2, 11 stations; Line ST-3, 7 stations; Line ST-4, 9 stations and Line T-5, 5 stations. All stations were spaced approximately 5 meters apart. A few holes could not be augered to a common 0.43 m depth. These are identified in Fig. 8a and b. Temperature-measurements were made

along each survey line starting at station 1. 8

Insufficient time was allowed for drilling disturbance to be dissipates by the end of the second work day. Heat of friction is produced during drilling. PVC tubing and soil used to back fill spaces around access tubes all induce changes in soil temperature. Further, water had to be added to some holes in order to extract hole making equipment. Nevertheless, preliminary soil temperature data taken on January 18, 2006 are presented in Fig. 8a. The optimum time of year to conduct these surveys within granitic terranes Soil Temperature Profiles, Aswan Granite Quarry, January 18th, 2006 Bedrock Channel

25.00 S

24.00

Temperature in Degrees "c"

S

23.00

22.00

21.00 S

20.00

19.00

18.00

17.00 0

10

20

30

Line #1

Line #2

40 Distance in Meters

50

60

"S" Hole < 0.43m deep Line #3 Line #4

70

80

Line #5

(a) Soil Temperature Profiles, Aswan Granite Quarry, May 21, 2006

43

42 Bedrock Channel Temperature in Degrees "C"

41

40

W

S

W

S W

39

W

W W

38

37

36

35 0

(b)

10

20

30

40 50 Distance in Meters "W" Temperature influenced by irrigation, "S" Hole < 0.43m deep Line #1 Line #2 Line #3 Line #4

60

70

80

Line #5

Fig. 8a. Soil Temperature Profiles, Aswan Granite Quarry, January 18, 2006; and (b) May 2006. (s)Not completed to their 0.40-0.43 m intended depth.(w) Influenced by irrigation.

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under Upper Egypt’s climate conditions could be determined by repeating the measurements quarterly for a year. However, data obtained during January are revealing. Discussion Line ST-4 is located within a sunken enclosure that is about 0.52 m lower in elevation than survey Lines 1 and 2. All surfaces were nearly horizontal. During our January 2004 site inspection, we observed that the general area near the start of Line ST-2 as well as Line ST-3 contained numerous large granite blocks (Fig. 7a). These were buried when grading the existing plaza and when the “canal” was partially backfilled with gravel. Their size and thermal properties were expected to influence isolated soil temperature and possibly seismic data. Observation points 1, 6 and 7 (Line ST-3) were intentionally located near granite walls that enclosed the “canal”. These were selected to determine if the proximity of massive granite might influence soil temperatures when compared with holes placed near the center of the inferred “canal”. The previously excavated portion of this rock channel contains saturated sand and gravel backfill material. Although backfill sediments are saturated, groundwater circulation is expected to be minimal near the headwall. The lack of rainfall, together with the absence of nearby irrigated fields and domestic waste water disposal sites all restrict groundwater circulation that otherwise would enhance temperature contrasts within shallow soil. The massive granite is all but impermeable at the head of the “canal”. However, differences in overburden thickness, and their saturated thickness together with their thermal properties when compared to granite, were expected to influence shallow soil temperatures and reveal the presence of the rock cut if it existed. Preliminary Results Some differences were observed in soil temperature readings taken at the same station on January 15, 2006 and again three days later. This was expected given the disturbances caused by augering, placement of PVC access pipes and soil backfill. Ideally, measurements should be delayed for a week or more to allow construction influences to dissipate. Line ST-1 shows higher soil temperatures near the inferred extension of the “canal” Figs. 6 and 8. This trend was not observed along Line ST-2. This may be due to its closer proximity to the massive granite outcrop located to the southeast of Line ST-2, the possibility that Line ST-2 did not cross the “canal” or was located above large granite boulders. Line ST-3 was centered along the partly backfilled “canal” 1.4 m below the surface of Lines ST-1 and 2. None of the access holes penetrated the water table that is estimated to be about 1.0 m or less deep below the fill surface. Some water loving grasses had taken root within this backfill suggestive of a shallow water table. The mass of saturated backfill retained or transmitted heat from the previous summer (Fig. 8). Line ST-4 contained high temperature values not unlike those observed along Line ST-3. Temperature values decreased approaching the granite upland located beyond the shops to the south of the plaza. The land surface elevation for Line ST-4 is about 0.52 m lower than for survey Lines ST-1 and 2. Soil temperatures values were expected to be higher because of their closer proximity to the water table, likely presence of the “canal”, and elevated temperatures noted for Line ST-3 located along the “canal”. The lower value noted for station 1 Line ST-1, is attributed to its close proximity to the stone plaza and stairway and its shallower than intended depth.

