Intensive aeolian processes occur due to the scarcity of rainfall and lack of vegetation cover in arid regions. The study of recent surface sediments in arid areas is important for environmental assessments, evaluation of natural resources, and land use planning. In this study, two areas were chosen as they show changes in lithology, environment and landforms. The two study areas are Al-Rawdatain in the northern part, and Al-Managish in the southern part of Kuwait. The current study aims to define the sedimentomorphic zones in these areas, with an emphasis on Quaternary geomorphological evolution by providing an integrated approach based on satellite images, topographic maps, field measurements, and laboratory analysis. Remote sensing data were spatially analyzed to classify and detect the temporal changes in the surface sediments and geomorphology based on the field measurements (n = 42) as ground truthing points for supervising the classification. Samples from both areas were collected and subjected to grain size (dry mechanical sieving) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis. The resulting data were statistically analyzed for grain size distributions and mineralogy based on the US standard set of sieves. The study found that the Aeolian sand sheet deposits are the most frequent recent surface deposits in Kuwait and cover most of the other sediments. The direction of movement of the sand sheets is from NW towards SE. The mineralogical composition of the aeolian recent surface sediments revealed that they are mostly derived from the Dibdibba Formation and Tigris-Euphrates fluvial terrace deposits. Quartz is the most frequent component of the studied surface sediments in the study areas (66%). The calcite mineral is also found in subordinate amounts in the study areas (10%).
References
[1]
Dragut, L. and Blaschke, T. (2006) Automated Classification of Landform Elements Using Object-Based Image Analysis. Geomorphology, 81, 330-344.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2006.04.013
[2]
Albugami, S., Palmer, S., Meersmans, J. and Waine, T. (2018) Evaluating MODIS Dust-Detection Indices over the Arabian Peninsula. Remote Sensing, 10, 1993.
https://doi.org/10.3390/rs10121993
[3]
Baird, T., Bristow, C.S. and Vermeesch, P. (2019) Measuring Sand Dune Migration Rates with COSI-Corr and landsat: Opportunities and Challenges. Remote Sensing, 11, 2423. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs11202423
[4]
Chavez Jr., P.S., MacKinnon, D., Reynolds, R.L. and Velasco, M.G. (2002) Monitoring Dust Storms and Mapping Landscape Vulnerability to Wind Erosion Using Satellite and Ground-Based Digital Images. Arid Lands Newsletter.
http://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/70209719
[5]
Livingstone, I., Wiggs, G.F.S. and Weaver, C.M. (2007) Geomorphology of Desert Sand Dunes: A Review of Recent Progress. Earth-Science Reviews, 80, 239-257.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2006.09.004
[6]
Albanai, J.A. (2021) Coastal Atlas of the State of Kuwait: Geomorphology from Space and Atmosphere. Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Science, Kuwait.
[7]
Napieralski, J., Barr, I., Kamp, U. and Kervyn, M. (2013) 3.8. Remote Sensing and GIScience in Geomorphological Mapping. In: Treatise on Geomorphology, Vol. 3, Elsevier, Amsterdam, 187-227. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-374739-6.00050-6
[8]
Hynek, B.M. and Phillips, R.J. (2003) New Data Reveal Mature, Integrated Drainage Systems on Mars Indicative of Past Precipitation. Geology, 31, 757-760.
https://doi.org/10.1130/G19607.1
[9]
Chandler, J.H., Fryer, J.G. and Jack, A. (2005) Metric Capabilities of Low-Cost Digital Cameras for Close Range Surface Measurement. The Photogrammetric Record, 20, 12-26. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1477-9730.2005.00302.x
[10]
Albanai, J.A. (2020) Sea Level Rise Projections for Failaka Island in the State of Kuwait. Transactions on Maritime Science, 9, 236-247.
https://doi.org/10.7225/toms.v09.n02.008
[11]
Albanai, J.A. (2021) Mapping Kuwait Bathymetry Using Passive Multispectral Remote Sensing. Kuwait Journal of Science, 48, 1-10.
