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Modeling the Dynamic Relationship Between Atmospheric Salt Spray and Air-Soil Thermal Fluctuations and Their Impact on Environmental Sustainability and Light Transmittance at Al-Naqaa School Observatory (Al-Afifa, Sohar)

Organization(s):ALnaqaa School
Country:Oman
Student(s):Prepared by: Jana Abdullah Al-Maqbali& Lina Mohammed Shawky
Grade Level:Middle School (grades 6-8, ages 11-14)
GLOBE Member(s):hifaa Rashid AlKaabi
Contributors:
Report Type(s):Virtual Science Symposium Report, Standard Research Report
Protocols:Air Temperature, Land Cover Classification, Conductivity, Salinity, Relative Humidity
Presentation Poster: View Document
Language(s):English
Date Submitted:2026-01-29
The image showcases the GLOBE team from Al-Naqaa School conducting field research at Al-Afifa beach in Sohar. It features students actively using scientific sensors and micron-scale spray collectors to monitor salt deposition and environmental variables. A central display board clearly summarizes the study’s findings, including the 540 µS/cm conductivity peak and the 21.6% reduction in light transmittance caused by the saline crust
Abstract: This investigative research, conducted by the GLOBE team at Al-Naqaa School Observatory, serves as an integrated scientific document aimed at understanding the complex interactions between the climate and the coastal ecosystem in the Al-Afifa area of Sohar. The study focuses on modeling the dynamics of atmospheric salt deposition and its impact on light transmittance by applying Atmospheric, Hydrologic, and Soil protocols. The methodology was implemented through defined roles based on program badges: the (Problem Solvers) innovated micron-scale spray collectors and designed the "calibrated slide washing" experiment; the (Data Collectors) committed to daily monitoring of soil temperature, air temperature, and humidity levels from September 2025 to January 2026; while the (Collaborators) played a pivotal role in coordinating operations, ensuring sample quality, and unifying laboratory measurement standards. The results revealed a strong positive correlation between high humidity, sea breeze activity, and an increased saline footprint. Conductivity values peaked in September at an average of 540 µS/cm, coinciding with a maximum soil temperature of 41.5°C. The research concluded that the accumulation of the "salt crust" causes a reduction in light energy transmittance by up to 21.6%. This necessitates sustainable maintenance strategies, including periodic washing and thermal insulation of both technical and biological surfaces in the Omani coastal environment. Scientific Keywords: Salt Spray, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Light Transmittance, Environmental Sustainability, Thermal Fluctuations


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