What geological term describes the fertile, shallow hollows or depressions found across northern and central Qatar that collect runoff water and fine silt, fostering spontaneous vegetation?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Rawdah (plural: Rawdat)
- Step 1: In Qatari and eastern Arabian geomorphology, a 'Rawdah' (plural 'Rawdat') is a shallow karst depression formed by the dissolution of subterranean limestone.
- Step 2: During the winter rainy season, rainwater drains from surrounding stony plateaus (hazm) into these depressions, depositing fine alluvial silt and clay.
- Step 3: Rawdat serve as localized natural pastures and agricultural oases (e.g., Rawdat Rashid, Rawdat Al Faras).
Answer
Rawdah (plural: Rawdat).
Why not the others: 'Sabkha' refers to flat, hypersaline coastal or inland salt encrustations where vegetation is absent; 'Erg' refers to vast mobile sand sea dune fields; 'Wadi' refers to an incised dry desert river valley or drainage canyon.
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