Sedimentomorphic mapping of Jal Az-Zor escarpment, northern Kuwait, using GIS methods

The Jal Az-Zor escarpment is one of a number of prominent geomorphological features in northern Kuwait that can be recognized and differentiated into different units from higher upland to lower flat coastal plain. The landforms exhibit a wide variety of shape, sediment type and size. The main aim of this study is to map the sedimentomorphic zones (i.e. sedimentological and geomorphological regimes) in this area, with emphasis on Quaternary (recent surface) deposits and their geomorphological forms, using GIS applications tools in conjunction with field/ground truth data. The study area was subdivided into five major slope units, namely: back slope, crest, scarp, debris slope, and coastal plain with certain drainage pattern that determines the formation of these specific landscapes. A final sedimentomorphic map was prepared to show the relationship between geomorphological landforms, and recent surface deposits. The recent surface sediments were subdivided into coastal deposits, which include tidal flat, sabkha and coastal dunes, and inland deposits, which include desert plain deposits, slope deposits playa, gravel plain and ridges, rugged and smooth sand sheets, wadi, and alluvial fan deposits. The geomorphological and sedimentological variations present within and between arid regions, together with the impact of processes changing during the Quaternary period, are therefore important variables contributing to the present appearance of arid zone landforms. Wind, a very important geomorphological agent in Arabian region, will serve to cause changes in limited relative relief, in addition to the water-worked features that cause high and frequent changes in relative relief such as in much of southwestern United States. A Geographic Information System (GIS) is used to study surface sediment of the area using maps at a scale of 1:50000, with particular emphasis being placed on Jal Az-Zor escarpment. Sedimentomorphic maps were prepared on the basis of remote sensing data, black and white aerial photographs, topographic maps and field surveys