Morphology of protected and non-protected Nitraria retusa coastal nabkha in Kuwait, Arabian Gulf : A comparative study

Auteur(s) et Affiliation(s)



Description :
This study aimed at the assessment and comparison of the population density, morphometric parameters and granulometric characteristics of the nabkhas along the northern coast of Kuwait Bay. Several nabkha fields were selected within both protected and non-protected areas. Collected data were statistically analyzed. It was concluded that protected nabkhas are well developed while the non-protected nabkhas are severely degraded. Degradation of non-protected nabkhas is attributed to drastic reduction of nabkha's shrub canopies which increase proneness of nabkha sediments to wind erosion. The coexistence of sever irrational anthropogenic activities, mainly overgrazing, and harsh climatic conditions, particularly prevailing drought during the last 2 decades is responsible for such degradation. It is recommended that the present Nature Reserve should be extended to cover the remaining nabkhas in the open area to avoid extinction of N. retusa shrubs in this sensitive coastal ecosystem.


Type de document :
Article de périodique

Source :
Catena (Giessen), issn : 0341-8162, 2014, vol. 115, p. 115-122, nombre de pages : 8, Références bibliographiques : 34 ref.

Date :
2014

Editeur :
Pays édition : Allemagne, Cremlingen-Destedt, Catena