جيومورفولوجية الكثبان الرملية وأثرها على الأنشطة البشرية في جنوب شرق مدينة جدة، المملكة العربية السعودية

Geomorphology of sand Dunes in Southeast Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The morphodynamic processes prevailing in arid and semi-arid areas are a serious challenge that exacerbates the ecosystem degradation. In the south of Jeddah, the fragility of the natural environment associated with the phenomenon of sand accumulations is seen as a major obstacle to sustainable development. Therefore, applied geomorphology research is considered one of the important studies for many development projects, as it relies on it to assess the available natural potentials and obstacles, and to suggest appropriate ways to resist the deterioration of natural resources. This research aims to know the morphological characteristics of the sandy assemblies in the study area, in terms of their types, factors of origin, temporal and spatial changes, prediction of their movement and evaluation of their morphogenetic activity during different periods; and to highligh the damages caused by using remote sensing techniques and geographic information systems. Depending on high-resolution aerial images of different periods and field visits, it is noted that sand dunes have become one of the common and widespread sedimentary geomorphological phenomena in the study area, and they were formed due to natural and climatic conditions associated with wind erosion, as well as human influence and land misuse. This study focuses on characterizing and evaluating the state of sandy settlements in the south of Jeddah in the Makkah region, by analyzing their morphodynamic properties and making transmission measurements, which better reflect the response of the environments to climatic changes and increased human activities. The dangers arising from the movement of sand dunes are represented in the decreasing areas and production of agricultural lands in the study area, and the encroachment of sand on urban centers, roads, and desert oases towards the northeast in general. The development of the shape, area and distribution of sandy assemblies shows the importance of geomorphological studies for the protection of lands and the management of natural hazards.