Optimal Use of Natural Resources in Al-Muthanna Desert (Soil as A model)

Soil is one of the important natural resources in Al-Muthanna desert, and the climate has played an important role in its formation. The soil in the study area is classified into several types that vary in their quality for agriculture. I concluded that the soil of the depressions and the plains alluvial soils are among the best types of those soils, followed by the sandy desert soil, which is characterized by its large area and can be exploited when providing water for it. As for the gypsum desert soils, they are of medium quality for cultivation, due to the presence of gypsum in them in high quantities and the lack of water retention. While the sandy and rocky dune soils are unsuitable for agriculture due to their high permeability. Wind and water erosion works to expose rocky soil rocks and transfer sand dune soil particles, but they constitute an important resource in the manufacture of building materials and glass if they are used properly.

Progress towards resolution of the Indigofera monophylla complex (Fabaceae: Faboideae)

The application of the name Indigofera monophylla is clarified by reference to the type held in the Geneva herbarium and a revised description provided. The name has been widely applied to plants with rounded, unifoliolate leaves and some workers have suggested that there are multiple species within this broadly defined group. One of these, with restricted distribution within the Pilbara bioregion, has previously been given the phrase name Indigofera sp. Bungaroo Creek (S. van Leeuwen 4301) and is formally named here as Indigofera rivularis Peter G.Wilson. Two additional species in this complex are also described: Indigofera deserticola Peter G.Wilson & Rowe, is a species of sandplains occurring within the Great Sandy Desert and Dampierland Bioregions, and Indigofera rotula Peter G.Wilson, which is a species with smaller leaves and flowers that occurs primarily in areas south of the Pilbara. A key to these species is provided.

Excavation & Conservation of Fossils from the Baynunah Formation

The recovery, preparation, and conservation of fossil remains found in the late Miocene Baynunah Formation, Abu Dhabi, present special challenges. In this chapter, field experiences are covered, and solutions are proposed for some of the challenges for the recovery and conservation of fossils in this sandy desert environment. This chapter provides paleontologists and those concerned with Abu Dhabi’s fossil heritage, whether in the field or the laboratory, with suggestions for best practices in the collection, preparation, molding and casting, and long-term conservation of this evidence of past life.

Keys to successful negotiation of indigenous land use agreements and building consent for the development of natural resources, The Great Sandy Desert Project, a case study

Theia Energy Pty Ltd discovered a substantial hydrocarbon resource in the Canning Basin, NW in Western Australia, just 150-km SE of Broome. Since 2014, Theia Energy has built a robust working relationship with the traditional owners of the land that hold native title over their permits. This relationship has developed through negotiation meetings, on-country cultural heritage surveys and cultural awareness training. The relationship has culminated in the negotiation of indigenous land use agreements (ILUA) with the Karajarri People that manage the impacts of potential development of the resource including the impacts of hydraulic fracture stimulation, and provide significant economic development opportunities. The consistent exchange of information and views has developed mutual understanding and respect allowing for the effective and pragmatic treatment of risks to allow for the exploration, and if successful the development, of the onshore Canning Basin. The Great Sandy Desert Project has the potential to bring substantial benefits to regional communities and is significant for economic development of the West Kimberley, state revenue and national liquid fuel security. This study discusses important lessons learned in building trust with traditional owners and custodians of the land and how cultural values can be protected while providing social and economic opportunities for Indigenous Australians in a sustainable and culturally appropriate way. It reflects on the outcomes of the many scientific inquiries into hydraulic fracture stimulation and the perception of risks and impacts of traditional owners which must be addressed in a genuine, meaningful and effective way. It also sets out how traditional owners have, through the negotiation of the ILUA with Theia Energy and in the absence of clear policy from Government, chosen to establish their own system of regulation and economic participation in the project to address and manage risks and impacts from the development of resources on their country.

SOME QUESTIONS STUDY OF DEFLATION PROCESSES AND SAND TRANSPORT IN THE DRAINED BOTTOM OF THE ARAL SEA

The article discusses the results of the study of sandy deserts, which allowed us to obtain and reveal a number of important laws and mechanisms of formation, formation, movement and development of Aeolian landforms. The establishment of these patterns helps to solve a number of practical tasks to combat sand drifts in the sandy desert of various objects. In connection with the prospects for the development of this territory, it is very important to know the direction and intensity of the development of these processes. The obtained data on the mechanism and structure of the entire air-soil flow, starting from the moment of its formation, i.e. in the blowing zone, and ending with the transfer and deposition of soil particles by wind in the accumulation zone, make it possible to increase the level of scientific validity of the rational use of soil resources, as well as to take timely measures to protect the environment.