Area of Interest
This is a collaborative project to develop a web-based GIS relational database for geological data sets for Saudi Arabia. It will comprise digital topographic, geologic maps, and remote sensing, seismic, geochronologic, geochemical, and isotopic data. We will compile and organize datasets, develop metadata files, and assemble online tools for visualization. The tasks will be conducted jointly by scientists from the Department of Geosciences, Western Michigan University, and King Saud University.
The data generated using funding from this project were integrated with other available data sets for Saudi Arabia and hosted on a web-based GIS. The web-based GIS is intended to facilitate the research activities conducted in Saudi Arabia by national and international scientists by bringing together the most comprehensive digital database for Saudi Arabia and by introducing customized online tools for the visualization and analysis of these data sets.
Scientists from the Earth Sciences Remote Sensing (ESRS) facility at Western Michigan University (WMU) propose to conduct the remote sensing and GIS research activities/components for the Jazan Landslide project. This project will be implemented jointly by the Saudi Geological Survey (SGS) together with the University of King Abdul Aziz. The ESRS will be undertaking two main tasks. The first task involves compilation and analysis of remote sensing data in conjunction with other data sets to accomplish the following: (1) detecting changes in topography using temporal radar interferometry, (2) detecting changes in morphology using temporal ASTER imagery (VNIR bands), and (3) analysis of spatial relationships of various data sets in a GIS for a better understanding of the distribution, nature, and controlling factors for landslides.
Falling Rocks Example
The second task involves the construction of a Web-based GIS. The generation of a web-based GIS will involve the following: (1) Compilation of relevant digital and hard copy data (e.g., geologic maps, hydrologic data, precipitation, land use and land cover), (2) Digitization of relevant data sets (e.g., faults from geologic maps, water table from hydrogeologic maps), (3) Generation of mosaics of digital elevation maps (30/60 m), (4) Generation of digital mosaics of all relevant geologic data sets (e.g., digital mosaics of geologic maps, water table), (5) Generation of mosaics of digital remote sensing data sets (e.g., temporal ASTER mosaics: spatial resolution 15m; QuickBird: spatial resolution
In addition to the two major tasks outlined above, the ESRS will be providing additional consulting services and additional products that will assist the SGS in implementing a number of project-related tasks that they will be undertaking. Examples include: (1) construction of detailed topographic maps, (2) investigating earthquakes and their impacts on the study area, (3) investigating the environmental and climatic impacts on the study area using 3-hourly satellite precipitation data (TRMM data), (4) documenting the project results, and writing reports, (4) participating in one or more field trips to the study area, and (5) acting in an advisory capacity to the SGS as needed for relevant tasks (e.g., deployment and analysis of Lidar technologies; methodologies for protection and reduction of landslide hazards; construction of an Early Warning System).
Related Research:
M. Sultan, N. Sturchio, S. Al Sefry, A. Milewski, R. Becker, I. Nasr, Z. Sagintayev, Geochemical, isotopic, and remote sensing constraints on the origin and evolution of the Rub Al Khali aquifer system, Arabian Peninsula, Journal of Hydrology, Volume 356, Issues 1-2, 1 July 2008, Pages 70-83, ISSN