Developing Geomorphologic Tourism in the Valleys of the Eastern Coast of the Dead Sea

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1416
Author(s):  
Ibrahim Kahlil BAZAZO ◽  
Omar Abedalla ALANANZEH
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Planning Process ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Dead Sea ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Topographic Maps ◽  
Eastern Coast ◽  
Comprehensive Planning ◽  
The Dead

The study aims to identify the pattern of geomorphologic tourism in the valleys of the eastern coast of the Dead Sea and the mechanisms for developing this type of tourism. An analysis of space visuals data and topographic maps were utilized to provide a holistic picture of the geomorphologic reality and the spatial relationships between tourism uses and the nature of this area. Relying on geographic information systems and remote sensing software, the study provides a holistic picture that contributes to the identification of the geomorphologic tourism pattern, and the future forecast in the form of spatial space within a holistic integrated approach based on scientific foundations. The study revealed the importance of the area with its great potentials represented in geomorphologic and biological diversity. It contributed to providing a comprehensive spatial database beneficial for decision-makers in adopting a comprehensive planning process for the study area.

An assessment of the Dead Sea level change using remotely sensed data

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Musab Mbideen ◽  
Balázs Székely
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Water Level ◽  
Surface Area ◽  
Dead Sea ◽  
Spectral Radiance ◽  
Water Volume ◽  
Surface Model ◽  
Atmospheric Effects ◽  
Level 1 ◽  
The Dead

<p>Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) instruments have spread rapidly in recent years to manage natural resources and monitor environmental changes. Remote sensing has a vast range of applications; one of them is lakes monitoring. The Dead Sea (DS) is subjected to very strong evaporation processes, leading to a remarkable shrinkage of its water level. The DS is being dried out due to a negative balance in its hydrological cycle during the last five decades. This research aims to study the spatial changes in the DS throughout the previous 48 years. Change detection technique has been performed to detect this change over the research period (1972-2020). 73 Landsat imageries have been used from four digital sensors; Landsat 1-5 MSS C1 Level-1, Landsat 4-5 TM C1 Level-1, Land sat 7 ETM+ C1  Level-1, and Landsat 8 OLI-TIRS C1 Level. After following certain selection criteria , the number of studied images decreased. Furthermore, the Digital Surface Model of the Space Shuttle Radar Topography Mission and a bathymetric map of the Dead Sea were used. The collected satellite imageries were pre-processed and normalized using ENVI 5.3 software by converting the Digital Number (DN) to spectral radiance, the spectral radiance was converted to apparent reflectance, atmospheric effects were removed, and finally, the black gaps were removed. It was important to distinguish between the DS lake and the surrounding area in order to have accurate results, this was done by performing classification techniques. The digital terrain model of the DS was used in ArcGIS (3D) to reconstruct the elevation of the shore lines. This model generated equations to detect the water level, surface area, and water volume of the DS. The results were compared to the bathymetric data as well. The research shows that the DS water level declined 65 m (1.35 m/a) in the studied period. The surface area and the water volume declined by 363.56 km<sup>2 </sup>(7.57 km<sup>2</sup>/a) and 53.56 km<sup>3</sup> (1.11 km<sup>3</sup>/a), respectively. The research also concluded that due to the bathymetry of the DS, the direction of this shrinkage is from the south to the north. We hypothesize that anthropogenic effects have contributed in the shrinkage of the DS more than the climate. The use of the DS water by both Israel and Jordan for industrial purposes is the main factor impacting the DS, another factor is the diversion of the Jordan and Yarmouk rivers. Our results also allow to give a prediction for the near future of the DS: the water level is expected to reach –445 m in 2050, while the surface area and the water volume is expected to be 455 km<sup>2</sup> and 142 km<sup>3</sup>, respectively. </p>

scholarly journals Boundary-layer remote-sensing observations and modeling of foehn in the Dead Sea valley

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorita Rostkier-Edelstein ◽  
Pavel Kunin ◽  
Pinhas Alpert
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Boundary Layer ◽  
High Resolution ◽  
Dead Sea ◽  
Climate Projections ◽  
Modeling Tools ◽  
Model Simulations ◽  
Single Location ◽  
The Dead ◽  
The Impact

