ETHIOPIA AND THE SOMALILANDS SECTION 22 COASTS AND LANDING BEACHES

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CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0
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September 17, 1998
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1
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June 1, 1962
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NIS
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Approved For Release 1999/09/24 : spr-frorg35-mn R000200100001-0 JOB 85-00612. NIS 55 BOX a FWER 0_62 DESENSITIZED NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE SURVEY ETHIOPIA AND THE SOMALILANDS CHAPTER II SECTION 22 COASTS AND LANDING BEACHES Section, 22 on, NIS 55 is issued under the NIS maintenance program. It and NIS 106, Part IV supersede Section 21, Oceanog- raphy, dated April 1950, and Section 22, Coasts and Landing Beaches, dated March 1950, on NIS 55, copies of which should be destroyed. CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY Washington, D. C. NO FOREIGN DISSEM Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 ETHIOPIA, ERITREA, AND THE SOMALILANDS Ai NIS AREA BOUNDARY 0 100 200 300 400 Miles oGondar LAKE TA N.1 ADDIS ABABA ? Berbera \ZraHmAaRGEISA BRITISH 01-1Arar .NO oBurao ? SOM......ALILAND?? P I is: ?? --..? ,Erigavo LAKE (NIS 56A) RIYI)OLF TANGANYIKA "???????., WARNING This material contains information affecting the national defense of the United States within the meaning of the espionage laws, Title 18, USC, Secs. 793 and 794, the transmission or revelation of which in any manner to an unauthorized person is prohibited by law. GROUP 1 Excluded from automatic downgrading and declassification Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NAVY - JUNE 1962 N I S 5 5 TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR SECTION 22 CONFIDENTIAL Page A. General 22- 1 1. Summary 22- 1 2. Maps and charts 22- 4 3. Criteria for beach selection 22- 4 4. Major beach areas 22- 9 5. Minor beach areas and landing places 22-11 6. Reliability index 22-11 7. Glossary 22-12 B. Coastal oceanography 22-12 CONFIDENTIAL 1. Introduction 22-12 2. Tides and currents 22-12' a. Tides 22-12 (1) Astronomic tides 22-12 (2) Meteorological tides 22-12 b. Currents 22-13 (1) General surface currents 22-13 (a) Red Sea 22-14 (b) Gulf of Aden 22-14 (c) Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea 22-14 (2) Subsurface currents 22-15 (3) Tidal currents 22-15 (4) Local currents 22-15 3. Sea and swell, and breakers and surf 22-16 a. Sea and swell 22-16 (1) Introduction 22-16 (2) Seasonal characteristics 22-17 (3) Red Sea and Bab el Mandeb 22-18 (4) Gulf of Aden 22-18 (5) Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea 22-20 b. Breakers and surf 22-21 (1) Introduction 22-21 (2) Criteria for wave and breaker computations 22-21 (3) Seasonal characteristics 22-22 (a) Red Sea and Gulf of Aden 22-22 (b) Indian Ocean Region 22-23 4. Bottom sediments 22-23 5. Marine biology 22-24 a. Dangerous marine life 22-24 (1) Introduction 22-24 (2) Venomous animals 22-24 (3) Nonvenomous animals 22-25 b. Bioluminescence 22-25 (1) Introduction ' 22-25 (2) Geographic distribution 22-25 c. Marine algae 22-26 (1) Introduction 22-26 (2) Geographic distribution 22-26 d. Seagrasses 22-26 NO FOREIGN DISSEM PAGE 22-i Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Apprsived For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL MILITARY GEOGRAPHY NAVY-JUNE 1962 PAGE 22-ii Page C. Selctor 