Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Land
Geology
The Arabian Peninsula is a treasure trove for geologists. Though not particularly rich in
minerals or gems (except the copper that is found in northern Oman), the Peninsula reveals
the earth's earliest history, supporting theories of plate tectonics and continental drift.
Indeed, geologists believe that the Peninsula originally formed part of the larger landmass
of Africa. A split in this continent created both Africa's Great Rift Valley (which extends
from Mozambique up through Djibouti, into western Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Jordan) and
the Red Sea.
As Arabia slipped away from Africa, the Peninsula began to 'tilt', with the western side
rising and the eastern edge dropping, a process that led to the formation of the Gulf.
Extensive flooding millions of years ago led to the remains of marine life being depos-
ited in layers of sediment across the tilted landmass - as the rich fossil remains found
across Arabia indicate. When sufficient dead organic matter is laid down and trapped under
the surface where a lack of oxygen prevents it from decaying to water and carbon dioxide,
the raw material of hydrocarbons is produced - the origin, in other words, of oil and gas.
The conversion from dead organic matter to hydrocarbon is subject to many other condi-
tions such as depth and temperature. Arabia's geology is uniquely supportive of these con-
ditions, and 'nodding donkeys' (drilling apparatus, capable of boring holes up to 5km deep)
can be seen throughout the interior.
Governments across the region speculate endlessly on the quantity of reserves remain-
ing. Given that the economies of all the Peninsula countries rely to a lesser or greater extent
on oil and gas, this is one issue that can't be left to
insha'allah
(God's will). As such, Pen-
insula countries are busy diversifying their economic interests in case their reserves run out
sooner rather than later.
Geologists speak of the Peninsula in terms of the Arabian shield and Arabian shelf. The shield, which con-
sists of volcanic sedimentary rock, comprises the western third of the landmass. The shelf comprises the
lower-lying areas that slope away from the shield from central Arabia to the waters of the Gulf.
Geography
Stand on top of Kuwait Towers and the eye roams unhindered along flat country. The low-
lying coastal plains and salt flats stretch all along the limp waters of the northern Gulf until