<p>The atmospheric dynamics in the Dead Sea (DS) Valley has been studied for decades. However, the studies relied mostly on surface observations and simple coarse-model simulations, insufficient to elucidate the complex flow in the area.  I will present a first study using high resolution (temporal and spatial) and sophisticate both, measurements and modeling tools. We focused on afternoon hours during summer time, when the Mediterranean Sea (MS) breeze penetrates into the DS Valley and sudden changes of wind, temperature and humidity occur in the valley.</p><p>An intense observations period , including ground-based remote sensing and in-situ observations, took place during August and November 2014. The measurements were conducted as part of the Virtual Institute DEad SEa Research Venue (DESERVE) project using the KITcube profiling instruments (wind lidars, radiometer and soundings) along with surface Energy Balance Station. These observations enabled analysis of the vertical profile of the atmosphere at one single location at the foothills of Masada, about 1 km west of the DS shore.</p><p>High resolution (1.1 km grid size) model simulations were conducted using the WRF model. The simulations enabled analysis of the 3D flow at the DS Valley, information not provided by the observations at a single location. Sensitivity tests were run to determine the best model configuration for this study.</p><p>Our study shows that foehn develops in the lee side of the Judean Mountains and DS Valley in the afternoon hours when the MS breeze reaches the area. The characteristics of the MS breeze penetration into the valley and of the foehn (e.g. their depth) and the impact they have on the boundary layer flow in the DS Valley (e.g. the changes in temperature, humidity and wind) are conditioned to the daily synoptic and mesosocale conditions. In the synoptic scale, the depth of the seasonal trough at sea level and the height of inversion layers play a significant role in determining the breeze and foehn characteristics. In the mesoscale, the intensity of the DS breeze and the humidity brought by it determines the outcomes at the time of MS breeze penetration and foehn development. Dynamically, the foehn is associated with a hydraulic jump.</p><p>Hypothetical model simulations with modified terrain and with warmer MS surface temperature were conducted to reveal the relative contribution of each of these factors and of their synergism on the observed phenomena. The information provided by the factor separation study can be useful in future climate projections, when a warmer MS is expected.</p><p>The forecasting feasibility of foehn and the sudden changes in the DS valley 24 hours in advance using WRF is suggested following the present study. These forecasts can be most valuable for the region affected by pollution penetration from the metropolitan coastal zone.</p>

scholarly journals Monitoring the Dead Sea Area Changes Using Remote Sensing and GIS

2006 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 483-490 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad AL-HANBALI ◽  
Hussam AL-BILBISI ◽  
Akihiko KONDOH
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Dead Sea ◽  
Remote Sensing And Gis ◽  
The Dead ◽  
Sea Area

scholarly journals Dynamics of hydrological and geomorphological processes in evaporite karst at the eastern Dead Sea – a multidisciplinary study

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 3351-3395
Author(s):  
Djamil Al-Halbouni ◽  
Robert A. Watson ◽  
Eoghan P. Holohan ◽  
Rena Meyer ◽  
Ulrich Polom ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Groundwater Flow ◽  
Shear Wave ◽  
Water Flow ◽  
Dead Sea ◽  
Stream Channels ◽  
Evaporite Karst ◽  
Base Level ◽  
Geomorphological Processes ◽  
The Dead