1: Ethiopia (Eritrea) 22-26 1. I Coast 22-28 2. Landing beaches 22-35 D. Selctor 2: French Somaliland 22-39 1. I Coast 22-40 2. Landing beaches 22-44 E. Se tor 3: Somali Republic and Socotra and adjacent islands 22-44 1. Subsector 3-A: French Somaliland - Somali Republic Capo Guardafui a. Coast p. Landing beaches 2. Subsector 3-B: Socotra and adjacent islands 4. Coast )). Landing beaches 3. Subsector 3-C: Capo . Coast 6. Landing beaches border to 22-46 22-47 22-52 22-56 22-56 22-59 Guardafui to Somali Republic - Kenya border. 22-59 22-61 22-67 sources 22-73 F. Co/Inments on principal 1. Evaluation 22-73 4. Coastal oceanography 22-73 22-73 Coasts and landing beaches 22-74 2. List of sources LIST OF FIGURES Page Fig. 2-1 Table Summary of coasts and landing beaches 22- 5 Fig. 2-2 Diag. Generalized beach profile for tidal sea 22- 9 Fig. 2-3 Diags. Tidal curves 22-13 Fig. 2-4 Table Current speeds and directions at selected 22-15 locations in the Red Sea, together with simultaneous observations of wind direc- tions Venomous marine animals 22-24 Major beach areas of Coastal Sector 1 22-36 Minor beach areas of Coastal Sector 1 22-38 Minor beach areas of Coastal Sector 2 22-44 Major beach areas of Coastal Subsector 3-A 22-52 Minor beach areas of Coastal Subsector 3-A 22-56 Major beach areas of Coastal Subsector 3-B 22-60 'Major beach areas of Coastal Subsector 3-C 22-68 Minor beach areas of Coastal Subsector 3-C 22-72 Sector 1, Segment [1]. Northern follows 22-75 coast of Ethiopia Fig. 22 15 Aerial Sector 1, Segment [1] . Northern coast of do Ethiopia near Mersa Mubarec Fig. 22 16 Aerial Sector 1, Segment [1] . Coast of Ethiopia do about 17 miles south of Mersa Mubarec Fig. 22--5 Sketch Fig. 2-6 Table Fig. 2-7 Table Fig. 2-8 Table Fig. 2 9 Table Fig. 22 10 Table Fig. 22 11 Table Fig. 22 12 Table Fig. 22 13 Table Fig. 22 14 Aerial NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NAVY-JUNE 1962 NIS 55 CONFIDENTIAL Follows page Fig. 22-17 Aerial Sector 1, Segment [1]. Ethiopian coast in- 22-75 land from Ras Arb Fig. 22-18A Aerial Sector 1, Segment [1]. Coast of Ethiopia do at major beach area (1) Fig. 22-18B Photo Sector 1, Segment [1]. Ethiopian coast do at major beach area (2) Fig. 22-19 Aerial Sector 1, Segment [2]. Isola Dahlac Che- do bir off coast of Ethiopia Fig. 22-20 Aerial Sector 1, Segment [2]. Southwestern part do of the Isole Dahlac off coast of Ethiopia Fig. 22-21 Aerial Sector 1, Segment [2]. Isola Sciumma off do Ethiopian coast Fig. 22-22 Aerial Sector 1, Segment [3]. Coast at Massaua, do Ethiopia Fig. 22-23 Aerial Sector 1, Segment [3]. Ethiopian coast do south of Massaua at minor beach area 1 Fig. 22-24 Aerial Sector 1, Segment [3]. Central coast of do Ethiopia near Baia d'Anfile Fig. 22-25 Aerial Sector 1, Segment [4]. Ethiopian coast do near Ras Sciaks Fig. 22-26 Aerial Sector 1, Segment [4]. Coast of Ethiopia do at major beach area (4) Fig. 22-27 Aerial Sector 1, Segment [4]. Coast of Ethiopia do at minor beach areas 3 and 4 Fig. 22-28A Aerial Sector 1, Segment [4]. Coast north of do Assab, Ethiopia Fig. 22-28B Aerial Sector 1, Segment [4]. Ethiopian coast at do Assab Fig. 22-29 Aerial Sector 2, Segment [1]. Coast near Ethio- do pia - French Somaliland border Fig. 22-30 Aerial Sector 2, Segment [1]. Northern coast of do French Somaliland at Has Siyan Fig. 22-31 Aerial Sector 2, Segment [2]. Tadjoura, French do Somaliland Fig. 22-32 Aerial Sector 2, Segment [2]. French Somaliland do coast near head of Golfe de Tadjoura. Minor beach area 1 Fig. 