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The problematic shale in the Mediterranean Sea such as the Kafr El Sheikh Formation, are considered as potential source of borehole instability. This study is focused on the analysis of the conventional drilling fluids used for drilling this shale and work to change its composition to prevent or reduce the borehole instability problems. Shale cuttings were collected from four different wells in Temsah concession. These wells were evaluated using X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence and cation exchange capacity using methylene blue test. Swelling index of the shale was measured using linear swell meter. Nano-particles used in this study are Al2O3, TiO2, nano shield and SiO2 as inhibitors for shale swelling. The inhibitors are added to the conventional drilling fluids instead of potassium chloride. The inhibition of swelling for these shale cuttings using 7% KCl caused a dramatic decrease in swelling percentage of shale that reached to nearly one fourth the value of the drilling fluid-free inhibitor (blank fluid). These values ranged from 72% with blank fluid to 18% (with shale Temsah NW-10 well), from 50% to 12.5% (with shale Temsah SE-01 well), from 40% to 10% (with shale Temsah -03 well) and from 47.5% to 13.5% (with shale Temsah -09 well). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Egyptian Red Sea coast is periodically exposed to flash floods that cause severe human and economic losses. That is due to its hydro-geomorphological characteristics. Therefore, identifying flash flood hazards in these areas is critically important. This research uses an integrated approach of remote sensing data and GIS techniques to assess flash flood hazards based on morphometric measurements. There are 12 drainage basins in the study area. These basins differ in their morphometric characteristics, and their main streams range between the 4th and 7th order. The morphometric parameter analysis indicates that three wadis are highly prone to flooding, five wadis are classified as moderate hazard, and four wadis are rated under low probability of flooding. The study area has a probability offlooding, which could cause serious environmental hazards. To protect the region from flash flood hazards and the great benefit of rainwater, the study recommended detention, crossing, diversion, and/or storage of the accumulated rainwater by building a number of dams or culverts along the main streams of wadis to minimize the flooding flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]