Geomorphological Changes by the Action of Coastal Processes and Anthropogenic Activties along the Coastal Zone between Ras Al-Jalaiah And Ras Az-Zour, Southern Kuwait

Abstract

The coastline is one of the most important linear features on the earth’s surface, which displays a dynamic nature. The natural processes that interact with the coastal environment of Kuwait are tides, currents, and waves. The main shoreline of the coast of Kuwait is about 325 km long. In the north, the coast is characterized by wide intertidal mudflats, bounded by a large-scale coastal sabkha, partly covered with sand drifts. The southern shore is characterized by relatively steep sand beaches with narrow to moderately wide rocky intertidal platforms, which are partly covered by sand and algal mats. The area of interest is the coastal area between Ras al-Julaiha and Ras Az-Zour in the southern area of Kuwait. Sandy berm and wave-cut cliff bound this southern intertidal environment. The study area is a superficial, open, vulnerable bay of a maximum depth of 28 m extending along the southern shore of Kuwait. Ras Al-Jalaiah promontory bounds the area northwards and Ras Az-Zour promontory bounds it southward, with a distance measured vertically of 18.085 km.