Soil, Water Chemistry and Sedimentological Studies of Al Asfar EvaporationLake and its Inland Sabkha, Al Hassa Area, Saudi Arabia

摘要

The present study aims to study the environment of Evaporation Al Asfar Lake,Al Hassa area, eastern province, Saudi Arabia. Remote sensing, sedimentological,hydrogeological, chemical studies and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) areimplemented to achieve the objectives of this study. The processed landsat-5 TM and SPOTImageries indicated, there is a general increment in both the sabkha and water ponds areasextent with the passage of time. The origin and the various sediments types are recognizedthrough the sedimentological aspects of this study. Different sabkha grades are identified.These different sabkha grades have various degrees of salt content as it is indicated from theTDS spatial distribution at Al Asfar area. This study revealed that the surface water of AlAsfar lake is characterized by a relatively low salinity and then re-treating and reusing of thiswater in agricultural purposes will lead to minimize the sabkha extension, to mitigate itsimpact on the nearby farms of Al Hassa oasis, to mitigate aquifer recharge with high salinewater and to optimize the water use of this available surface water body in this aridenvironment. The results of this study are important in any future development of this areaof the Al Asfar and in planning of how to reuse the water lakes in the agricultural purposes.Chemical results are very important to be taken in consideration by Saudi Aramco, as thedifferent sabkha grades have their various corrosion levels that may impact the pipelinescrossing this sabkha area.