The geology of Oman is spectacular - for the touristic layman and the geologist alike. Exceptionally well exposed rocks offer a fascinating outcrop experience, second to none. The scenery is unique, and often breathtaking. The Samail Ophiolite (former sea floor you can walk on), mountain ranges, of more than 3000 m altitude, and deeply incised canyons with turquoise-coloured perennial streams, contrast with dry but golden sand deserts. Coastal areas with kilometres of white beaches are waiting to be discovered. This geological guidebook has two parts: The first provides a general introduction to the geology of Oman, and enables the reader to put the variety of geological phenomena and observations into a scientific context. The authors emphasise describing the processes that led to the formation of Oman's rocks and landscapes formed over millennia of Earth history. Following the introductory chapters on archaeology, climate, and vegetation, the geomorphological and geological aspects of Oman are presented. The second and largest part of the guide consists of meticulous descriptions of 99 excursion points located across the northeast of the country. The challenge in Oman is to decide where not to stop, rather than the other way round. The authors, therefore, have carefully selected the most interesting and important sites. The excursion points can easily be located by their coordinates, or may also be visited using the detailed roadmaps provided for each single outcrop. A large number of colour illustrations, a geological overview map, an index, and a list of references complete the content of the guide. As the book is written in a textbook style and presents the geology in a comprehensible way, a broad understanding is facilitated. Therefore, this field guide not only addresses geologists but also amateurs, visitors and travellers exploring the beauty and the significance of Oman geology.

The Hajar Mountains rise up from the great central deserts of the Arabian plateau - the so-called Empty Quarter - and then look down to the coastal plain that runs into the waters of the Gulf of Oman. Beautiful and remote, often almost entirely inaccessible, these harsh rocky slopes with their breathtaking views of Oman are largely unexplored. Wilderness Trekking in Oman is a practical guide for hiking in the Western Hajar, following some 200km of mountain trails. Meticulously researched and presented with detailed original cartography, this comprehensive guide is the key to discovering a remarkable landscape. The mountain traverse follows the spine of the mountains in a point-to-point walk taking sixteen days which can be broken down into eight one-day walks, two two-day walks, and one four-day walk. There is a road intersection with a village or hotel between each of these eleven sections. The traverse climbs to the highest accessible peak in the country at 2999m and finishes in remote dry valleys, called wadis, where impregnable cliffs have precluded road construction and electricity transmission. This has preserved the Arabian mountain lifestyle that has existed for centuries. ? This book describes where to go, what to carry, where to sleep, and, most importantly, where to find drinking water. Some hikers may choose to be supported by friends meeting them in a 4WD vehicle at road intersections marking the end of each section. For their benefit, this book includes excursions at eight of these ten rendezvous points. There are other possibilities for resupply at all ten road intersections. Digital data for download comprises GPS tracks, waypoints, kmz map files, and PDF files of each chapter. A folded 1:50,000 map covering 607km of side tracks and the traverse can be purchased separately. Hikers who have completed part or all of this traverse are invited to post reviews on social media accessible from www.hajarhiking. com, where there are historical photographs and video recorded on parts of this traverse in 1992 when there was only one road in the entire mountain range.

Discover this beguiling destination with the most incisive and entertaining guidebook on the market. Whether you plan to watch turtles lay their eggs at Ras Al Jinz,shop for bargains at the labyrinthine Muttrah Souk or hike the Hajar mountains, The Rough Guide to Oman will show you the ideal places to sleep, eat, drink, shop and visit along the way. - Independent, trusted reviews written with Rough Guides' trademark blend of humour, honesty and insight, to help you get the most out of your visit, with options to suit every budget. - Full-colour maps throughout - navigate the historic quarter of Old Muscat or plot your route along the Rustaq Loop without needing to get online - Stunning images - a rich collection of inspiring colour photography. - Things not to miss - Rough Guides' rundown of Oman's best sights and experiences. - Itineraries - carefully planned routes to help you organize your trip. Detailed regional coverage - whether off the beaten track or in more mainstream tourist destinations, this travel guide has in-depth practical advice for every step of the way. Areas covered include: Muscat; the Hajar mountains; Nizwa; Al Hamra; Al Batinah; Seeb; Barka; the Rustaq Loop; the Musandam peninsula; Khasab; Sharqiya; Sur; Saiq Plateau; Dhofar. Attractions include: Sultan Qaboos Mosque; Jebel Shams; Jabrin Fort; Khor ash Sham; Jebel Harim; Ras al Jinz; Wahiba Sands; souks; wadis. - Basics - essential pre-departure practical information including getting there, local transport, accommodation, food and drink, health, the media, festivals, outdoor activities, culture and etiquette, and more. Background information - a Contexts chapter devoted to history, wildlife and recommended books, with a useful language section and glossary. Make the Most of Your Time on Earth with The Rough Guide to Oman About Rough Guides : Escape the everyday with Rough Guides. We are a leading travel publisher known for our "tell it like it is" attitude, up-to-date content and great writing. Since 1982, we've published books covering more than 120 destinations around the globe, with an ever-growing series of ebooks, a range of beautiful, inspirational reference titles, and an award-winning website. We pride ourselves on our accurate, honest and informed travel guides.

This book pays tribute to the development of Omani settlement structures that defined the bio-physical and climatic conditions characteristics of the harsh conditions on the Arabian Peninsula. It also highlights the treats that Omani oases face from the recent modernisation processes that have profoundly transformed their physical cultural and economic basis.

The first comprehensive field guide to the birds of Oman With its unique blend of Western Palearctic, Oriental and Afrotropical components, and lying on a migratory crossroads, Oman is a jewel of the Middle East. This is the first comprehensive field guide to the birds of this fascinating and welcoming country. All 528 species on the Oman Bird List are featured on the 116 colour plates, illustrating many of the distinct plumages and races, plus a few non-naturalised escapes. Species accounts cover key identification features - including habitat and voice - with colour maps showing the breeding, wintering and migration distributions for all regularly occurring species.