22-33 Aerial Sector 2, Segment [2]. French Somaliland do at Djibouti showing minor beach area 8 Fig. 22-34 Aerial Subsector 3-A, Segment [1]. Coast near do French Somaliland - Somali Republic border Fig. 22-35 Aerial Subsector 3-A, Segment [1] Northern do coast of Somalia at Zeila Fig. 22-36 Aerial Subsector 3-A, Segment [1]. Vicinity of do Berbera, Somali Republic. Major beach area (5) and minor beach area 9 Fig. 22-37 Aerial Subsector 3-A, Segment [1]. Coast of do Somalia in vicinity of Has Walhun. Ma- jor beach area (6) Fig. 22-38 Aerial Subsector 3-A, Segment [1]. Somalia do coast southwest of Ras Sudda. Major beach area ('7) Fig. 22-39 Aerial Subsector 3-A, Segment [1]. Somalia do coast east of Berbera Fig. 22-40A Aerial Subsector 3-A, Segment [2] Coast of do Somalia at village of Heis CONFIDENTIAL NO FOREIGN DISSEM Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 PAGE 22-iii Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL Fig. 22-40B Fig. 22-41 Fig. 22-42 Aerial Aerial Aerial MILITARY GEOGRAPHY NAVY-JUNE 1962 Follows page Subsector 3-A, Segment [3]. Bender Cos- 22-75 sim, Somali Republic. Minor beach area 12 Subsector 3-A, Segment [3]. Somalia do coast at Ras Bur Gaban Subsector 3-A, Segment [3]. Coast of do Somalia near Ras Filuch Fig. 22-43 Aerial Subsector 3-A, Segment [3]. Alula, So- mali Republic. Minor beach area 13 do Fig, 22-44 Aerial Subsector 3-B, North coast of Socotra in vicinity of Ra's Kadarma. Major beach area (12) do Fig. 22-45 Photo Subsector 3-B. Northwest coast of Socotra do Fig. 22-46 Aerial Subsector 3-B. South coast of Socotra do Fig. 22-47 Aerial Subsector 3-B. Socotra do Fig. 22-48 Aerial Subsector 3-C, Segment [1]. Eastern coast of Somalia south of Ras Shenaghef do Fig. 2---49 Aerial Subsector 3-C, Segment [1]. Somalia coast in vicinity of Ras Binnah. Major beach areas (15) and (16) do Fig. 2-50 Aerial Subsector 3-C, Segment [1]. Somalia coast south of Ras Binnah. Major beach areas (15) and (16) do Fig. 2 -51 Aerial Subsector 3-C, Segment [1]. Coast of do Somalia at Baia di Hafun Settentxionale Fig. 2 -52 Aerial Subsector 3-C, Segment [1]. Dante, So - mali Republic. Major beach area (17) do Fig. 2 -53 Aerial Subsector 3-C, Segment [1]. Somalia coast near Dante do Fig. 22-54 Aerial Subsector 3-C, Segment [2]. Coast of do Somalia in the vicinity of Baia di Hafun Meridionale Fig. 22-55 Aerial Subsector 3-C, Segment [2]. Somalia coast in the vicinity of Ras Mabber , do Fig. 22-56 Aerial Subsector 3-C, Segment [2]. Somalia coast in the vicinity of Ras el Cheil do Fig. 2 -57 Aerial Subsector 3-C, Segment [3]. Coast of do Somalia at Itala. Major beach areas (18), (19), and (20) Fig. 22r-58 Aerial Subsector 3--C, Segment [3]. Mogadiscio, Somali Republic do Fig. 22-59A Aerial Subsector 3-C, Segment [3]. Somalia coast southwest of Mogadiscio at minor beach area 15 do Fig. 22I-59B Aerial Subsector 3-C, Segment [3]. Somalia coast at minor beach area 15 do Fig. 22-60 Aerial Subsector 3-C, Segment [3]. Coast of do Somalia at Merca. Minor beach area 16 Fig. 224-61 Aerial Subsector 3-C, Segment [3]. Somalia coast at major beach area (21) and one landing place do Fig. 22-62A Aerial Subsector 3-C, Segment [3]. Brava, So- mali Republic. Major beach area (21) and two landing places do Fig. 22-62B Aerial Subsector 3-C, Segment [31. Somalia do PAGE 22-iv coast in vicinity of Brava. Major beach area (22) and one landing place NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NAVY-JUNE 1962 N I S 5 5 CONFIDENTIAL Follows page Fig. 22-62C Aerial