https://doi.org/10.48129/kjs.v48i4.8978
[12]
Hassan, A., Albanai, J.A. and Goudie, A. (2021) Modeling and Managing Flash Flood Hazards in the State of Kuwait.
https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202107.0011.v1
[13]
Albanai, J.A. (2021) Spatial Distribution of Kuwait Coastal Geomorphological Features Using Remote Sensing Methods and GIS Solutions. Journal of Social Sciences, 49, 10-37. https://doi.org/10.34120/0080-049-003-014
[14]
Valizadeh Kamran, K., Pirnazar, M. and Farhadi Bansouleh, V. (2015) Land Surface Temperature Retrieval from Landsat 8 TIRS: Comparison between Split Window Algorithm and SEBAL Method. SPIE Proceedings, Vol. 9535, Article ID: 953503.
https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2192491
[15]
Khalaf, F.I. and Al-ajmi, D. (1993) Aeolian Processes and Sand Encroachment Problems in Kuwait. Geomorphology, 6, 111-134.
https://doi.org/10.1016/0169-555X(93)90042-Z
[16]
Al-Hurban, A., Al-Ruwaih, F., and Al-Dughairi, A. (2021) Quantitative Geomorphological and Hydromorphometric Analysis of Drainage Basins of As Sabriyah (Kuwait) Using GIS Techniques. Journal of Geographic Information System (JGIS), 13, 166-193. https://doi.org/10.4236/jgis.2021.132010
[17]
Khalaf, F.I., Gharib, I.M. and Al-Kadi, A.S. (1982) Sources and Genesis of Pleistocene Gravely Deposits in Northern Kuwait. Sedimentary Geology, 31, 101-107.
https://doi.org/10.1016/0037-0738(82)90033-1
[18]
Khalaf, F.I., Gharib, M.I. and Al-Hashash, M.Z. (1984) Types and Characteristics of the Recent Surface Deposits of Kuwait, Arabian Gulf. Journal of Arid Environments, 7, 9-33. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-1963(18)31399-5
[19]
Al-Hurban, A. (2014) Effects of Recent Anthropogenic Activities on the Surface Deposits of Kuwait. Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 7, 665-691.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-013-0866-9
[20]
Foda, M.A., Gharib, I. and Al-Hashash, M. (1983) Rate of Sediment Transport Areas Vulnerable to Sand Encroachment. Annual Research Report Environmental & Earth Sciences (KISR), 108-110.
[21]
Foda, M.A., Khalaf, F.I., Gharib, I.M., Al-Hashash, M.Z. and Al-Kadi, A. (1984) Assessment of Sand Encroachment and Erodibility Problems in Kuwait (EES-27). Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research KISR 1297, Kuwait.
[22]
Owen, R.M.S. and Naser, S.N. (1958) Stratigraphy of the Kuwait-Basra Area: Habitat of Oil. American Association of Petroleum Geologists, Tulsa, 1252-1278.
[23]
Fuchs, W., Gattinger, T.E. and Holter, H.F. (1968) Explanatory Text to the Synoptic Geologic Map of Kuwait. Geological Survey of Austria, Vienna, 87 p.
[24]
Khalaf, F.I., Al-Bakri, D. and Al-Ghadban, A. (1984) Sedimentological Characteristics of the Surficial Sediments of the Kuwaiti Marine Environment, Northern Arabian Gulf. Sedimentology, 31, 531-545.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3091.1984.tb01818.x
[25]
Gunatilaka, A. (1986) Kuwait and Northern Arabian Gulf: A Study in Quaternary Sedimentation. Episodes, 9, 223-231.
https://doi.org/10.18814/epiiugs/1986/v9i4/004
[26]
Picha, F. (1978) Depositional and Diagenetic History of Pleistocene and Holocene Oolitic Sediments and Sabkhas in Kuwait, Persian Gulf. Sedimentology, 25, 427-450. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3091.1978.tb00320.x
[27]
Khalaf, F.I. (1982) Submerged Calcareous Hard Layers in the Nearshore Environment of Kuwait, Northern Arabian Gulf. Environmental and Earth Sciences Annual Research Report. 163-167.
