ABSTRACT
The coastal morphological features of Failaka Island are identified using systematic description
of its longitudinal beach profiles. Based on geomorphology, nearshore bathymetry and beach
profiles, the coast of the island is classified into four main sections; a northern section with a
wide beach, a flat intertidal zone, and a relatively higher wave energy; a northwestern section
with a narrow beach, a flat intertidal zone, and a lower wave energy; a southern section with
very wide beaches and high wave energy; and the southeastern section with a moderately
narrow beach, and a low wave energy. Three subzones were recognized within the beach
profiles such as the backshore, the foreshore, and the nearshore. From field investigation and
analysis of aerial and low-altitude overflight photographs of the island, three geomorphic
subenvironments parallel to the coast were recognized: the Pleistocene-Holocene mainland
subenvironment, the tidal flat complex subenvironment, and the offshore marine subenvironment.
The geomorphic mapping within the three subenvironments reveals eleven different
sedimentomorphic units (sandy beaches with quartz sand; rocky tidal terraces; silt, clay and soft
muddy tidal flat; coastal dunes, wind blown and sand deposits; flat wet lands; sandy calcareous
land, gatch and consolidated wash over and recurved spit; inland sabkhas; scarplet and hard
rocks; sand bars; and inland ridges). This study provides the basis for future recreational
management development of the Failaka Island.