Quantification of relative sea level change along the coastline of Oman (Arabian Sea)

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The project focusses on coast-geomorphological analyses in Oman. On the one hand, long-term changes are relevant. These are seen as a consequence of global eustatic changes as well as local neotectonic-isostatically driven movements. Observable along the coastline of Oman are terraces which formed as wave-cut platforms and were elevated thereafter. Preliminary results of a reconnaissance survey proofed Quaternary ages of terraces formation. The aim of the project is to quantify the uplift rates and decipher the responsible driving forces. The hypothesis is that a combination of the plate tectonic configuration (convergence of Arabian with Eurasian plate) as well as local isostatic factors (serpentinisation of ophiolitic rocks) is responsible for the observed deformation pattern. Short-term changes are the second focus of this proposal. Coastal deposits, seen as evidence for extreme wave events will be analysed. Both, storm surges as well as tsunami are known to have impacted the coastline in the past. The project is based on field work. High-resolution methods will be used besides geological mapping. Terrestrial laser scanning techniques, differential GPS, ground-penetrating radar as well as analyses of arial photography will be applied.