5 days ago
AGU Study Evaluates Impact of Land-Based Activities on Askar Coastline
Arabian Gulf University: Ms. Anwar Jaber Al Aseemi, a researcher in the Department of Natural and Environmental Sciences, College of Education and Administrative and Technical Sciences at the Arabian Gulf University (AGU), has assessed the impact of land-based activities on Bahrain's Askar coastline by employing geographic information systems (GIS) and remote-sensing techniques.
The study formed part of her doctoral thesis, supervised by Dr Sabah Al Jenaid (principal supervisor) and Dr Thamer Al Dawood (co-supervisor).
Using Sentinel-2 satellite imagery from 2015-2024, Ms. Al Aseemi analysed six spectral indices to produce more than 100 monthly maps detailing vegetation cover, soil aridity and built-up areas. Her hydrological modelling showed that the terrain is largely flat: nearly 40 per cent (approximately 5 km²) of the study area is level, with no significant elevations to influence surface-water flow. A further 23 per cent is almost flat, while 52 per cent has a gentle slope.
Built-up land expanded noticeably over the decade, rising from 9.7 per cent (1 km²) in 2015 to more than 16 per cent (about 2 km²) in 2024. Wetlands around the shoreline remained almost unchanged at 2.3 per cent (0.3 km²). Green vegetation is confined largely to gardens within residential plots, and the road network grew from 6.8 per cent (0.9 km²) to 10.5 per cent (1.4 km²) over the same period.
The spectral indices confirmed persistent aridity, a factor that heightens airborne dust and other pollutants. Analysis within the DPSIR framework indicated that escalating land-based activities have exerted continuous pressure over the past ten years, potentially increasing marine pollution along the coast.
The thesis recommends a clear action plan and overarching framework for sustainable management, in line with the Bahrain 2030 strategy, to mitigate the environmental impact of development projects on marine and coastal ecosystems.