Subsector 3-C, Segment [3]. Chisimaio, Somali Republic. Major beach area (23) 22-75 Fig. 22-63A Chart Tide ranges do Fig. 22-63B Chart Cotidal lines do Fig. 22-64A Diag. Bab el Mandeb, resultant currents do Fig. 22-64B Chart General surface currents, northeast mon- soon do Fig. 22-64C Chart General surface currents, southwest mon- soon do Fig. 22-65 Charts State of sea, January through June do Fig. 22-66 Charts State of sea, July through December do Fig. 22-67 Charts Swell, January through June do Fig. 22-68 Charts Swell, July through December do Fig. 22-69 Charts Breakers do Fig. 22-70A Chart Distribution of bottom materials observa- tions do Fig. 22-70B Chart Bottom sediments do Fig. 22-71 Map Coastal Sector 1 do Fig. 22-72 Map Coastal Sectors 1 and 2, and Subsector 3-A do Fig. 22-73 Map Coastal Subsectors 3-A, 3-B, and 3-C do Fig. 22-74 Map Coastal Subsector 3-C do Fig. 22-75 Map Coastal Subsector 3-C do Fig. 22-76 Map Coastal divisions and distribution of major beaches do CONFIDENTIAL This Section was prepared for the NIS by the Office of Naval Intelligence, with contributions on coastal oceanog- raphy from the U.S. Hydrographic Office and on routes of transportation from the Office of the Chief of Transportation, Department of the Army. The material on landing beaches was prepared under the general supervision of the Assistant Chief of Stall for Intelligence, Headquarters, Department of the Army, by the Office of the Chief of Engineers. NO FOREIGN DISSEM PAGE 22-v Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NAVY ? JUNE 1962 MILITARY GEOGRAPHY CONFIDENTIAL 22. Coasts and Landing Beaches The user can supplement the information in this Section by referring to Section 20 for a strategic appreciation of the Area's external geographic relationships and its inter- nal geographic characteristics. Topical treatment of Weather and Climate is given in Sec- tion 23; Topography, including Terrain, Vegetation, and Cross-country Movement, in Sec- tion 24; and Urban Areas in Section 25. Integrated analysis of key military aspects of these topical sections by regions is presented in Section 21. A. General 1. Summary The NIS 55 Area consists of about 3,055 miles* of coastline and comprises Ethiopia (including Eritrea**), French Somaliland, and the Somali Re- public (FIGuRE 22-76). Socotra and the adjacent islands,*** located off the "Horn of Africa," have about 275 coastline miles. On the north, the main- land coasts are fronted by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden which are connected by a narrow strait, the Bab el Mandeb. On the east, the mainland coasts are fronted by the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Socotra and the adjacent islands lie in the westernmost part of the Arabian Sea. The coastal zones of the NIS 55 Area are mostly hot desert and semidesert regions, sparsely popu- lated, and served only by the most meager net- work of roads and tracks. A wide coastal plain prevails in the southeastern part of the Area. Elsewhere, the coastal plains are much narrower and compartmentalized by ridges which extend to the sea from a rugged hilly-to-mountainous hin- terland. Numerous intermittent streams emanate from these highlands and flow in entrenched courses across the coastal plains. The NIS 55 Area is bordered on the northwest by Sudan (NIS 54) and on the south by Kenya (NIS 56A). The adjacent coast of Sudan has sandy shores, fronted in most places by reefs, shoals, and islands. A low and sandy coastal plain, as wide as 40 