to remain constant, because access holes were protected by PVC pipe. The same Yellow Springs May 2006 Temperature Data Spring season soil temperature measurements were made on May 21, 2006. Temperatures were expected to be warmer at all the measurement stations and depths due to more intense solar heating with the onset of spring. The rate of heat penetration should vary with proximity to the water table and thickness of the saturated v unsaturated-alluvial soil overburden. Measurement depths were expected Equipment Company meter and 10

thermister probe were used as had been used during the January 15th and 18th, 2006 surveys. Weather conditions were bright, sunny and hot, typical of Aswan during May. Lost Control Points Between January 18, 2006 and May 21, 2006, three protective PVC pipes had been pulled from Survey Line ST1, two from Survey Line ST-2, one from Line ST-3, and three from Survey Line ST-4. January and May data obtained from Survey Line 5 were both marginal because stations 1 and 2 met refusal at 0.30 m and 0.34 m respectively, short of their planned 0.43 m depth. At station No.3 rocks were encountered and the hole was not completed. Unfortunately, water had been added to the plaza that included portions of Survey Lines ST-1, 2, and 4 before May 21st. to suppress dust and irrigate vegetation planted during plaza construction. This was evident by animal and human footprints, dried mud, etc. Irrigation water altered shallow soil temperatures, but to an unknown extent. Survey stations that were influenced by irrigation are noted in Fig. 8b. Despite fewer survey stations available and irrigation disturbances, shallow soil temperatures were still elevated along Line ST-1 in the vicinity of stations 2-7, similar to that observed during January 15th and 18th, 2006 (Fig. 8a and b). Temperatures were elevated near stations 1-5 along Line ST-2, but also more so for stations 8-10 where water had been applied. Stations 12 to 14, along Line ST-1, showed a similar increase in temperature due to irrigation, rather than the presence of a deep channel in granite (Fig. 8b). Line ST-3 is located within "canal" backfill gravels. The station near the granite headwall had the lowest value. Temperatures increased proceeding along the channel away from the headwall but were among the lowest values observed. Stations 6 and 7, offset from Line ST-3, were placed close (1.2 m) to the sidewall of the granite trench. Temperatures were lower at these stations, indicating that the granite mass was still cool, following the previous winter season (Fig. 8a and b).

Line ST-4 showed elevated shallow soil temperatures near stations 3-5 similar to that observed in January 2006. Unfortunately, three access pipes were destroyed all within the "canal zone" indicated by January 15th and 18th survey data (Fig. 8a and b). Survey Line T-5 shows elevated soil temperatures similar to the January 2006 data (Fig. 8a and b). However, stations 1 and 2 were 0.10 m shallower than planned (they met refusal) and drilling at station 4 repeatedly hit rocks at shallower depths, hence was not completed. This survey line should be reconstructed, including an extension into and across Mubarak Street. This is a potential but less likely "canal path" to the Nile. Soil temperatures were expected to be influenced by the proximity to a paved road, stone wall and presence of partially exposed boulders. The aspect of exposed granite along this line also may have contributed to higher temperatures observed. Shallow soil temperature measurements made during January 15, 2006 were similar to the data obtained during January 18, 2006, even though little time was allowed for temperature changes induced by drilling to dissipate. By May 2006, the 1.25-inch (3.17 cm) diameter PVC access pipes had been partially pulled from four holes and 10 pipes completely removed. The latter holes collapsed and it was not possible to obtain temperature measurements at the original drilled depth on May 21. A number of measurement points also were located where water had been spread to reduce dust and to irrigate shrubs. Water applied at various times during the spring should have influenced shallow soil temperatures more so than for non-irrigated areas. Fortunately, no irrigation had occurred during the January survey period. Despite these disturbances, elevated soil temperatures are still apparent especially along Line ST-1 (Fig. 8b). Line ST-3 is located within the backfilled granite trench or postulated “canal”. Proximity to granite is apparent. Temperature readings taken near the headwall of the 11