Abstract. Karst groundwater systems are characterized by the presence of multiple porosity types. Of these, subsurface conduits that facilitate concentrated, heterogeneous flow are challenging to resolve geologically and geophysically. This is especially the case in evaporite karst systems, such as those present on the shores of the Dead Sea, where rapid geomorphological changes are linked to a fall in base level by over 35 m since 1967. Here we combine field observations, remote-sensing analysis, and multiple geophysical surveying methods (shear wave reflection seismics, electrical resistivity tomography, ERT, self-potential, SP, and ground-penetrating radar, GPR) to investigate the nature of subsurface groundwater flow and its interaction with hypersaline Dead Sea water on the rapidly retreating eastern shoreline, near Ghor Al-Haditha in Jordan. Remote-sensing data highlight links between the evolution of surface stream channels fed by groundwater springs and the development of surface subsidence patterns over a 25-year period. ERT and SP data from the head of one groundwater-fed channel adjacent to the former lakeshore show anomalies that point to concentrated, multidirectional water flow in conduits located in the shallow subsurface (< 25 m depth). ERT surveys further inland show anomalies that are coincident with the axis of a major depression and that we interpret as representing subsurface water flow. Low-frequency GPR surveys reveal the limit between unsaturated and saturated zones (< 30 m depth) surrounding the main depression area. Shear wave seismic reflection data nearly 1 km further inland reveal buried paleochannels within alluvial fan deposits, which we interpret as pathways for groundwater flow from the main wadi in the area towards the springs feeding the surface streams. Finally, simulations of density-driven flow of hypersaline and undersaturated groundwaters in response to base-level fall perform realistically if they include the generation of karst conduits near the shoreline. The combined approaches lead to a refined conceptual model of the hydrological and geomorphological processes developed at this part of the Dead Sea, whereby matrix flow through the superficial aquifer inland transitions to conduit flow nearer the shore where evaporite deposits are encountered. These conduits play a key role in the development of springs, stream channels and subsidence across the study area.

Investigation of sea breeze and foehn in the Dead Sea valley with remote sensing observations and WRF model simulations

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorita Rostkier-Edelstein ◽  
Pavel Kunin ◽  
Pinhas Alpert
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
High Resolution ◽  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Sea Breeze ◽  
Dead Sea ◽  
Modeling Tools ◽  
Model Simulations ◽  
Single Location ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
The Dead

&lt;p&gt;The atmospheric dynamics in the Dead Sea Valley has been studied for decades. However, the studies relied mostly on surface observations and simple coarse-model simulations, insufficient to elucidate the complex flow in the area. In this seminar I will present a first study using high resolution (temporal and spatial) and sophisticate both, measurements and modeling tools. We focused on afternoon hours during summer time, when the Mediterranean Sea breeze penetrates into the Dead Sea Valley and sudden changes of wind, temperature and humidity occur in the valley.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;An intense observations period in the area, including ground-based remote sensing and in-situ observations, took place during August and November 2014. The measurements were conducted as part of the Virtual Institute DEad SEa Research Venue (DESERVE) project using the KITcube profiling instruments (wind lidars, radiometer and soundings) along with surface Energy Balance Station. These observations enabled analysis of the vertical profile of the atmosphere at one single location at the foothills of Masada, about 1 km west of the Dead Sea shore.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;High resolution (1.1 km grid size) model simulations were conducted using the Advanced Research Weather version of the Weather Forecast and Research mesoscale model (WRF). The simulations enabled analysis of the 3D flow at the Dead Sea Valley, information not provided by the observations at a single location. Sensitivity tests were run to determine the best model configuration for this study.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Our study shows that foehn develops in the lee side of the Judean Mountains and Dead Sea Valley in the afternoon hours when the Mediterranean Sea breeze reaches the area. The characteristics of the Mediterranean Sea breeze penetration into the valley and of the foehn (e.g. their depth) and the impact they have on the boundary layer flow in the Dead Sea Valley (e.g. sudden changes in temperature, humidity and wind) are conditioned to the daily synoptic and mesosocale conditions. In the synoptic scale, the depth of the seasonal pressure trough at sea level and the height of inversion layers play a significant role in determining the breeze and foehn characteristics. In the mesoscale, the intensity of the Dead Sea breeze and the humidity brought by it determines the outcomes at the time of Mediterranean Sea breeze penetration and foehn development. Dynamically, the foehn is associated with a hydraulic jump.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Hypothetical model simulations with modified terrain and with warmer Mediterranean Sea surface temperature were conducted to reveal the relative contribution of each of these factors and of their synergism on the observed phenomena. The information provided by the factor separation study can be useful in future climate projections, when a warmer Mediterranean Sea is expected.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The forecasting feasibility of foehn and the sudden changes in the Dead Sea valley 24 hours in advance using WRF is suggested following the present study. These forecasts can be most valuable for the region affected by pollution penetration from the metropolitan coastal zone.&lt;/p&gt;

