Determination of Soil Characteristics and Degradation Using Geospatial Technologies in the Al Ahsa Oasis

Al-Ahsa Oasis is experiencing significant soil degradation due to wind and water erosion, as well as chemical deterioration. A study published in 2022 revealed that the oasis's soils are degrading at alarming rates: physically by an average of 9.93 g/cm³/year, biologically by 2.93%/year, and chemically by 36.36 mmhos/cm. Researchers used advanced geospatial technologies, including ArcGIS, Erdas Imagine10, and ENVI 5.3, alongside six remote sensing indices to assess soil characteristics and degradation risks. Field samples collected in May 2019 were analyzed using satellite imagery, mechanical, and chemical laboratory techniques, combined with the Universal Soil Loss Equation and climatic data. This comprehensive approach generated a detailed map of soil degradation values, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts in this culturally significant landscape.

Hassan, A. (2022). Determination of Soil Characteristics and Degradation Using Geospatial Technologies in the Al Ahsa Oasis. Basic and Applied Sciences - Scientific Journal of King Faisal University, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.37575/b/agr/210070