Coasts case study- Persian gulf

Question 1

What sort of energy coastline is the Persian Gulf?

Answer 1

A low energy coastline

Question 2

Which coutries surround the Persian Gulf?

Answer 2

• Iran
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE

Question 3

Why is the Persian Gulf significant to the global economy?

Answer 3

20% of worldwide oil trade comes through the Persian Gulf

Question 4

What temperature can surface waters reach?

Answer 4

32º^C

Question 5

What is the significance of surface water temperatures being high?

Answer 5

• allows for intense evaporation
• salinity of surface waters are high

Question 6

What is the climate of the Persian Gulf?

Answer 6

Hot and semi-arid

Question 7

What direction is the prevailing wind in the Persian Gulf?

Answer 7

From the Northwest

Question 8

What are the prevailing winds in the Persian Gulf called?

Answer 8

Shamal winds

Question 9

What landforms are found around the Persian Gulf?

Answer 9

• aeolian sand dunes
• alluvial fans
• barrier islands and tidal deltas
• Sabkhas (supratidal salt flats)

Question 10

Where in the Persian Gulf are sabkhas found?

Answer 10

Around Abu Dhabi

Question 11

What is the geology like where sabkhas form?

Answer 11

Impermeable rock lies blow the groundwater table

Question 12

What is the significance of geology in the formation of sabkhas?

Answer 12

Impermeable rock lying below the groundwater table allows water to remain close to the surface and susceptible to evaporation

Question 13

Explain the formation of sabkhas

Answer 13

• water lies above the water table and is susceptible to evaporation
• seepage recharge moves water into rock
• intense evaporation of sea water occurs due to shamal winds and high temperatures
• evaporites build up to form sabkhas