HYDROGRAPHIC STUDY OF THE EASTERN COAST OF QATAR.

HYDROGRAPHIC STUDY OF THE EASTERN COAST

OF QATAR.

HASSAN M. HASSAN* AND M. A. MAHMOUD

Marine Sciences Department, Faculty of Science.

The University of Qatar, Doha, Qatar.

ABSTRACT
The hydrographic conditions of the eastern coast of Qatar
were studied in the two main ·seasons. winter and summer
1984. Two cruises representing the two seasons were made
in the area which lies between Umm Said in the south to
Ras Laffan in the north and extends 90-100 Kilometers.
offshore. The temperature and salinity data are analysed;
the thermal structure of the water masses and their seasonal
variations are discussed. The density of the sea water was
calculated. Temperature salinity relationship for the two
seasons shows different characteristics. Some direct current
measurements were made at shallow levels. The results of
the studies show that during winter and summer two different
water masses are observed. The tidal movement in the Gulf
clearly affects the current speed and direction in the area.