[28]
Al-Sarawi, M.A., Al-Zamel, A., and Al-Rifaiy, I. (1993) Late Pleistocene and Holocene Sediments of Al-Khiran Area (South Kuwait). Journal of University of Kuwait (Sci.), 20, 145-156.
[29]
Al-Hurban, A. (1996) Recent Surface Sediments and Landforms of the Southern Area of Kuwait. Ph. D. Thesis, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, 317p.
[30]
Al-Hurban, A. and Gharib, I. (2003) Morphological, Sedimentological, and Hydrogeochemical Studies of Sabkas in Southern Kuwait. Geographia Fisica e Dinamica Quaternaria Journal, 6, 13-18.
[31]
Al-Hurban, A., and Gharib, I. (2004) Geomorphological and Sedimentological Characteristics of Coastal and Inland Sabkhas, Southern Kuwait. Journal of Arid Environment, 58, 59-85. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-1963(03)00128-9
[32]
Khalaf, F.I., Kadib, L., Gharib, I. and Al-Hashash, M. (1980) Dust Fallout in Kuwait. Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), Kuwait, EES-RF-R-8016, 108.
[33]
Asem, A., Khalaf, F., Gharib, I., Hashash, M., Foda, M., Palou, F. and Attasi, S. (1982) Classification of the Recent Surface Deposits of Kuwait by Using Landsat Data. Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), Kuwait, EEs-32.
[34]
Omar, S.A., El-Barghouri, I., Answar, M., Khalaf, F., Al-Hashash, M., and Nassef, A. (1989) Measures to Control Mobile sand in Kuwait. Volume 1, Environmental Assessment and Control Measures. KISR, Project Code: EES-78, Kuwait.
[35]
Khalaf, F.I. and Al-Hashash, M. (1983) Aeolian Sedimentation in the Northwestern Part of the Arabian Gulf. Journal of Arid Environments, 7, 9-33.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-1963(18)31399-5
[36]
Khalaf, F.I. (1989) Textural Characteristics and Genesis of the Aeolian Sediments in the Kuwaiti Desert. Journal of Arid Environments, 36, 253-271.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3091.1989.tb00606.x
[37]
Khalaf, F.I. (1989) Desertification and Aeolian Processes in the Kuwait Desert. Journal of Arid Environments, 16, 125-145.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-1963(18)31020-6
[38]
Al-Sulaimi, J.S., and El-Rabaa, S.M. (1994) Morphological and Morphostructural Features of Kuwait. Geomorphology, 11, 151-167.
https://doi.org/10.1016/0169-555X(94)90079-5
[39]
Khalaf, F., Misak, R. and Al-Dousari, A. (1995) Sedimentological and Morphological Characteristics of Some Nabkhas Deposits in the Northern Coastal Plain of Kuwait, Arabia. Journal of Arid Environments, 29, 267-292.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-1963(05)80107-7
[40]
Al-Awadi, J.M. and Misak, R. (2000) Field Assessment of Aeolian Sand Processes and Sand Control Measures in Kuwait. Kuwait Journal of Science and Engineering, 27, 159-176.
[41]
KISR (1995) Geomorphic Zones of Kuwait, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Kuwait, Map (Unpublished).
[42]
El-Baz, F., and Al-Sarawi, M. (2000) Atlas of the State of Kuwait from Satellite Images. KFAS-Kuwait. 145 p.
[43]
Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) (1980) Geological Map of Kuwait (Unpublished).
[44]
Ergun, H.N. (1969) Reconnaissance Soil Survey. Report to the Government of Kuwait. FAO, Kuwait, TF 17, 18 p.
[45]
(1991) United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP). 17-26.
[46]
KISR (1999) Soil survey for the State of Kuwait. Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (unpublished).
[47]
Bagnold, R.A. (1941) Physics on Blown Sand and Desert Dunes. Chapman & Hall, London, 265 p.