Geomorphology of the eastern coast of the Dead Sea, Jordan

GeoJournal ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 255-266
Author(s):  
Hassan Ramadan Salameh
Keyword(s):  
Dead Sea ◽  
Eastern Coast ◽  
The Dead

scholarly journals Investigation of the Participatory Approach to Decision Making for Urban Regeneration Intervention

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sumana - Jayaprakash ◽  
Vimala Swamy
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Public Participation ◽  
Planning Process ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Urban Regeneration ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Urban Context ◽  
Urban Issues

Public participation in the decision-making process in Urban Interventions is the key to the success of the project for improving the quality of life of its citizens. The citizen has the democratic right to express his needs and aspiration; he is the final user who experiences the outcomes of the policy decisions. Non involvement of the citizens in the planning process can bring about the misinterpretation of the intention of political leadership and lead to opposition and protest. The inadequate understanding of citizens of the urban context makes public participation ineffective. In this context, the decision-makers are often faced with the challenges of the level of confidence of the citizens about their ideas and responses being incorporated in the project and the confidence of the citizens in the local urban authority in its ability to carry out the project. However, the decision-makers base their decision on the assumption that the citizens have a general understanding of the urban issues. This research work investigates the basis of this assumption. 1. Do the citizens have confidence that the local urban authority considers their choices and responses in the course of decision making 2. Do the citizens have the confidence that the local urban authority can undertake the Urban Regeneration project 3. Whether in the decision-making process of urban regeneration intervention, citizen's responses are backed by a general understanding of urban issues. The case study taken up is of Hassan city. Five areas of crucial importance have been selected based on the development plan report of the city. The integrated approach aims to find the most appropriate area for proposing the Urban Regeneration project. The framework adopted includes 1. Questionnaire survey: to collect citizens&rsquo; responses 2. Analysis of variance (ANNOVA) for analysis of the data collected.

scholarly journals Sinkholes and uvalas in evaporite karst: spatio-temporal development with links to base-level fall on the eastern shore of the Dead Sea

Solid Earth ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 1451-1468 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert A. Watson ◽  
Eoghan P. Holohan ◽  
Djamil Al-Halbouni ◽  
Leila Saberi ◽  
Ali Sawarieh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sea Water ◽  
Dead Sea ◽  
Eastern Coast ◽  
Temporal Development ◽  
Evaporite Karst ◽  
Base Level ◽  
Theoretical Predictions ◽  
The Dead ◽  
Spatio Temporal ◽  
Karst Landscapes

Abstract. Enclosed topographic depressions are characteristic of karst landscapes on Earth. The developmental relationship between depression types, such as sinkholes (dolines) and uvalas, has been the subject of debate, mainly because the long developmental timescales in classical limestone karst settings impede direct observation. Here we characterize the morphometric properties and spatio-temporal development of ∼1150 sinkholes and five uvalas formed from ∼1980 to 2017 in an evaporite karst setting along the eastern coast of the hypersaline Dead Sea (at Ghor Al-Haditha, Jordan). The development of sinkhole populations and individual uvalas is intertwined in terms of onset, evolution and cessation. The sinkholes commonly develop in clusters, within which they may coalesce to form compound or nested sinkholes. In general, however, the uvalas are not defined by coalescence of sinkholes. Although each uvala usually encloses several clusters of sinkholes, it develops as a larger-scale, gentler and structurally distinct depression. The location of new sinkholes and uvalas shows a marked shoreline-parallel migration with time, followed by a marked shoreline-perpendicular (i.e. seaward) growth with time. These observations are consistent with theoretical predictions of karstification controlled by a laterally migrating interface between saturated and undersaturated groundwater, as induced by the 35 m fall in the Dead Sea water level since 1967. More generally, our observations indicate that uvalas and the sinkhole populations within them, although morphometrically distinct, can develop near-synchronously by subsidence in response to subsurface erosion.

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