Geomorphological Evaluation for Urban Development Using Remote Sensing and GIS, Southern Coast of Aqaba, Jordan

Abstract

Recently the Aqaba Region Authority (2003) proposed the southern coast of Aqaba to be a major coastal resort town.The site extends between the container port  and the industrial zone just to the north of the Jordan–Saudi international borders. The proposed master plan showed a remarkable lack of understanding regarding the geomorphic characteristics of the area and the associated environmental hazards. Geomorphological evaluation has been conducted for an extremely rugged and arid granite mountains and alluvial piedmont overlooking the Gulf of Aqaba using air photos, SPOT images, field work, remote sensing and GIS. Different terrain units, surface materials, abundant ephemeral wadi channels, and geomorphic problems/hazards were recognized. The presence of high density gullies and ravines, and polished granite boulders suggests that fluvial erosion is a significant agent both past and present. Sharp parallel and elongated ridges are the dominant morphological pattern in the area. The lower parts of the drainage networks are characterized by braided and changing wadi channels which indicate fluvial activity in such a hyper-arid environment. In the light of heavy dissection and active gullying, flat and semi-flat land suitable for urban development and infrastructure construction are not abundant. Available flat and undulating terrain are restricted to a narrow strip (2.5-5 km) of land close to the beach, and  are occasionally  occupied by large wadi beds with changing channels. 80% of the area is exposed to flood hazards, sediments supply, direct talus and boulder supply from the piedmont and granite mountains watersheds. Following the geomorphological survey, alternative solutions to existing problems are recommended.

Keywords: Jordan, Coastal Aqaba, Alluvial Piedmont, Geomorphological Evaluation, Urban Development.