The Geomorphological Map of the Continental Shelf in the Gulf of Sirte

Abstract

The continental shelf of the Gulf of Sirte is considered one of the most important continental shelves adjacent to the Libyan coast. It extends gradually from the shoreline toward the continental slope within the Gulf of Sirte. The shelf covers an area of 31,382 km², representing 46.6% of the total area of the Libyan continental shelf. Its geomorphological characteristics are closely related to the tectonic evolution of the Sirte Sedimentary Basin and to fluctuations in the Mediterranean Sea level throughout geological periods. The width of the continental shelf ranges between 1 and 75 km, while its depth varies from 0 to 200 m. The seabed is characterized by a gentle slope ranging from 0° to 6.5°, with local variations resulting from the diversity of submerged geomorphological features. Although there is a general seabed inclination toward the north and northeast, slope directions vary among different sectors of the shelf. Sand shoals constitute the dominant geomorphological feature of the continental shelf, covering 88% of its total area. Bottom elevations occupy 7%, while depressions account for 5% of the total shelf area. Their spatial distribution varies across different shelf sectors, reflecting the combined influence of tectonic processes and marine and continental erosion and depositional factors responsible for their formation. The diversity of seabed features has produced a geomorphological pattern characterized by topographic variability and the absence of a clear, gradual transition in depth, slope, and slope directions across the floor of the continental shelf in the Gulf of Sirte.