excavation were cooler than readings taken farther along the “canal”. Temperature differences also were noted for Stations 6 and 7 located close to the side of the “canal” (Fig. 8b). These data reflect differences in heat capacity of granite, and the saturated and unsaturated overburden and the time required for the annual thermal sine waves to permeate the subsurface. Comparison of January and May data reveals that the winter season is better than late spring to conduct these surveys under Egypt’s climatic conditions. Lines ST-1, 3 and 4 provide evidence for a residual thermal anomaly along the projected trend of the deep rock trench at least to Survey Line ST-4 (Fig 6). SEISMIC IMAGING AT THE ASWAN GRANITE QUARRY A series of 8 seismic lines were run at the Aswan Granite Quarry on January 14-15 2006 with the objective of locating a possible channel leading away from the main quarry that may have been used to transport granite obelisks to the Nile. These lines are shown on the accompanying map (Fig. 6) as ST-1, ST-2, ST-3, ST-4, ST-6, S-7, S-8 and S-9. The ST lines have both seismic and temperature observations, whereas the “S” lines have seismic only. The lines are located on alluvium and quarry spoils adjacent to the granite outcrop and were oriented to intersect the down-grade projections of possible channels rom the docking excavation. Each seismic line consisted of 24 seismometers at a uniform spacing of 2 m between sensors, with source points located 1 m off both ends, along with additional source points within the line as warranted. In addition, lines parallel (ST-3) and perpendicular to the “channel” (ST-6) were run, commencing at the base of the quarry wall, to determine the slope of the bottom of the channel and its cross-section profile. The data quality in terms of signal to noise ratio(S/N) was very good to excellent for each of the seismic lines run at the site, although cultural noise (mainly motorized traffic) was larger for those lines (S-7, S-8 and S-9) adjacent to Mubarak Street. Fig. 9 shows two of the three seismic record sections along line ST-1. Each “record section” shows the ground motions recorded on each of the 24 geophones (along the abscissa) starting at the time the source was activated (labeled “0” on each display) and extending downward along the ordinate to past 200 milli-seconds (msec). The 100 and 200 msec time intervals appear as solid horizontal lines, separated by dashed lines every 10 msec along the ordinate. All seismic records are present in similar format. The record section (Fig. 9 a) shows refracted wave arrivals when the source is located 1 m off the southern end of line ST-1 (see map, Fig. 6). The first arrivals between geophones 24 and 20 (dashed line) are signals traveling in the low velocity material above the bedrock. The first signals between geophones 19-1 (dashed line) are refracted seismic waves from top of bedrock. The anomalously late arrivals between the arrows correspond to the deeper channel location where the signals take a longer path to reach the surface sensors. The southern-most boundary of the channel is at approximately the center of the profile (geophone 13) and the northern-most boundary is between geophones 3 and 4, corresponding to 4 m from the end of the line. The record section (Fig. 9 b) shows the recordings when the source is placed at the mid-point of the seismic line (at or near the southernmost channel boundary). Again, a delay appears between geophones 3 and 4 (vertical arrow) corresponding to the northernmost channel boundary. Further evidence of the channel is shown by the difference in first arrival times between geophones 1 and 24, each equidistant from the mid-point source (shown by horizontal arrows). This is the result of a longer travel path for refracted signals traveling along the bedrock of the channel and back to the surface, compared to refracted waves along the shallower bedrock to the south, outside the channel. The interpolated cross-sections (Fig. 9 c and d) along line ST-1 are based on first arrival times. The profile (c) is based on only the single “left record section” (Fig. 9 a). An interpretation based on both “record sections” in shown in Fig. 9 d. A channel approximately 15-20 m wide and 2-5 m deeper than the adjacent bedrock is apparent in both interpretations. The velocity of the near surface layer is approximately 340 msec and the depth to bedrock is 3-4 m outside the channel. However, this depth may be too large if the shallow velocity is biased high by airwave as first arrivals near the source. 12

(a)

(b)

Fig. 9a and b. Seismic record sections for line ST-1. Horizontal lines show time in milli-seconds (msec); 210 msec of ground motion is shown in this and all other record sections presented. In (a) the source is located 1 m from geophone 24 on the southern end of the line (see map, Fig. 6). The vertical arrows show the buried locations of the channel boundaries (curved dashed line). The vertical arrow in (b) panel (center source location) shows the northern channel boundary. The horizontal arrows show the difference in arrival times for bedrock refraction signals propagating outside the channel (right side) and those propagating in the channel (left side).

Fig. 10 (a and b) shows the record sections for the line ST-2, which is parallel to line ST-1 but closer to the quarry (see map, Fig. 6). The record section (a) is for a source located 1 m from the first geophone on the north end of the profile, whereas the record section (b) shows the signals when the source is located 1 m from geophone 24 at the south end of the profile. The presence of the channel boundary is apparent in record station (Fig. 10 b). At the arrow between geophones 10 and 11 there is an abrupt delay in first arrival times (dashed line): this marks the southern boundary of the channel (Fig. 10c). The boundary is also seen on record station (vertical arrow in Fig. 10 a), but first arrivals from the slower top layer limits the number of geophones where the channel bedrock refraction is the first arrival. The interpretation based on record section (a) clearly shows the southern boundary of the Fig. 10 (a and b) shows the record sections for the line ST-2, which is parallel to line ST-1 but closer to the quarry (see map, Fig. 6). The record section (a) is for a source located 1 m from the first geophone on the north end of the profile, whereas the record section (b) shows the signals when the source is located 1 m from geophone 24 at the south end of the profile. The presence of the channel boundary is apparent in record station (Fig. 10 b). At the arrow between geophones 10 and 11 there is an abrupt delay in first arrival times (dashed line): this marks the southern boundary of the channel (Fig. 10c). The boundary is also seen on record station (vertical arrow in Fig. 10 a), but first arrivals from the slower top layer limits the number of geophones where the channel bedrock refraction is the first arrival. The interpretation based on 13

