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the Degree Confluence Project
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United Arab Emirates

24.7 km (15.3 miles) E of Tarīf, Abū Zaby, UAE
Approx. altitude: 4 m (13 ft)
([?] maps: Google MapQuest OpenStreetMap ConfluenceNavigator)
Antipode: 24°S 126°W

Accuracy: 6 m (19 ft)
Quality: good

Click on any of the images for the full-sized picture.

#2: View from 24N 54E to the East #3: Proof! #4: The team at the Confluence #5: Finished - trip and strength! #6: Transmission main pipeline near 24N 54E

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  24°N 54°E (visit #2)  

#1: The coastal sabkha of Abū Zaby at 24N 54E

(visited by Peter Faber and Michael Faber)

03-Sep-2004 -- Summer was a bit late in the U.A.E this year. The Confluence is in the coastal sabkha (salt desert) of the Emirate of Abū Ẓaby. It is not exactly wise to drive in that area without at least one backup car. So we left the Land Cruiser in a safe place and walked 1.8 km (each direction).

Temperature was in the upper 40s (Celsius). Fortunately, we also took some bottles of water. Picture #1 shows the sabkha plain in a northern direction facing the highway from Abū Ẓaby to Sila` (at the Saudi Arabian border), and the high voltage overhead line from Mirfa` to Abū Ẓaby; picture #2 shows a view to the East and one of the frequent flat hills scattering the coastal sabkha plain, which are witnesses of a former land surface. Close to the confluence point is also the new drinking water transmission main pipeline from the seawater desalination plant in Mirfa` to Abū Ẓaby, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, with its huge water demand (around 500 litres per person per day).

This hike over the hard salt crust of the sabkha plain was very demanding and certainly approaching our personal limits of strength (one male 30, one male 57), as is shown in picture #5. Though, we will never forget the experience.


 All pictures
#1: The coastal sabkha of Abū Zaby at 24N 54E
#2: View from 24N 54E to the East
#3: Proof!
#4: The team at the Confluence
#5: Finished - trip and strength!
#6: Transmission main pipeline near 24N 54E
ALL: All pictures on one page