Application of bivariate mapping to assess geodiversity and its geomorphic constraints: A case study in Kuwait

Abstract

Geodiversity assessment is a critical preliminary step for geoconservation planning and represents the foundation for any rich biodiversity system. The purposes of this research were to identify the geomorphic constraints that influence the geodiversity in Kuwait, and how bivariate choropleth mapping can be implemented as an innovative approach to visualize geodiversity results along with the geomorphic constraints synchronously. The assessment of geodiversity involves several abiotic elements, including geology, geomorphology, soil, and hydrology. In arid regions, such as Kuwait, geomorphic factors such as sand encroachment and soil erosion limit the resilience of ecosystems. Therefore, considering these factors during a geodiversity analysis is a substantial matter. Additionally, using bivariate choropleth mapping as an advanced cartographic method should leverage the integration between the geodiversity results and the geomorphic constraints. After we applied the centroid-based geodiversity index analysis, excluding restricted areas, the results showed that a high geodiversity index covered about 10% of Kuwait's area and was found mostly north of Kuwait Bay and towards the middle of the country. Combining the geodiversity index with the geomorphic constraints in a bivariate map revealed that about 11.8%, excluding restricted areas, consisted of optimum sites to be proposed as geoconservations. Despite the significance of geodiversity assessment in arid regions, it is also important to consider the geomorphic constraints that could limit the suitability of a given area of land to be protected.