(c)

(d)

Fig. 9c and d. Interpreted cross-section for line ST-1. The result using only the record section (a) is shown in (c). The result using both 9 (a) and (b) record sections is shown in (d). In both cases the channel is well-defined and estimated to be approximately 2.5 to 3 m deep compared to the adjacent bedrock depth. record section (a) clearly shows the southern boundary of the channel (vertical arrow) but the northern boundary is north of the end of the line ST-2 and is not represented in the ST-1 record sections. Geophones 1 and 2 have somewhat ambiguous first arrival times, and an excluded interpretation is shown in (d). Projecting the shallower bedrock depths (dashed line) 14

shows that the difference in depth compared to the channel depth is approximately 2.5 m, consistent with the interpretation from adjacent line ST-1 (shown in Fig. 9 b).

Line ST-4 trends diagonally across the sunken garden (see map, Fig. 6). The record section (Fig, 11) is for the source located 1 m from the southern end of the seismic line. Evidence of the southern channel boundary is seen on this profile starting approximately at geophone 8 or 9 (vertical arrow). The northern boundary of the channel is beyond the northern end of the profile and hence not seen. When the source is located is located off the north end of the profile, the shallow late arrivals appear before the bedrock refraction at the channel boundary and hence provide no information on the channel’s location. Line S-8 trends from the southwestern end of the property along the fence adjacent to Mubarak Street (see map, Fig. 6). Although local noise causes marginal S/N on some channels, there is evidence of the southern channel boundary at approximately geophone 14 (vertical arrow) on the record section (Fig.12a) when the source is off the southern end of the seismic line. Starting at that location the character of the signal changes with poorer S/N levels farther along the profile. The low-frequency signals from the source located off the northern end of the profile are shown in Fig.12 (b). The character of the signal changes at approximately geophone 13, consistent with the change seen in (a) with the source located at the opposite end of the line.

(a)

(b)

Fig. 10 (a and b). Seismic record sections for forward (a) and (b) source locations along line ST-2 shown in map (Fig.6). The arrows show the location of the southern channel boundary. The right-hand record station shows the abrupt increase in depth to the bedrock (vertical arrow) from geophone 11 to the north.

15

(c)

(d)

Fig. 10 (c and d). Interpreted cross-section (c) for the reverse record section (a) showing the abrupt increase in depth to the north, beginning at the southern channel boundary. In (d) the estimated difference in depth between the top of the bedrock (upper dashed line) and the bottom of the channel (lower dashed line) yields an inferred channel depth of approximately 2.5 m.

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Fig. 11. Seismic record sections for the reverse (southern) source location for line ST-4 (see map, Fig. 6). The vertical arrows show the approximate location of the southern boundary of the buried channel.

17

(a)

(b)

Fig. 12. Seismic record sections for the (a) forward (northern) and (b) reverse (southern) source locations for line S-8 (see map, Fig. 6). The vertical arrows show the approximate location of the southern boundary of the buried channel. The reverse record section has been “low-pass” filtered to eliminate high frequency cultural noise.

Line S-7, is an extension of line S-8 along the fence adjacent to Mubarak Street but closer to the entrance and visitor center (see map, Fig. 6). With the source is off the northern end of the profile a delay in the bedrock refraction arrival approximately at geophones 6 and 7 (vertical arrow in Fig. 13) is apparent in the seismic record sections. This may correspond to the northern boundary of the buried channel, which, if correct, would place the channel between lines S-7 and S-8. If the boundary position inferred from line ST-4 and these lines is correct, it would indicate a slight change in the direction of the channel towards the north. It should be emphasized, however, that the evidence for the location of the channel boundaries is not as clear as found in lines ST-1 and ST-2 discussed earlier. Line ST-3 is located along the channel in the presumed docking area (see map Fig. 6). With the source is at the exposed channel headwall the record section (Fig. 14) shows the bedrock refraction arrival, with an extra delay commencing at the vertical arrow that continues to the end of the line. The two arrows at the right show the magnitude of the extra delay in arrival time compared to a constant bedrock depth equal to that along the first half of the profile. This result along the axis of the channel indicates systematic deepening of the channel away from the quarry, starting at geophone 15. No evidence for a channel was detected on line S-9 traverse adjacent to Mubarak Street northeast of the visitor center. The cause of the few elevated soil temperature measurements observed during January 2006 require further investigation. 18

Fig. 13. Seismic record sections for the reverse (southern) source location for line S-7 (see map, Fig. 6). The vertical arrows show the approximate location of the northern boundary of the buried channel where first arrivals are delayed for the last 7 geophones along the line.

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Fig. 14. Seismic record section for the forward source locations for line ST-3 (see map, Fig. 6). The increasing delay of bedrock first arrivals beyond geophone 15 (vertical arrow) indicates an increase in channel depth away from the quarry.

