Mapping the wind erosion of the Great Sphinx

The Great Sphinx would have disappeared long ago had it not been buried under sand for so long. Unfortunately, the now-exposed statue is eroding due to the effects of wind, humidity and the smog from Cairo. Wind is one of the most critical denudation factors causing the erosion, especially when it carries dust.

The findings are based on research conducted by Bibliotheca Alexandrina in collaboration with IBM’s Center for Advanced Studies in Cairo.

The Sphinx’s weak areas, which are the left shoulder and the top of the hunches, are exposed to maximum wind friction. The back of the head and the top of the trunk are also considered vulnerable areas.

Scientific Computing

Related posts:

1. Keeping the Paws of the Great Sphinx Dry
2. Sphinx Safe as Groundwater is Removed
3. Enormous Lego Sphinx showcased in Halifax
4. Satellite cataloguing finished at temple complex of Medinet Habu
5. Giza Sphinx not threatened by water

Tags: Bibliotheca Alexandrina, cairo, erosion of the great sphinx, giza, Research, the great sphinx

This entry was posted on Tuesday, October 20th, 2009 at 4:32 pm and is filed under Egyptology. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.