Assessment of the potential impacts of sea level rise on the coastal plain of al batinah, sultanate of oman

Abstract

The fourth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change concluded that sea level rise (SLR) will range between 18+ centimeters and 59+ cm by 2100. Furthermore, the report indicates that it is most likely SLR will be up to 100+ cm. The Coastal Plain of Al Batinah extends for more than 200 km, accommodates about 28% of total population in Oman, and considered the economic hub of Oman.This paper aims to determine the potential areas that will be affected by SLR using GIS and remote sensing techniques. The investigation is based on IKONOS Images (1 m), digital elevation model (DEM 30 m), field work observation and data base of tide level from the Hydrographic National Bureau of Oman. According to the following scenarios, SLR inundation level of 1m will result in a shoreline retreat of about 3400 m. SLR inundation level of about 2 m will result in a shoreline retreat of about 3700 m. The worst SLR inundation level of 5 m will result in a shoreline retreat of about 5100 m. El-Sawadi coast will be the most affected area.