Previous Issues

Department of Geology, University of Kuwait

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the present work is to provide information on the recent sediments in this area and to construct a map showing the nature of the bottom topography and the factors controlling the sediment distribution. The inorganic material (carbonate sediment) that constitutes the major part of the Kuwait Bay sediments is attributed to the deposits falling out from the duststorms caused by the northwest winds, locally known as shamal. The organic sedimentary materials are partly supplied by the sewage which is pumped into the Bay and partly from plants and animals which live in this area. These plants and animals occur in small quantities due to abnormally high salinity. Among the more important factors controlling the distribution of recent sediments in this Bay are the wind and bottom currents, in addition to biological interference. Thus, this area is characterized by  interplay of marine and terrestrial influences.