Sabkha - saline areas of sand

shabkaSabkha is the Arabic name for flat and very saline areas of sand or silt lying just above the water-table, especially in the Gulf countries.  Both sandy and muddy sabkhas are characterized by high salinity and very low bearing capacities.

Due to the complexity of the sabkha areas different geophysical methods can be employed such as Electrical Resistivity Tomorgraphy (ERT) and Seismic refraction (MASW).

The depth to bedrock and the type of materials in between the bedrock and surface are the data of greatest importance in this type of geophysical survey.

Main advantages:

  • Defining the bedrock depth
  • Stratigraphy, definition of underground material and cavities