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Summary of the Seismic Results There is clear evidence for the presence of buried channels extending away from the quarry towards the river. The best results are from lines ST-1 and ST-2 where the boundary position is clearly defined. The analysis of these profiles indicates that the channel position is aligned with the boundaries of the exposed channel at the quarry. The depth of the channel at lines ST-1 and ST-2 is estimated to be 2.5 to 3 m relative to bedrock depth outside the channel. Its width is approximately 15 to 20 m. Estimates of the channel boundaries farther away from the quarry along lines ST-4, S-7 and S-8 though less well-defined than along lines ST-1 and ST-2, indicate that the channel orientation may change to a more eastwest direction. The combined seismic results showing the channel location is plotted on Fig. 6). The seismic anomaly is narrower than that found from the soil temperature profiles, but the fact that both show the presence of buried channels is significant. Additional seismic lines are needed to define the location, width and depth of channel farther downstream towards the Nile. DEGRADATION OF QUARRY ARTIFACTS Salt Deposits Noticeable since our January 2004 site inspection was evidence of groundwater seepage faces near the base of the quarry, i.e., 15 to 30 cms above the gravel backfill surface. Salt accumulations also were apparent along these seepage faces (Fig. 15a). They are enhanced by groundwater confined by granite and pooled within the backfilled “canal”. Most likely, this has raised the elevation of the groundwater seepage face above that which existed during 2004 before the trench was backfilled. Capillary water should rise above the water table along these narrow granite fractures, cracks and sheeting joints. Over time, salt and microbes are likely to damage granite walls, paintings and other important features exposed during the 2002-03 excavation. This will be enhanced by spawling fractures induced by the quarrying processes and subsequent weathering. These fractures parallel exposed granite surfaces where granite blocks were removed. Salt deposits (Fig. 15a) were observed along fractures exposed near the granite-bench (work surface) portion of the quarry immediately northeast of the backfilled trench (Fig. 7a and b) and within quarry working deposits (Figs. 4a and 15b). Due to the high evaporation rate, the moisture that was obvious in January 2006 was not observed during May 2006, only salt. More granite slabs had sprawled from the wall and floor of the rock excavation area than had been observed during January 2006 (Fig.16a and b). This portion of the quarry is highly vulnerable to damage from salt, water and annual heating and cooling. The granite working surface below where an obelisk had been removed sounded hollow in places when tapped by the inspector. This rock surface was still solid during January 2006 field work. Despite the low permeability of fractured granite, and minor seepage observed during the winter season, it should be possible to dewater the upper portion of these fractures immediately adjacent to the “canal” by drawing down the groundwater level within the backfill gravel (Fig.17). Groundwater seepage into the “canal” headwall through granite is small. However, groundwater seepage within the alluvial deposits located to the southwest beyond the antiquities properties is significant. A topographic swale extends across Mubarak Street and into a portion of the adjacent cemetery. A second topographic low extends to the northeast along Mubarak Street. According to Kelany, homes and shops that are located along this street are served by a public sewer system. Lush water loving vegetation is present along the extension of the swale that extends below the Moslem cemetery adjacent to Sadat Street. Discussion Although the Aswan Granite at the unfinished obelisk quarry is not very permeable, tectonic fractures and sheeting joints yield some water. No on site domestic wastewater releases are known to occur immediately 21

(a)

(b) Fig. 15 a. Salt deposits on the granite work surface immediately adjacent to the backfilled “canal”, and (b) within working deposits, May 2006. (Photographs by K.A. Parizek, May, 2006).

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(a)

(b) Fig. 16a. Recent spawling along granite wall and (b) bench (work surface). (Photographs by K.A. Parizek, May 2006)

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Fig. 17. Proposed cost-effective groundwater control scheme. (a) Dewatering wells, clay or grout cutoff wall and (b) cone of pumping depression to reduce capillary fringe within fractured granite.

north and east of the quarry. Homes and businesses located across Mubarak Street, northwest of the quarry are served by a public sewer system. High ground is present in a portion of the large Moslem cemetery located immediately to the west. A topographic swale extends through the cemetery to the southwest to Sadat Street. This swale is the most probable route for the “canal”. Water was observed upwelling from three manholes along Sadat Street on May 20th and 21st, 2006. Lush water loving vegetation was present in the cemetery nearby. A shop keeper at the Antiquity site (Personal communication to K.A. Parizek, May 21, 2006) indicated that the runoff from Mubarak and Sadat Streets drains into this swale and is the source of this water. However, rainfall events are rare. Others attribute this water to the high pool stage of Lake Nasser and regional groundwater seepage. There is insufficient contour elevation data on the topographic map for this area to determine the relationship between this water loving vegetation and the water level observed within the “canal” before it was backfilled. A. Kelany indicated that the pool level within the trench excavation stabilized at elevation 100.26 m by February 3, 2003 and ranged in elevation from 98.98 m to 99.31 m within the cemetery lush vegetation area during August 2002 and February 15th, 2003. The PVC soil temperature access holes varied in depth from 0.38 to 0.43 m along Survey Line ST-3 located within the backfilled "canal". These holes did not penetrate the water table, which must be at least 1.4 m lower in elevation than the plaza, stone plaza surface within the antiquity property and Mubarak Street immediately adjacent to the quarry.

