الآثار البيئية و الجيومورفولوجية للمقالع الحجرية في محافظة الكرك

Abstract EN

In the Governorate of Karak, 23 quarries spread over approximately 298 dunums (the Dunum is used in Jordan as a unit for measuring land areas and it is equivalent to 1000 square meters).

Piles of sand, used for different construction purposes, are excavated from these sites.

This study clearly reveals the serious geomorphological and environmental impacts of the quarry sites.

These impacts have distorted and embellished the landscape and have transformed the topography of an area of some 253 dunums.

Besides, in 46.4 dunums steep ditches have been created as a result which in turn are responsible for soil erosion, four of these have been successfully documented.

As for the environmental effects, the flying dust arising from the quarries has destroyed the agricultural soil and impeded the cultivation of agricultural lands in approximately 1898 dunums.

Also, the wild life and the pastures in about 2380 dunums have been destroyed.

Moreover, many residents have been afflicted with diseases because of the clouds of dust over the sites.

In fact, 92 % of the residents who have been interviewed have asserted the negative side effects of the quarries.

Surely, this entails a careful reconsideration and an examination of the quarry sites in order to prevent their negative effects.