The Origin of Sand Dunes in the Eastern Region of the Strait of Hormuz in Relation to the Impacts of Human Activities

Ahmad Nohegar

Department of Agriculture, University of Hormozgan, Hormozgan, Iran
e-mail: ahmad_nohegar@yahoo.com

Abstract

Coast is the point between land and the sea, and also the substrate for active hydrodynamics and dynamics factors in relation to biological, climatic and position of them. Erosion process creates the different shapes in coast and one of them is fluvial erosion.

The anthropogenic impacts will increase this process in the coasts. Base on this condition, coastal morphology studies and its effects could be important. The coast of the Strait of Hormuz, as field study is under these erosion processes and fluvial erosion is one of the most important agents and limiting factor for human activity in this area. Therefore determining the fluvial erosion condition and its phenomenon in the Strait of Hormuz is very important for integrated management and controlling ongoing activities.

In this study, the shape generated from coastal geomorphology in the eastern region of Hormuz Strait, sand transportation and its agents, role of erosion processes and sedimentation were evaluated.

The applied research methodology is based on an analytical approach and the following materials were used during the study: maps, reports, statistical data, as well as aerial and satellite images. Results show that the origin of fluvial sands in the study area is from the coastline, induced by the effects of western, southwestern and coastal winds towards the mainland. Based on the climatic conditions, we can control the sand transportation and control it by planting greenbelts made up of native vegetation along the coastline.

Keywords: Strait of Hormuz, coastal sands, fluvial erosion and coastal geomorphology