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The shopkeeper (Personal communication to K.A. Parizek, May 21, 2006) indicated that his grandfather often said that an "island" existed within the cemetery during the annual winter flood. The flood level was reported to be about 1.0 m deep before construction of the first Aswan Dam and about 0.40 m deep following its construction in 1902. If an island did indeed exist, winter floodwater must have flowed northeastward within the swale that extends along Mubarak Street, immediately adjacent to the quarry, i.e., within the vicinity of Line T-5 (Fig.6). Fig. 8a, and b show that shallow soil temperatures were elevated along survey Line T-5. This line extends into a portion of this swale. Additional survey data or test holes are needed to confirm extension of a “canal” either along or across Mubarak Street and its inferred connection to the Nile. We inspected soil test pits (January, 2004) with A. Kelany within the plaza area prior to backfilling the “canal” excavation and plaza construction. Ten test trenches were dug in the area (Area D) transected in part by three of our geophysical survey lines (Fig. 18). All the soil layers in this area contained modern materials to a depth of 4.5 m below the present gravel surface. Test trenches extended at least .25 m below the modern layer. Permeable silt and sand deposits commonly found in dry wadis and river beds were encountered. Where saturated, these overburden and native deposits are highly permeable. The presence of saturated alluvium above a region of low bedrock elevation would explain why groundwater continued to seep into the 2.5 m deep granite trench (Fig. 7 a) during its excavation. According to Kelany, it would refill with groundwater within two to three days whenever pumping stopped. Although the bottom of this trench did not extend into granite bedrock, it encountered saturated alluvium. Both a source of groundwater and saturated, permeable gravel pathway appear to be available to nourish the excavation when it was being pumped as well as its backfill gravels. OPTIONS FOR CONTROLLING THE GROUNDWATER LEVELS INSIDE OF THE GRANITE QUARRY Three options are available to lower the water table within the “canal” backfill deposits with the intent to lower the water table and capillary water levels within fractures in the immediately adjacent granite. This would reduce salt accumulations and help protect exposed working surfaces and deposits. Option (1) Drilled wells or a sump could be excavated within saturated gravel and pumps used to lower the water table. This would not eliminate the source of this groundwater, hence groundwater pumping would have to be

continued indefinitely to be effective. Option (2) If the extent of saturated sand and gravel were to be located within or immediately adjacent to Antiquities property (along or near Mubarak Street), a trench could be excavated to the granite bedrock surface, and backfilled with compacted clay (Fig. 17). A clay-cutoff barrier would all but eliminate groundwater seepage back toward the obelisk quarry. Small quantities of groundwater would have to be pumped from time to time in order to maintain a deep water table both within the backfill gravel portion of the trench and the immediately adjacent fractured Aswan Granite. Dewatering well(s) would be located between the “canal” headwall and clay barrier. Option (3) If trenching to the required depth proved difficult and the canal’s extension verified, a grout curtain could be constructed within the saturated portion of the alluvium rather than a clay cutoff barrier (Fig. 17). Grout could be injected within boreholes drilled at strategic locations through pavement, sidewalks, the edge of the cemetery. However, some groundwater would have to be pumped from the saturated “canal” backfill deposits located inside of this proposed grout curtain. Pumping would be done on an as needed basis; similar to that required for Option (2). Less pumping would be required, however, if either Option (2) or (3) were to be adopted.

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Figure 18. Test pits used to evaluate antiquities within the area included in survey Lines ST-1, 2 and 4. (Photograph by R.R. Parizek, January 2004).

