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The scarp lands of Saudi Arabia

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Abstract

In central Saudi Arabia, the combination of rock types and sedimentary bedding created a unique scarp landscape. The escarpments were formed during Late Miocene through Early Quaternary times. At present, cuesta formation and migration are restricted to the actual escarpments as a consequence of negligible sediment removal. The plains between the escarpments are sealed through periodically active fluvial processes and through eolian sedimentation. In this publication, the major escarpments of central Saudi Arabia are described. The interactions between tectonics, climate, and morphogenesis which created this unique landscape are reviewed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. GIZ International Services, P.O. Box 2730, Riyadh, 11461, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

    Randolf Rausch

  2. Universität Stuttgart, Institut für Planetologie, Herdweg 51, 70174, Stuttgart, Germany

    Theo Simon

  3. Ministry of Water and Electricity, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

    Hussain Al Ajmi

  4. Dornier Consulting, P.O. Box 2730, Riyadh, 11461, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

    Heiko Dirks

Authors
  1. Randolf Rausch
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  2. Theo Simon
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  3. Hussain Al Ajmi
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  4. Heiko Dirks
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Correspondence to Randolf Rausch.

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Rausch, R., Simon, T., Al Ajmi, H. et al. The scarp lands of Saudi Arabia. Arab J Geosci 7, 2437–2450 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-013-0918-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-013-0918-1

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