Editing Geography of Qatar (section)

==Landforms==
[[File:Fossilized dugong bones in sabkha in southwest Qatar.jpg|thumb|Coastal [[sabkha]] in southwest Qatar]]
===Sakbhas===
The peninsula is notable for its [[sabkha]]s, or salt flats, of which the two distinct varieties are coastal and inland. The coastal sabkhas, more prevalent on the eastern seaboard, encompass an area of approximately {{convert|75|km2|abbr=on}}. These coastal formations rarely exceed an elevation of {{convert|1|m}} to {{convert|2|m}} metres above sea level, with some portions lying below the waterline. Consequently, during exceptionally high tides, often exacerbated by strong easterly winds, seawater may inundate these low-lying areas.<ref name="sheeb29"/>

Inland sabkhas, while less common, are of significant geological interest. A prominent example, [[Dukhan Sabkha]], lies 3 kilometres east of Jebel Dukhan and south of the [[Bay of Zekreet]]. This [[Depression (geology)|depression]], covering {{convert|73|km2|abbr=on}}, is largely situated below sea level and contains the lowest point in Qatar at {{convert|-6|m}} below the sea's surface.<ref>{{cite journal|url=https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/full/10.1098/rsta.2010.0101|title=Raman spectroscopy of the Dukhan sabkha: identification of geological and biogeological molecules in an extreme environment|author1=Howell G. M. Edwards |author2=Fadhil Sadooni |author3=Petr Vítek |author4=Jan Jehlička |journal=Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences|volume=368|publisher=Royal Society Publishing|date=13 July 2010|issue=1922 |pages=3099–3107 |doi=10.1098/rsta.2010.0101 |pmid=20529947 |bibcode=2010RSPTA.368.3099E |s2cid=7262453 |access-date=23 February 2019|doi-access=free |hdl=10576/47356 |hdl-access=free }}</ref> It stretches 24 kilometres from north to south and {{convert|6|km}} from east to west.<ref name="sheeb29">{{cite thesis|last1=Alsheeb|first1=Ali I. M.|url=https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa43167/Download/0043167-02082018162551.pdf|title=Coastal geomorphology of the Qatar Peninsula|year=1988|publisher=Swansea University|pages=29–30|type=Thesis}}</ref> A second notable inland sabkha complex straddles the borders of Qatar, [[Saudi Arabia]], and the [[United Arab Emirates]]. This formation comprises three discrete areas: [[Sawda Natheel]] to the south, Jawa Salama to the west, and Al Khufus to the east. These sabkhas, mostly subsea in elevation, collectively span an area of {{convert|25|km2|abbr=on}}.<ref name="sheeb29"/>

===Depressions===
[[File:A depression (rawda) near Jebel Jassasiya in northern Qatar.jpg|thumb|A [[Depression (geology)|rawda]] near [[Jebel Jassasiya]] in northern Qatar]]
The surface of the Qatar Peninsula is punctuated by numerous small [[Depression (geology)|depression]]s, referred to as ''rawda'' or the plural ''riyadh''. These formations present as enclosed basins, save for those in the south-central region which may be open on one or more sides. The morphology of these depressions is diverse, ranging from circular to elongated forms, with some exhibiting irregular platforms. The scale of these depressions also varies widely. The most extensive, such as the Almajdah Depression, stretch for several kilometres, while the smallest span mere tens of metres. Their formation is primarily attributed to the dissolution of surface limestone by [[Surface runoff|rainwater runoff]], a process that has been active across much of the peninsula.<ref name="sheeb30">{{cite thesis|last1=Alsheeb|first1=Ali I. M.|url=https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa43167/Download/0043167-02082018162551.pdf|title=Coastal geomorphology of the Qatar Peninsula|year=1988|publisher=Swansea University|page=30|type=Thesis}}</ref>

===Valleys===
Dry valleys, known as [[wadi]]s, are featured most prominently in Qatar's northern region and the vicinity of Jebel Dukhan. They are characterised by their internal drainage systems, which terminate in shallow depressions rarely exceeding 2 to 3 metres in depth. While they may extend for several kilometres in length, they maintain a remarkably narrow profile, with a width invariably less than 100 metres.<ref name="sheeb30"/>

===Hills===
[[File:Qatar, Zekreet (Bir Zekrit)(8), desert.jpg|thumb|Flat-topped hills in the [[Zekreet Peninsula]]]]
The peninsula features several low hills scattered throughout its western and southern regions. Notable among these is Jebel Dukhan, a series of convex hillocks extending {{convert|80|km}} north-south along the west coast. The peninsula's terrain also features distinctive flat-topped hills, formed by horizontal strata capped with relatively hard rock. These formations exhibit steep, often concave or stepped slopes, shaped by varying degrees of rock resistance.<ref name="sheeb32">{{cite thesis|last1=Alsheeb|first1=Ali I. M.|url=https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa43167/Download/0043167-02082018162551.pdf|title=Coastal geomorphology of the Qatar Peninsula|year=1988|publisher=Swansea University|page=32|type=Thesis}}</ref>

Topographical features range from small, conical hills—where the resistant rock cap has eroded—to more extensive mesa-like formations. Elevation varies considerably; in the [[Zekreet Peninsula]] and near [[Al Khor (city)|Al Khor]], the hills are {{convert|10|m}} to {{convert|15|m}} above sea level. The southern hills are much taller, with Qatar's highest point, [[Qurayn Abu al Bawl]] (also known as Tuwayyir Al Hamir) being over {{convert|100|m}} above sea level.<ref name="sheeb32"/>