Excavating to place a clay backfill would allow exploration for and recovery of artifacts that otherwise might be entombed within grout. OVERVIEW Both the seismic and shallow soil temperature surveys that were conducted during January 2006 indicate the presence of a deeper bedrock surface near the northern portion of Survey Lines ST-1 and ST-4. Shallow soil temperature measurements and extensive pumping required during trench excavation suggest that a portion of these alluvial deposits are permeable and saturated. Shallow seismic data obtained during January 2006 provide additional evidence that supports the presence of an extension of the inferred “canal”. The bedrock surface becomes deeper proceeding away from the “canal” headwall toward the southwest. Soil temperature data suggests that saturated alluvium is more likely to exist near stations 2 through 7 along Survey Line ST-1 and Stations 1 through 7 along Survey Line ST-4 rather than at adjacent temperature stations. Seismic data obtained for ST-2 revealed the presence of a bedrock channel whereas temperature data did not. Shallow-soil temperature data for May 21, 2006 were less revealing of the “canals” assumed extension. A number of the protective PVC access pipes were destroyed reducing the number of available data points. Portions of the unpaved plaza along Survey Lines ST-1, 2, and 4 had been irrigated from time to time to reduce dust and to water trees planted during plaza construction. A greater contrast in temperature revealing the presence of a deep bedrock channel would have been observed during May 2006 if the access holes were 1.0 meter or more deep and the site had not been irrigated. The results of the seismic and soil temperature surveys are compared graphically in Fig. 6. Other than Line ST-2, both survey methods reveal the presence of a channel 150 m longer than the original excavation. The seismic method showed sharpw3e “canal” boundaries due to the close spacing of geophones and its estimated depth of 2.5 to 3 m relative to adjacent bedrock. RECOMMENDATIONS 1) Additional shallow seismic and soil temperature surveys should be conducted parallel to and at right angles to Mubarak Street, beyond Antiquities Property to further extend the route of the assumed “canal”. Attention would have to be given to traffic schedules to avoid vibratory noise not related to the scheduled seismic shots. This source of background noise interfered with seismic data obtained from S26

2) Shallow soil temperature measurement points were spaced at 5 m intervals. The temperature anomalies identified in Figs. 6 and 8 could be refined if additional control points were to be added to Lines ST-1, 2 and 4, half way between existing points. Access holes destroyed by vandals would have to be replaced. Completing quarterly soil temperature measurements as originally intended would help to determine the optimum times of the year to conduct geothermal surveys within Egypt. 3) A line of soil borings is needed to establish depths to bedrock, the water table, and saturated thickness of permeable alluvial deposits. These borings could be located either just inside or outside of the Antiquities security fence and should be located within and across the thermal and seismic anomalies identified during January 2006 (Fig. 6). Borings might be aligned parallel to Seismic Lines S-7 and S-8, or along either side of Mubarak Street. Borings that encounter groundwater should be completed as monitoring wells. 4) A line of soil borings should be located across Murburck Street in the vicinity of Line T-5. These should extend to bedrock and contain piezometers if groundwater is encountered. Piezometers that might be located within the street could be protected within manholes to allow groundwater levels and quality to be monitored. 5) Pumping tests should be conducted on one or more screened wells and/or dewatering sumps to determine the hydrologic properties of saturated alluvium that fills the canal, i.e., hydraulic conductivity, storage properties and hydraulic boundary conditions. 6) Assuming that saturated alluvium is encountered along the extension of the “canal”, a cut-off-wall should be designed and constructed as soon as possible. This might include either a clay cutoff wall or grout curtain depending upon thickness of alluvium and construction considerations. 7) Dewatering wells or a sump should be placed into operation inside of this cutoff wall. Pumping rates to maintain a deep water table are expected to be minimal once groundwater is removed from storage. 8) Water levels should be monitored within these piezometers bi-weekly or monthly for one year to establish water level trends before and during pumping. Some variation in water levels and water quality should be expected if the water table is being recharged from on site sources of waste water and leaky utility lines or from natural sources. 9) Salt accumulations along bedrock joints immediately adjacent to the backfilled “canal” have increased since January 2004 when compared to January and May, 2006 observations. Water was not as obvious on May 21, 2006 as was noted during January 13-14, 2006 due to higher evaporation rates. However, evaporite salts were more abundant and will continue to accumulate. 10) The exposure of soil, dolerite quarry stones, charcoal, ash, burnt mud brick and potshards used in the quarrying of obelisks, is deteriorating rapidly compared to when we observed this work surface and working deposits during January 2004, (Fig. 4a) and again on January 14-15 and May 21, 2006 (Fig. 15b). This unique work- section exposure should be preserved. This can be done with a clear epoxy of the type used to solidify soil profiles in situ before being removed as a monolith. These monoliths can be preserved indefinitely and are widely used when teaching soil science classes in the U.S. and elsewhere. 11) One or more solidified work section columns should be retained for museum display. Remaining working deposits should be stabilized in place. Epoxy treatment, a small roof that sheds water and prevents these presently fragile but unique materials from being disturbed could protect this column. This working section is unique in the world. 12) The presence of saturated, permeable sand and gravel within the “canal’s” extension more than 150 m beyond its previously exposed location should be confirmed by test drilling. The groundwater control strategy, including either a clay or grout, cutoff wall and dewatering wells should be undertaken immediately before salt continues to accumulate within bedrock fractures, exposed rock faces and within working deposits.

