Location:
Shaqra University is strategically located in the central Najd plateau of Saudi Arabia, serving a network of governorates in the central and northwestern regions of the Riyadh province. These governorates include: Shaqra, Dawadmi, Al-Qawiyyah, Afif, Huraymla, Al-Muzahmiyya, Dhurma, Thadiq, Al-Mahmal, Sajir Center, and Marat.
Geographically, SU scope lies approximately between latitudes 22°–26° N and longitudes 44°–46° E, encompassing diverse geological sectors that have significantly shaped its topography and natural features.
SU's academic scope is divided into two distinct geological sectors:
- Arabian Shield: This sector forms the western portion of the academic area, characterized by its high-altitude terrain within the Najd plateau.
- The Sedimentary Cover: This sector covers the eastern part of the administrative scope and lies within a part of the low Najd plateau. These geological features have significantly influenced the topography and surface features of the academic scope.
Boundaries
SU's administrative scope is geographically defined by its neighboring regions:
- East: Bordered by the governorates of Ramah, Riyadh Emirate, Diriyah, Al-Kharj, Al-Harik, and Al-Aflaj within the Riyadh province.
- South: Adjoins Wadi ad-Dawasir Governorate.
- West: Extends to the Makkah and Madinah provinces.
- North: Borders the Qassim province and the Riyadh governorates of Ghat and Al-Majma'ah.
Geological Structure
Located within the water-bearing layers of the Arabian Shield, the academic scope of Shaqra University reflects features that span two distinct geological sectors:
- Arabian Shield: This sector forms the western portion of the academic area, characterized by its high-altitude terrain within the Najd plateau. The Arabian Shield is composed of igneous and metamorphic rock formations, interspersed with vast valleys, water channels, and limited sand accumulations. It includes areas such as Afif, Dawadmi, and Al-Qawiyyah.
Its key features include:
- Mountains: Dominated by prominent peaks such as Subha, Sihah, Hasat Qahtaan, Ankir, Damkh, Arrad, Dhehlan, An-Nir, Al-Atwala, Sha’r, Kabshat, Dussas, Jablah, Adhghan, Ad-Dukhul, Ahamir, Al-Murdama, Al-Aswada, Hilit, Ghul, and Maniyah..
- Sand Accumulations: Include As-Sirah, Ramhah, Al-Aunid, and the eastern fringes of Nafud Al-Urayq.
- Wadis: Feature a vast network of watercourses descending from mountains into local depressions. Notable wadis include Wadi Ar-Rasha (and its tributary Wadi Jham), Shu’aib Al-Hayisha, Shu’aib Abu Hadhid, Shu’aib Arja, Wadi Al-Jarir (and its tributaries Wadi Al-Shabram, Wadi Al-Bahra, and Wadi Al-Miyah), Wadi Al-Dhal (Dawadmi), Wadi Al-Sirah, Wadi Ar-Raka, Wadi As-Sirdah, Wadi Al- Qawiyyah, and Wadi Al-Khanfah.
- Sedimentary Cover: The eastern region of SU's administrative scope lies within the sedimentary cover zone, encompassing part of the lower Najd plateau. This area is distinguished by diverse geological and topographical features, including escarpments, sand dunes, small hills, valleys, and agricultural depressions, along with water catchment areas. The governorates in this sector include Shaqra, Thadiq, Huraymla, Dhurma, Al-Muzahmiyya, Marat Center, and parts of Dawadmi and Qawiyyah. The sector is predominantly agricultural, benefiting from abundant groundwater reserves.
Its main features reflect:
- Escarpments and Plateaus: Dominated by long, elevated escarpments that stretch primarily in a north-south direction, these landforms feature steep western faces and gentler eastern slopes. The summits of these escarpments, locally termed safrawat, are prominent geological features. Notable escarpments include Tuwaiq, As-Sirr, and Shaqra.
- Mountains: This region is interspersed with smaller elevations, known locally as qour. These hills often have a sandy composition and are widely distributed.
- Sand Accumulations: Extensive sand dunes dominate the landscape, typically aligned in a north-south orientation. Significant sand formations include Nafud As-Sirr, Urayq Al-Biladan, Nafud Qunaifdha, Al-Mawasil, Al-Milhah, Urayq Raghbah, and Ath-Thandwah.
- Wadis (Valleys): Numerous watercourses, originating from the escarpments, flow into depressions and water catchment zones. Key wadis include Warat, Huraymla, Al-Haisiyyah, Laha, and Al-Awsat.
- Depressions and Water Catchment Areas: The region is punctuated by low-lying areas, including agricultural depressions, sandy plains, and salt flats. Examples include Butain Dhurma, Rawdhat Um Ash-Shuquq, Rawdhat Al-Mishrat, and some agricultural and salt depressions such as the notable Qasb Salt Flat.
The western Arabian Shield sector of Najd contrasts sharply with this sedimentary region. While the western sector is characterized by towering mountains, deep and rugged valleys, and a high population density due to widespread human settlements, the eastern sedimentary sector is defined by its widespread sandy expanses, intersecting escarpments, and shallow valleys. Its agricultural depressions and groundwater-rich layers further distinguish it as a hub for farming and water resources.
This contrast in geological and topographical diversity underscores the uniqueness of SU's expansive administrative scope, bridging two distinct natural landscapes within the heart of the Najd plateau.