Geomorphology of the Al Wahbah crater at Harrat Kishb west of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The main objective of this research is to conduct a geomorphic study of the Al Wahbah crater located in Harrat Kishb, west of Saudi Arabia. The crater is considered as one of the well-known national tourist places, which attracted many visitors a year. This study handles the geomorphic framework of the crater to draw a digital elevation model. It is a step to designate slopes of the crater and its surroundings, as well as other morphometric characteristics. The lithologic units of the crater and its surroundings have been updated using geologic maps and SPOT 5 (2.5 m) satellite image. The research aims also at analyzing the deposits of the crater floor through mechanical analysis of the field-collected samples. In this process, the circular floor of the crater had been classified into two halves. Then, field samples were collected from the radius of the crater at three places apart from each other. The lab analyses include porosity and hydraulic conductivity. The results of analyzing these samples disclosed high percentages of porosity. The porosity of all samples is homogeneous as well in the samples collected from the three profiles of different depths. As well the mechanical analysis indicates a regular and homogeneous grain size distribution. The current study elucidates the impact of the mutual interaction between the natural variable forming the Al Wahbah crater geomorphic system. The interaction resulted in a dynamic and complex geomorphic system along with distinctive associations of landforms and surficial deposits. The study is considered among the pioneer research efforts that tackled the Al Wahbah crater from different scientific and applications perspectives.