Exploring Bahrain’s Changing Coast: Insights from John Burt

In the heart of the Persian Gulf, Bahrain, a picturesque archipelago, has witnessed remarkable transformations over the years. Thanks to NASA’s Operational Land Imager-2 (OLI-2) on Landsat 9, we're granted a captivating glimpse into these changes as of July 24, 2022. The shallow depths of the Persian Gulf, averaging just 35 meters, reveal intriguing details of the seafloor. Notable among these are ancient sand dunes, remnants of a time when the sea levels were lower, now submerged beneath the glistening waves.

A focal point of the above image is Fasht Al Adhm, the largest reef in the area, spanning a vast 200 square kilometers. Here, the delicate balance between natural wonders and human endeavors becomes evident. The reef, once teeming with life, has been significantly impacted. John Burt, a marine biologist and researcher at ACCESS, laments the decline caused by sediment disturbances from coastal development and historical bleaching events. NASA Earth Observatory featured Burt's research on The continuing decline of coral reefs in Bahrain - ScienceDirect. Bleaching does not always kill the coral, but in 1996 it led to a mass die-off, “from which there has been negligible recovery,” Burt said. Despite efforts, the coral reefs have struggled to recover fully, painting a poignant picture of environmental challenges.

Additionally, the image above spotlights Durrat Al Bahrain, a testament to human innovation and ambition. The artificial islands, crafted meticulously to resemble oysters and fish, stand as a symbol of Bahrain’s rich heritage. However, these creations come at a cost. Massive dredging operations, essential for building in the shallow waters, have left a profound impact on the marine ecosystem, serving as a reminder of the delicate balance required between progress and preservation.

This visual journey through Bahrain's changing coastline serves as a stark reminder of the intricate relationship between nature and human intervention. Our dedication to understanding the intricate dynamics of the Persian Gulf's ecosystem underscores the importance of collaborative research in the face of environmental challenges. The research not only enriches our understanding of Bahrain's coastal evolution but also inspires a collective responsibility to protect and preserve our planet's fragile ecosystems.

For further information, read NASA Earth Observatory's feature here.

NASA images by Norman Kuring/NASA's Ocean Color Web, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey.