Taming of the sesert in Abu Dhabi, UAE
Taming of the sesert in Abu Dhabi, UAE
M. I. R. Khan
ABSTRACT
Intro: Situation, Area, Climate and Soil. Abu Dhabi lies roughly between 22° 30' to 24° 30' N. latitudes and 51° 30' to 56° E. longitudes alongside the southern coast of the Arabian Gulf. It has an approximate area of 80,000 square kilo metres with an overall hot and arid subtropical climate. The average annual rainfall of Abu Dhabi is hardly 40 mm with most of the precipitation falling in winter months. A considerable amount of moisture condenses on the ground and vegetation in the form of dew. The atmospheric humidity is very high especially in the coastal belt throughout the year on account of the close proximity of the Gulf. From May to October temperatures range between 35°C to over 50°C in the middle of the day and they vary between 20°C to 35°C at mid-day during winter months. The lowest minimum temperatures may go down well below 0°C in the desert areas away from the coast.
Strong winds and severe sand storms are of common occurrence throughout the year. Their intensity is especially high during summer months. The sand dunes not only move but also change their shape and form in the wake of severe wind storms.
Soils in the coastal belt ('Subkha') are heavily impregnated with salts and bear practically no vegetation. Sandy soils and sand dunes at higher elevations away from the coast are less saline.
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March 1979
Vol. 29, Iss. 1
