Coastal zones represent the most active interfaces where natural processes and human activities converge, making them crucial for biodiversity and socioeconomic development. These zones are characterized by their fragility and susceptibility to frequent natural disasters, such as floods and erosion, which are exacerbated by high-intensity human activities and urban expansion. The ongoing challenges posed by rising sea levels and climate change necessitate robust scientific assessments of coastal vulnerability to ensure effective disaster prevention and environmental protection. This paper introduces a comprehensive evaluation system for assessing coastal zone vulnerability, utilizing multi-source data to address ecological vulnerabilities stemming from sea-level rise and climate change impacts. This system is applied to examine the specific case of Qatar, where rapid urban development and a high population density in coastal areas heighten the risk of flooding and inundation. Employing remote sensing data and Geographic Information Systems (GISs), this research leverages spatial interpolation techniques and high-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) to identify and evaluate high-risk zones susceptible to sea-level rise. In this study, the hydrological connectivity model, bathtub technique, and CVI are interconnected tools that complement each other to assess future flooding risks under various climate change projections, highlighting the increased probability of coastal hazards. The findings underscore the urgent need for adaptive planning and regulatory frameworks to mitigate these risks, providing technical support for the sustainable development of coastal communities globally and in Qatar. This approach not only informs policy makers, but also aids in the strategic planning required to foster resilient coastal infrastructure capable of withstanding both current and future environmental challenges.

Soil erosion poses a significant threat to natural resources and agricultural productivity in arid regions. This study applied the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model to simulate rainfall erosivity and soil erosion risk in the Wadi Allith basin, Saudi Arabia, using rainfall data from 2016 to 2018. The results demonstrated that the basin experienced a predominant slight level of erosion risk, with around 5 tons/ha annually. This study revealed that a very slight erosion risk was predominant in 2016 (97% of the basin area), 2017 (96%), and 2018 (95%), while less than 1% of the study area was exposed to severe erosion risks across all three years. An increasing trend in erosion severity was observed between 2016 and 2018, correlating with rising average annual rainfall amounts of 120 mm, 145 mm, and 155 mm. This underscores the importance of understanding how climatic factors influence soil stability, particularly in arid regions where water scarcity is typically a limiting factor. The successful application of Geographic Information Systems (GISs) and remote sensing tools integrating the various components of the RUSLE model showcases the effectiveness of these technologies in environmental monitoring and risk assessment. These tools facilitate a comprehensive analysis of the factors contributing to soil erosion, enabling researchers and policymakers to visualize erosion risk across the basin and prioritize areas for intervention. This study highlights the importance of ongoing soil erosion monitoring in arid environments such as the Wadi Allith basin, Saudi Arabia.

This study presents a robust framework for optimizing the site selection of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) in Qatar by integrating a Geographic Information System (GIS) with a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) model. The core innovation lies in the enhancement of the conventional Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) with a Removal Sensitivity Analysis (RSA). This unique integration moves beyond traditional, subjective expert-based weighting by introducing a transparent, data-driven methodology to quantify the influence of each criterion and generate objective weights. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to evaluate fourteen criteria related to accessibility, economic and environmental factors that influence EVCS site suitability. To enhance robustness and minimize subjectivity, a Removal Sensitivity Analysis (RSA) was applied to quantify the influence of each criterion and generate objective, data-driven weights. The results reveal that accessibility factors, particularly proximity to road networks and parking areas exert the highest influence, while environmental variables such as slope, CO concentration, and green areas have moderate but spatially significant impacts. The integration of AHP and RSA produced a more balanced and environmentally credible suitability map, reducing overestimation of urban sites and promoting sustainable spatial planning. Environmentally, the proposed framework supports Qatar’s transition toward low-carbon mobility by encouraging the expansion of clean electric transport infrastructure, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and improving urban air quality. The findings contribute to achieving the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030 and align with global efforts to mitigate climate change through sustainable transportation development.

This study explores the potential of Aptian clays from the Bargou and Bou Arada region in northwestern Tunisia for ceramic applications. The Cretaceous sedimentary sequence in this area is characterized by alternating clay and clayey limestone layers. Fifteen clay samples were collected for mineralogical and geochemical analysis. Mineralogical analysis revealed abundant well-crystallized illite and kaolinite, along with minor amounts of interbedded illite/smectite, particularly in the upper layers. Quartz, calcite, and feldspar were identified as the main non-clay minerals. Chemical analysis indicated high iron oxide (Fe ₂ O ₃ ) content, especially in the Bargou region. Silica (SiO ₂ ) and alumina (Al ₂ O ₃ ) concentrations reached approximately 50% and 20%, respectively, while carbonate content was relatively low at around 2%. Plasticity analysis showed low plasticity indices (12–21%) for the clays. Technological tests yielded variable flexural strength values (19.20–27.40 N/mm ² ) and low porosity indices (14.24–9.6%). However, the addition of corrective additives improved the properties of these clays, making them more suitable for the production of red ceramic products. Our results indicated that Aptian clays possess the requisite properties for ceramic manufacturing. Additional research is required to assess their suitability for other potential industrial uses.

Soil erosion represents a critical threat to natural resource sustainability in arid environments, yet validation of empirical models in hyper-arid watersheds remains limited. This study employs the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) integrated with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing to quantify rainfall erosivity and erosion risk dynamics in Wadi Allith basin, Saudi Arabia, across 2016–2018. RUSLE factors, rainfall erosivity (R), soil erodibility (K), slope length-steepness (LS), cover management (C), and support practices (P) were derived from WorldClim precipitation data, FAO-UN Soil Map, SRTM digital elevation model, and Landsat-derived NDVI. Results reveal a pronounced orographic gradient in rainfall erosivity, increasing 29 % from 2016 (120 mm yr ⁻¹ ) to 2018 (155 mm yr ⁻¹ ), with high-erosivity zones expanding from 15 % to 35 % of basin area. Despite this intensification, the basin maintains predominantly “slight” erosion risk (ERC 1–2, 10. This demonstrates that while low-gradient topography provides a geomorphic buffer, climate-driven erosivity increases threaten to breach critical erosion thresholds. The successful application of open-source GIS tools confirms cost-effective scalability for long-term monitoring in data-scarce arid regions. These findings inform targeted conservation strategies and highlight the urgency of climate-adaptive soil management in the Arabian Peninsula’s vulnerable dryland watersheds.