Journal of Geology & Geophysics
Open Access

Synoptic perception of environmental geohazards in hail region, Saudi Arabia

International Conference on Geology

June 22-23, 2015 Florida, USA

Mohamed Hereher1,2 and Abdullah S Alshammari1

Posters-Accepted Abstracts: J Geol Geosci

Abstract :

Hail region in Saudi Arabia is exposed to some different geohazards related to the inherent physiographic nature of this inland desert. Geohazards include sand drift; flash flooding; rock fall and mass wasting; problem soils; and potential hazards from intra-plate volcanic activities. Satellite data and field verification were used to diagnose and quantify the severity of these geohazards. The City of Hail and its vicinity are vulnerable to most of the aforementioned geohazards. The northern part of Hail region suffers from dune encroachment upon settlements and roads. The southern and eastern sides are prone to lava flowing from current-day dormant volcanoes. Hail region is witnessing an accelerated urban development, however, some infrastructure have been constructed in highly vulnerable locations. Development plans should consider potential geohazards when implementing urbanization and extension of public services.