Morphological and morphostructural features of Kuwait

Abstract

Morphostructural analysis and interpretation of the geomorphic features of the surface of Kuwait are essentially dependant on the recognition of the structural configuration of the top of the upper Eocene Dammam Formation and its influence on the overlying sediments of the Kuwait Group. The top surface of the Dammam Formation has an undulatory form representing a series of N-S to NNW-SSE trending domal and flexural structures. This surface has regulated to a variable extent the depositional regime and thickness of the overlying Kuwait Group. Structures of the Dammam Formation have directly left an impression on the surface as morphostructural forms and also indirectly controlled the geomorphic forms of the overlying sediments. Fifteen geomorphic zones, characterized by distinct physiographic patterns, slope gradients and dependant features, are presented on a map. Data based on the recognition of drainage patterns and slope characteristics were incorporated. Significant deflection in topographic contours was also identified and geomorphic discontinuities and anomalies were delineated. Further treatment of the geomorphic zonation data with input from existing geological, structural and tectonic data has resulted in the construction of the first morphostructural map of Kuwait.