UAE | Environment
Rare soil discovered in Abu Dhabi coastal area
A new type of soil rich in anhydrite (Calcium Sulphate - Caso4), a mineral known for its value for construction purposes, was discovered 70cm deep in the coastal sabkha (salt flat) of Abu Dhabi, announced Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (Ead).
- Staff Report
- Published: 17:39 March 17, 2008
- The discovery is significant because it is rare for this type of soil to occur in such an environment.
- Image Credit: Supplied Picture
Abu Dhabi: A new type of soil rich in anhydrite (Calcium Sulphate - Caso4), a mineral known for its value for construction purposes, was discovered 70cm deep in the coastal sabkha (salt flat) of Abu Dhabi, announced Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (Ead).
According to Majid Al Mansouri, Ead Secretary General, high salinity and high temperatures preserve this mineral and prevent its conversion to gypsum, which is a white or colorless mineral consisting of hydrated calcium sulfate used in cement, plaster and fertilizers.
A relatively common sedimentary mineral that forms massive rock layers, anhydrite does not form directly, but is the result of the dewatering of the rock forming mineral gypsum (Caso4-2h2o).
This loss of water produces a reduction in volume of the rock layer and can cause the formation of caverns as the rock shrinks.
Good mineral specimens of anhydrite were extremely rare despite its common occurrence.
However, fine specimens of anhydrite have been found in Mexico and Peru that show good crystal habit, a nice blue colour and even a play of light internally in the crystal.
The discovery, which was made by Ead scientists Dr Mahmoud Abdelfattah and Dr Shabbir Shahid, is significant because it is rare for this type of soil to occur in such an environment.
The discovery was made during a study conducted by Ead of the coastline of the emirate that stretches over approximately 400km.
Share this article
More from UAE Environment
More from UAE
Popular in UAE
-
Your pictures
Readers' pictures
A Selection of the best Gulf News reader pictures this week
Latest news
- Kuwaiti Emir invites Khalifa to Arab summit
- UAE Haj pilgrims safe and well: official
- Briton loses libel case against newspaper
- Masafi Village to get first sewage treatment plant
- Activities lined up for Eid holidays in Dubai parks
- Doctors urge residents to observe safety first
- Parking, Metro, telecom offers during holidays
- Malaysian woman jailed for forging cards
- Schools mark National Day with shows
- Database launched to help combat infectious diseases
- Munching on a health hazard
- National day celebrations held in Dubai
- Wise spenders shop way ahead of festivities
- Wag a tail
- SAT wiz: Top of the class
Community Reports
-
Munching on a health hazard
Residents must be careful about consuming snacks and sandwiches prepared along the roadside as they attract dirt and bacteria
-
Faded signage fails to guide visitors
Reader seeks better upkeep of signboards in green areas
-
Noise pollution must be regulated
Residents are finding it difficult to sleep well at night owing to ongoing construction work
-
Protect our children's health
Dust and dirt from a nearby road are causing problems to those frequenting Al Nasseriya park, Sharjah.
