Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-12-2007

Abstract

The Wahiba Sands in northeastern Oman are bordered on the north, south and west by ighlands. Remote sensing data are used to characterize the region betsveen 19-23.5N and 56.5 60°E by mapping surface and near-surface drainage, faults and fractures and aeolian features. Ifis suggested that the sands were originally deposited with surface runoff from the principal wadis and fluvially reworked fault zones, which define the northeastern and southwestern _margins: Theșe fluvial processes resulted in the accumulation of the vast groundwater resources now stored there. During idry climates, wind became the principal modification regime and it began to sort and shape the sediments into the dune forms that characterize today's Wahiba region. The thickness of the sands reflccts the depth of the basin in which they lic The center of the basin is filled with the thickest sand (the High Sands) and contains the highest groundwater concentrations. Presently, aeolian reworking dominates in the Wahiba region, although the Low and the Peripheral Sands continue to experience some fluvial action from occasional, seasonal rainf all. Even though dry conditions dominate today, it is clear that similar to the Sahara of North Afriia, the surface sands of the Wahiba basin indicators of ground dwater occurrence.

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