Evolution of landforms in the southern part of Kuwait

Field investigation indicates the common existence of calcrete, dolocrete, gypcrete and silcrete in the southern part of Kuwait. Three different forms of topographic highs are identified: calcretic ridges, calcareous sandstone ridges and silcretic hills; these show a direct relationship to the pre-existing land topography. They also influence the development of present-day land morphology. Surface and near-surface duricrust in Kuwait developed during the Pleistocene and early Holocene. Genetically, the calcareous duricrust is related to pedogenic and groundwater action. Gypcrete and silcrete are formed after the development of calcrete. In a later stage, an arid environment prevailed and aeolian processes produced relief inversion. The role of duricrust in developing the landscape of Kuwait is well documented, but a comprehensive study to assess its role in the subsurface zones is required.