Mountain erosion, alluvial plains deposition, and evolution of dune fields
Humid climates led to erosion on the mountains and alluvial deposition on the plains, while arid climates meant more eolian activity and dune building. Throughout the Quaternary period, but particularly during glacial periods, the whole Arabian Gulf was almost dry and the sea retreated to the Straits of Hormuz. At this time the united Tigris and Euphrates rivers extended the entire length of the Gulf, with perhaps occasional lakes, and carried large loads of sediments that were deposited during periods of flooding and then reworked by the dominant northwesterly Shamal winds. The Shamal is primarily responsible for the formation and continued evolution of the dune fields seen in the Northern Emirates today. These powerful winds not only created extensive dune fields but also deflated areas, leaving small plains of alluvial material exposed between dune systems, where groundwater levels approach the surface.
Mountain erosion, alluvial plains deposition, and evolution of dune fields
Humid climates led to erosion on the mountains and alluvial deposition on the plains, while arid climates meant more eolian activity and dune building. Throughout the Quaternary period, but particularly during glacial periods, the whole Arabian Gulf was almost dry and the sea retreated to the Straits of Hormuz. At this time the united Tigris and Euphrates rivers extended the entire length of the Gulf, with perhaps occasional lakes, and carried large loads of sediments that were deposited during periods of flooding and then reworked by the dominant northwesterly Shamal winds. The Shamal is primarily responsible for the formation and continued evolution of the dune fields seen in the Northern Emirates today. These powerful winds not only created extensive dune fields but also deflated areas, leaving small plains of alluvial material exposed between dune systems, where groundwater levels approach the surface.