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REFERENCES CITED Bair, E.S., and R.R. Parizek, 1978, Detection of permeability variations by a shallow geothermal technique, Ground Water, Vol. 16, no. 4, pp. 254-263. Ebaugh, W.F., R.R. Parizek and R. Greenfield, 1976, Discussion submitted on a theme, Determination of Space Positions of Underground Karst Channels: Channel Detection by Geothermal Methods. Proc. of the U.S.-Yugoslavian Symposium (Dubrovnik, June 2-5, 1975), V. Yuvjevich, ed. Water Resources Publication, Fort Collins, CO. Vol. 2, pp. 648-658. Engelbach, R.A.. 1923. The Problems of the Obelisks: from a Study of the Unfinished Obelisk at Aswan. T.F. Unwin, Pub., London, 134 p. Fourtau, R., 1905. La cataracte d’Assouan: étude de géographie physique. Le Caire: Impr. Nationale, 364 p. Kelany, A., 2003a. Excavation at the Unfinished Obelisk Quarry, Ministry of Antiquities, Unpublished Report. Kelany, A., 2003b. New Findings in the Extraction of Red Granite during the New Kingdom and Roman Period at the Unfinished Obelisk Quarry, Aswan. Abstract, ASMOSIA VIII 7th International Conference, Thassos, Greece, September 15-20, 2003, pp.18 Lehner, M. 1997. The Complete Pyramids. Thames and Hudson, New York, 256 p. O’Brien, P.J., 1970, Aquifer transmissivity distribution as reflected by overlying soil temperature patterns, Unpublished Ph.D. Dissertation, Department of Geology and Geophysics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA. O’Driscoll, M.A., D.R. DeWalle and R.R. Parizek, 2004, Water temperature as an indicator of surface waterground water interactions in a karst setting. (Abstract No. 165-5) Geoscience in a Changing World, Abstracts with Programs, the Geological Society of America, Annual Meeting and Exposition, Denver, CO, Nov. 7-10, 2004, Vol. 3, no. 5. pp. Parizek, R.R., and E.S. Bair, 1990, Ground-water exploration using shallow geothermal techniques, In: Water resources in Pennsylvania: Availability, Quality and Management (chap. 9), S.K. Majumdar, E.W. Miller and R.R. Parizek, eds., The Pennsylvania Academy of Science, Typehouse of Easton, Philipsburg, N.J., pp. 80-95. Parizek, R.R., 1990, Scientific methods of ground-water exploration. In: Water Resources in Pennsylvania: Availability, Quality and Management (Chap. 10), S.K. Majumdar, E.W. Miller and R.R. Parizek, eds., The Pennsylvania Academy of Science, Typehouse of Easton, Philipsburg, N.J., pp. 96-112. Parizek, K.A., and R.R. Parizek, 2002, Water, its continued importance to ancient Egyptian Culture and its preservation, Session 34-8. Abstracts with Programs, Annual Meeting and Exposition of the Geological Society of America, Denver, CO, Oct. 27-30, 2002, Vol. 34. no. 6, pp. 86. Parizek, R.R., and K.A. Parizek, 2005, Geothermal surveys used to map karst feeder channels, (Abstract No. 143-13). Abstracts with Programs, Annual Meeting and Exposition of the Geological Society of America, Salt lake City, UT, Oct. 2005, Vol. 37, no. 7, pp. 326.

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Parizek, R.R., 2005, Hydrogeologic conceptual model for the Bushkill Creek Watershed, Upper Nazaretheth/Palmer Townships, Northampton County, PA. Implications to quarry expansion, sink and swallow-hole development, stability of infrastructure and private property. Report submitted to Pottsville Office, The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and other governmental agencies. 42 p. Sampsell, B.M., 2003. A Traveler’s Guide to the Geology of Egypt. American University in Cairo Press. ; London; Eurospan, 228 p. Wilbour, C.E., 1924. Catalogue of the Egyptian library and other books from the collection of the late Charles Edwin Wilbour. Compiled by W.B. Cook, Jr., 1924. Pub. by Brooklyn Museum, 729 p. Wilbour, C.E., 1936. Travels In Egypt ( December 1880 to May 1891):Letters of Charles Edwin Wilbour. Edited by Jean Capart, Brooklyn, N. Y., and published by Brooklyn Museum.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This investigation was authorized by the Permanent Committee, Supreme Council of Antiquities. Funding was provided in part by Joint U.S.-Egypt Grant (NSF Grant No. O1SE-04-20777) and personal funds provided by Richard R. and Estelle B. Parizek together with Elizabeth J. Walters and Richard Shoe. Workers from Kom el Ahmar, trained by faculty members associated with the Pennsylvania State University’s Hierakonpolis TempleTown Mission are acknowledged for their field assistance. Their work was coordinated by Saad Abdul Bast, elder from Kom El Ahmar. J.G. Henneke and K.A. Parizek conducted field work during May 2006 and J. G. Henneke and E. B. Parizek assisted with manuscript preparation.

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