Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
1.3.6
Coastal Alluvial Plains
There are only two such alluvial plains in the Batinah and Salalah areas. Before
reaching the sea the wadis, originating in the nearby mountains, become braided
and deposit their load of sand and finer particles in depressions behind coastal dunes
before infiltrating into shallow aquifers.
These coastal plains have some of the best soils of the country and relatively
important water resources.
Nearly half the cultivated area in Oman is in the Batinah coastal plain. Excessive
expansion of the cultivated land has led to seawater intrusion and salinization of
the groundwater and the soils. Crops grown in the Batinah include datepalm, limes,
mangoes, alfalfa, rhodes-grass, and a variety of vegetables and minor fruit trees.
In the Salalah coastal plain, the main crops are banana, coconut, papaya,
vegetables and other minor crops.
1.3.7
Sabkha-Dunes-Rock Outcrop Complex
This landscape occurs extensively in Al Huqf area and in the Eastern coastal plain
in the Sharqiya region. Hills of rock outcrop alternate with saline basins and sand
dunes. Tidal flats are extensive along the coast.
Cultivation is very scarce due to the lack of suitable water resources. It is
interesting to note that this area may have some potential for fish farming.
1.3.8
The Eastern Pediplain
It is a nearly level monotonous rock plain made of hard carbonate rocks that resist
erosion. There is a large number of small depressions caused by dissolution of the
carbonates, under a past, moister climate. This landform is deeply incised by wadis
near the seacoast.
Soils are generally very shallow and contain secondary lime. Cultivation is very
scarce because of the lack of suitable water resources and soils.
1.3.9
The Western Pediplain
It is gently undulated and more dissected by streams. Sulfate rocks are more
extensive in this area, leading to the concentration of gypsum in the soils, which
are generally moderately deep to shallow to a gypsum pan and to bedrock.
Cultivation is found in some areas like Dawka where good groundwater is
available. Rhodes grass, alfalfa and vegetables are the main crops.
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