The Environmental Atlas of Abu Dhabi Emirate

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30°N

12,000 Years Ago

8,000 Years Ago

10,000 Years Ago

H ISTORIC S EA L EVELS C HANGING A RABIAN G ULF & C OASTLINE

Global warming and cooling episodes over geological time have shaped the physical geography of the region and have influenced sea levels in the Arabian Gulf. During glacial periods the water cycle is interrupted. Seawater continues to evaporate from the oceans but any snow falling onto land becomes locked into ice sheets and is essentially removed from the cycle. This results in a decreased amount of water in the ocean basins, and subsequently, a fall in global sea levels. During warmer interglacial periods the ice sheets and glaciers thaw, releasing water back into the ocean basins and restoring sea levels, often over very short time periods. The sea level fluctuation in the Arabian Gulf from 24,000 years ago to present is depicted in this series of maps; the rise in sea levels is evident in the Gulf over this time period.

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25°N

Arabian Gulf Coastline

24,000 years ago 14,000 years ago 12,000 years ago 10,000 years ago 8,000 years ago Present Day

14,000 Years Ago

24,000 Years Ago

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