Jiddat al-Harasis

Jiddat al-Harasis (Jiddat-il-Harasiis) is a stony desert in south-central Oman, separating northern Oman from Dhufar. The largest strewn field of meteorites in the country is situated here. Over 160 bird species, including the endangered houbara bustard, are found here, as well as Arabian oryx and Arabian gazelle. The area was not permanently inhabited until the 19th century with the arrival of the Harasis.

Jiddat al-Harasis covers an area of about 27,000 square kilometres (10,000 sq mi) in an elevation range of 100–150 metres (330–490 ft). The area is delimited by an escarpment of 100 metres (330 ft) height on the east with the Huquf depression adjoining it. This area is hemmed between the Arabian Sea and the Janabah Hills, which rise to a height of 300 metres (980 ft). The Arabian Sea forms Jiddat's eastern and southern borders. The geology is predominantly Miocene karst limestone. Older geological features include 300 million year old glacial pavements which are well preserved given their age.

The Southwest Monsoon and coastal fog both occur at Jiddat al-Harasis; the average annual rainfall in the southeastern region is approximately 50 millimetres (2.0 in). Rainfall, which is low, occurs during the monsoon season from June to October. Due to foggy conditions, humidity is noted to rise in the area. The desertic climate has summer (May to October) temperatures above 30 °C (86 °F) with July recording a high mean temperature of 34 °C (93 °F). During winter months the temperatures drops to 15 °C (59 °F). Fog moisture and dew cause rain during the nights, particularly during the months of October to April. This precipitation sustains vegetation and wildlife in the area, despite very low rainfall throughout the year.

Oman is one of the rare places on Earth where a number of lunar meteorites have been found. The largest strewn field of meteorites in the country is situated in Jiddat al-Harasis. According to the Meteoritical Bulletin of the International Society for Meteorites and Planetary Science there are 3,116 recorded meteorites from Oman out of which 1,385 are in Jiddat al-Harasis area; 41 approved meteorites are classified as Lunar meteorites. The "Jiddat al Harasis 348" sample found in 2006, was recovered at Al Wusta in Jiddat weighing 18.4 g, a Lunar feldspathic fragmental breccia. It is described as a "complete stone with no remaining fusion crust".

...
Wikipedia