Makran coast of southeastern Iran

Today’s Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features an astronaut photograph of the Makran coast along the Arabian Sea.

“Several capes and bays appear along the Makran coast – a strip of land along the Gulf of Oman in southeastern Iran and southwestern Pakistan. Nicknamed ‘hammerhead’ capes because of their elongated forms and narrow necks, the headlands are shaped by the region’s plate tectonics, primarily uplift,” said NASA.

“The long curves of the bays’ shorelines show accumulations of sandy sediment. This buildup appears as numerous semi-parallel lines that reveal the locations of past shorelines. These features, known as beach ridges, appear particularly well developed on the north shore of Chabahar Bay at the top of the image.”

Bays of the Makran coast

NASA noted that scientists have investigated the vulnerability of the bays to the effects of climate change and sea level rise.

“The research was conducted in part because the Makran coast experiences high rates of tectonic uplift. The researchers concluded that the harder rocks of the headlands were less vulnerable to wave erosion than the more erodible rocks where the neighboring bays formed. These bays are expected to change shape as waves and currents move sediment.,” said NASA.

“The bays’ coastlines might move farther inland as sea level rises and shorelines erode. Or, the coastlines may advance seaward as coastal sediment accumulates over time.”

Wildlife on the coast

The Makran coast is known for its rugged terrain, dramatic cliffs, and sandy beaches. The coastal waters support vibrant marine life. The beaches serve as nesting grounds for green and olive ridley turtles, highlighting their ecological significance.

Mangrove forests are prevalent around estuaries and river deltas, offering critical habitats for numerous fish species and birds.

The region is a hotspot for bird watching, including migratory and resident birds like herons, egrets, and flamingos.

Despite the arid, desert-like inland areas, resilient species such as the Arabian Oryx and various reptiles thrive.

Environmental concerns 

The Makran Coast faces several environmental concerns. For example, the arid climate and overuse of land resources have led to issues like desertification.

Habitat destruction and pollution threaten the region’s diverse marine life, including endangered species. Unsustainable fishing practices deplete fish stocks and disrupt the marine food chain.

Rising sea levels and increased frequency of extreme weather events impact coastal communities and ecosystems. Mangrove forests on the Makran coast are extremely vulnerable to sea level rise.

History of Makran coast

The Makran region has been historically significant since ancient times. It was part of the ancient Persian Empire and has been mentioned in Greek and Roman texts.

Alexander the Great passed through Makran during his return from India, facing significant hardships due to the harsh environment.

The Makran Coast is situated on major trade routes connecting the Middle East, South Asia, and Central Asia. It was a key area along the ancient Silk Road and hosted important ports that facilitated trade between these regions.

Natural hazards

The Makran region is seismically active, and there is a potential risk of tsunamis and earthquakes due to the tectonic activity in the area. 

The hilly terrain along parts of the Makran coast makes the region susceptible to landslides, particularly following heavy rains or seismic activity.

The climate is harsh, arid, and hot, with minimal rainfall and high temperatures, especially in the summer.

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory 

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