[48]
Gunatilaka, A. and Mwango, S. (1987) Continental Sabkha Pans and Associated Nebkhas in Southern Kuwait, Arabian Gulf. In: Frostick, L. and Reid, I., Eds., Desert Sediments: Ancient & Modern, Geological Society, Special Publication No. 35, 187-203. https://doi.org/10.1144/GSL.SP.1987.035.01.13
[49]
Omar, S., Misak, R., King, P., Shabbir, S., Abo Rizq, H., Grealish, G., et al. (2001) Mapping the Vegetation of Kuwait through Reconnaissance Soil Survey. Journal of Arid Environment, 48, 341-355. https://doi.org/10.1006/jare.2000.0740
[50]
Albanai, J.A. (2022) Accuracy Assessment for Landsat 8 Thermal Bands in Measuring Sea Surface Temperature over Kuwait and North West Arabian Gulf. Kuwait Journal of Science, 49, 1-13. https://doi.org/10.48129/kjs.v49i1.9549
[51]
Albanai, J.A. (2021) Trend and Dynamic of Chlorophyll-a Concentration over the Arabian Gulf A Long-Term Study Using MODIS Data (2004-2019). Journal of Engineering Research, 10, 103-115. https://doi.org/10.36909/jer.12213
[52]
Kwarteng, A. (2000) Analysis of Satellite Synthetic Aperture Radar Images (SAR) for Environmental Assessment and Land-Use Mapping in Kuwait. KISR Final Report. Project VD002C.
[53]
Misak, R., Kwarteng, A., Sudarawi, M., Omar, S., Al-Obaid, E., Al-Awadi, J., Shahid, S. and Kerdi, Z. (2000) Controlling Land Degradation in Several Areas of Kuwait. Phase 1: Mapping and Assessment. 2000, KISR Final Report. Project VD006C.
[54]
Al-Ajmi, D., Misak, R., Al-Sudairawi, M. and Al-l-Dousari, A. (1994) Damage Assessment of the Desert and Coastal Using Environment of Kuwait by Remote Sensing. KISR Final Report. Project VT001C.
[55]
Kwarteng, A. (2001) The Study of Kuwait’s Oil Lakes and Oil-Polluted Surfaces Using remote Sensing. Project VD008C.
[56]
Kwarteng, A. (2002) Evaluation of RADARSAT Synthetic Aperture Radar Beam Modes for Characterizing Desertification and Coastal Processes in Kuwait. KISR Final Report. Project VD0007K.
[57]
Albanai, J.A. (2019) A GIS Science Simulation for the Expected Sea Level Rise Scenarios on Failka Island in the State of Kuwait. Center for Research and Studies on Kuwait, Kuwait. https://doi.org/10.7225/toms.v09.n02.008
[58]
Folk, R.L. (1974) Petrology of Sedimentary Rocks. Hemphills Publishing Co., Austin, 92 p.
[59]
Folk, R.L. and Ward, W. (1954) The Distinction between Grain Size and Mineral Composition in Sedimentary Rocks. Journal of Geology, 62, 344-359.
https://doi.org/10.1086/626171
[60]
Lillisand, T.M. and Keifer, R.W. (1994) Remote Sensing and Image Interpretation. John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York, 750 p.
[61]
Al-Sarawi, M.A. (1980) Jal Az-Zor Escarpment and Pleistocene Holocene Sedimentation along the Kuwaiti Bay. Ph.D. Thesis, University of South Carolina, Columbia, 182 p.
[62]
Neal, J.T. (1969) Playa Variation. In: McGinnies, W. and Goldman, B., Eds., Arid Lands in Perspective, University of Arizona Press, Tuscon.
[63]
Neal, J.T. (1975) Playa Surface Features as Indicators of Environment. In: Neal, J.T., Ed., Playas and Dried Lakes, Halsted Press, New York, 363.
[64]
Motts, W.S. (1972) Some Hydrologic and Geologic Processes Influencing Playa Development in Western United States. In: Reeves, C.C., Ed., Playa Lake Symposium, ICASALS Publication No. 4, Lubbock, 89-106.
