Digital Geomorphological Mapping of Sabkhas in the Western Gulf of Suez, Egypt

Tolba, Mohamed Elraei Mohamed

doi:10.21608/aafu.2024.283441.1480

Digital Geomorphological Mapping of Sabkhas in the Western Gulf of Suez, Egypt

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Mohamed Elraei Mohamed Tolba

Geography Dept. - Faculty of Arts- Ain Shams University

10.21608/aafu.2024.283441.1480

Abstract

Digital geomorphological mapping plays a significant role in delineating the boundaries of various phenomena. Some landforms lack distinct transitional boundaries separating them from their surroundings, and these boundaries can change with various climatic conditions. Therefore, automated methods, such as classification and Indicators, are employed to define these boundaries. Sabkhas are a prime example of such landforms, as their boundaries are difficult to determine in the field. Therefore, it is preferable to delineate their boundaries using satellite imagery.
When hearing the term "Sabkha," the mind associates it with soil exhibiting high salinity. In the case of coastal areas, these Sabkhas are typically saturated with water for most of the time. Therefore, it is necessary to apply Indicators of salinity and water or a combination of both to map this phenomenon. It is worth noting that water Indicators, rather than moisture Indicators, were utilized since most Sabkhas have water bodies present for most of the year, unlike vegetation cover, which may not be available throughout the year. The study has developed a new Indicator suitable for accurately mapping Sabkhas.
The study applied these Indicators to a group of Sabkhas located on the western coast of the Gulf of Suez in Egypt.

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