Sabkhas and Tidal Inlets in El-Batinah plain- Sultanate of Oman: A study in applied Geomorphology using remote sensing and GIS

Sabkhas and tidal inlets are geomorphologic forms related mostly to wet lands. Sabkhas are divided into internal Sabkhas found usually in closed basins and coastal Sabkhas which are normally formed by ebb and tide mostly along coastal inlets. Coastal inlets can be temporal or permanent.. The Sabkhas and tidal inlets are widely distributed along El- Batinah plain. Their development is related to various factors such as: climate, geology, hydrology, and local relief. These forms have direct effect on development in El- Batinah plain in which population, settlement, and development in Oman are concentrated. Therefore, the study of these landforms regarding their geomorphic emergence and evolution is important, especially in the light of the emerging sea level changes. Recently, most of the scientific prognosis show that the current global warming will eventually cause a rise in sea level which could have detrimental impacts on the infrastructures bordering the coast. So, it is important and necessary to start and focus on studying Sabkhas and tidal inlets in Oman. One of the potent methods used to this effect is the employment of remote sensing and GIS techniques to monitor and determine any changes in the coast line and Sabkhas areas, supplemented by mechanical, chemical, mineral analysis to determine the deposition conditions in the endangered areas, and to simulate these changes and produce perspective maps for them.