DefinePK

Abstract

ABSTRACT Intro: Situation, Area, Climate and Soil. Abu Dhabi lies roughly between 22&deg 30&#39 to 24&deg 30&#39 N. latitudes and 51&deg 30&#39 to 56&deg E. longitudes alongside the southern coast of the Arabian Gulf. It has an approximate area of 80,000 square kilo metres with an overall hot and arid subtropical climate. The average annual rainfall of Abu Dhabi is hardly 40 mm with most of the precipitation falling in winter months. A considerable amount of moisture condenses on the ground and vegetation in the form of dew. The atmospheric humidity is very high especially in the coastal belt throughout the year on account of the close proximity of the Gulf. From May to October temperatures range between 35&degC to over 50&degC in the middle of the day and they vary between 20&degC to 35&degC at mid-day during winter months. The lowest minimum temperatures may go down well below 0&degC in the desert areas away from the coast. Strong winds and severe sand storms are of common occurrence throughout the year. Their intensity is especially high during summer months. The sand dunes not only move but also change their shape and form in the wake of severe wind storms. Soils in the coastal belt (&#39Subkha&#39) are heavily impregnated with salts and bear practically no vegetation. Sandy soils and sand dunes at higher elevations away from the coast are less saline.