- Discovery Made During EAD's Coastline Study-
A new type of soil rich in Anhydrite (Calcium Sulphate - CaSO4) has been discovered in the coastal sabkha (salt flat) of Abu Dhabi Emirate. This is significant because it is rare for this type of soil to occur in such an environment. The mineral is known for its value for construction purposes.
The discovery was made during a study, conducted by the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD), of the coastline of the Emirate that stretches over approximately 400 km. The discovery raises an important question: How does anhydrite remain stable under an environment where the water table reaches 70 cm and the site experiences seasonal water flooding? Why is anhydrite not converted to gypsum? EAD experts believe that high salinity and high temperatures are likely to preserve this mineral. Since this coastal area has very high salinity due to sea water intrusion, the anhydrite forms in this marine environment and remains stable.
The types of soils, 13 in total, that compose the coastline of Abu Dhabi Emirate have already been mapped in detail. The map is available to the public at EAD's in-house Library.
The discovery has already been recognized by the Soil Science Society of America which published an Article about "A Unique Anhydrite Soils in the coastline of Abu Dhabi Emirate" in the Soil Survey Horizons distributed internationally. The discovery was made by EAD Scientists, Dr. Mahmoud Abdelfattah and Dr. Shabbir Shahid.
Recently a formal proposal jointly prepared by EAD and a USDA staff has been submitted to US Department of Agriculture for a change in US Soil Taxonomy. The changes are recommended for new additions of Anhydrite rich materials at the level of subgroup, a new mineralogy class as well as a new addition of Anhydritic subsurface accumulation.
-Ends-
For Further Information, Please Contact:
Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi
Environmental Education and Awareness Division
Laila Y. Al-Hassan or Sobhia El Masri
T: +9712 693-4638/637
F: +9712 681-7359
E: lalhasan@ead.ae or selmasri@ead.ae
www.ead.ae
© Press Release 2008
