Human Impact Musfur Sinkhole

1. Human Impact Musfur Sinkhole By: Barbara Giesteira

2. Small Villages and Goats • As approaching the sinkhole, there are small villages. These villages are mainly occupied as an intention to use it as goat farming since many goats were seen around this area.  By bringing goats around the deserted area, the overgrazing of goats will cause the few plants to be eaten and lead to desertification. When many of the plants start to disappear, it can affect the soil condition because it will be vulnerable to soil erosion.

3. Vehicle Tires •  As approaching the sinkhole, there are small villages. These villages are mainly occupied as an intention to use it as goat farming since many goats were seen around this area.  By bringing goats around the deserted area, the overgrazing of goats will cause the few plants to be eaten and lead to desertification. When many of the plants start to disappear, it can affect the soil condition because it will be vulnerable to soil erosion.

4. Trash • Near the sinkhole, a Capri Sun juice packet was found. This is an evidence that people visit the sinkhole and that this area is starting to be more explored. However, a Capri Sun juice packet can take 200 years to decompose and until it decomposes the area around the sinkhole will have trash around. This is an issue because trash can have a serious impact to the sinkhole biome. Also, it can kill animals living in this area because depending on the type of animal, they can get caught under it or they can try to eat it. 

5. Power Cables • Around an area that is mostly deserted, factors of urbanization can be seen. Such as, power cables placed along streets even in areas that is isolated, with limited range and number of services, and in areas where you can rarely see a sign of settlement. 

6. Landfill • The landfill is located near the Musfur sinkhole. As one of the teachers mentioned, "Last year the landfill was about 200m further than today." Not only this shows how fast the population of Qatar is increasing, but also the human impact it's to the environment. As days go by, the area of the landfill will continue to increase as the population of Qatar continue to produce more trash, this will cause a great impact to the natural habitats and living organism around the landfill. 

7. Plastic bag • Near the sinkhole, a plastic bag was found caught on a tree. This can affect the tree's life because the bag blocks the sunlight and it blocks the respiration of plants. The plastic bag can also end up suffocating and choking animals.