miles, backs the shores and rises gently to barren rugged mountains. In places, isolated hills rise abruptly from the coastal plain. In the text, distances are in statute miles unless nautical miles are specifically indicated by "n.," as in "14 n. miles." Eritrea became federated with Ethiopia on 15 Sep- tember 1952 and a province of Ethiopia on 15 Novem- ber 1962. Socotra and adjacent islands are treated in this Section because of their proximity to the Somali Re- public. They are politically a part of the Aden Protectorate (NIS 32) . CONFIDENTIAL The adjacent coast of Kenya has mostly sandy shores fringed by coral reefs and interrupted by stretches of rocky cliff-bound shores. Many islands, reefs, and rocks front the shores. A flat- to-undulating coastal plain, mainly covered by grass and brush, but partly cultivated, extends for many miles inland behind the shore. A low ridge rises from the plain, roughly paralleling the shore about 11 miles inland. Based on political divisions, the Area is divided into three sectors as follows: Sector Sector Sector 1?Ethiopia (Eritrea) . 2?French Somaliland. 3?Somali Republic and Socotra and adja- cent islands. Twenty major beach areas, 16 minor beach areas, and 31 landing places are in the NIS Area; 3 major beach areas and 3 landing places are on Socotra and adjacent islands. Major beach areas, the distribution of which is shown on FIGURE 22-76, range from 1 mile to 40 miles in length and are widely scattered throughout the Area. Minor beach areas are similarly distributed, as shown in FIGURES 22-71 through 22-75, and range from 400 yards to 1,720 yards in length. The largest concentration of the major and minor beach areas is along the eastern part of the north coast (Subsector 3-A) and the southern part of the east coast (Subsector 3-C). Most of this NIS Area is unsuitable for large- scale amphibious operations because of poor ap- proaches, principally fringing coral reefs; cliffs, bluffs, or steep hills and mountains close behind the shore; and the general lack of roads. The coastal areas most suitable for large-scale am- phibious operations are near Massaua and Assab in Ethiopia (Eritrea) (Sector 1), Djibouti in French Somaliland (Sector 2), Berbera and Bender Cas- sim on the north coast of the Somali Republic (Subsector 3-A) , and at Itala and Mogadiscio on the east coast of the Somali Republic (Subsector 3-C). These areas have been selected primarily because they include several or all of the follow- ing: generally unobstructed approaches; port facili- NO FOREIGN DISSEM Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 PAGE 22-1 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL ties; relatively lar proximate roads, r The Eritrean co sandy shores back or sand dunes whi undulating coast miles wide. Part marsh or swamp w barren but have brush. Backing t NI S 55 NAVY - JUNE 1962 ge plains behind beaches; and ailroads, and air facilities. St (Sector 1) has predominantly d mostly by low sandy stretches h in turn are backed by flat-to- plains mostly about 5 to 15 of the shores are fringed by ile the coastal plains are mostly scattered clumps of grass or e coastal plains is an extensive partly brush- and tree-covered mountainous pla- teau with elevations up to 10,000 feet. In places, hilly-to-mountaino s spurs of the interior high- lands reach to or ear the water's edge, compart- mentalizing the co stal plains. Isolated hills and mountains are als scattered over many parts of the plains. The in erior plateau is deeply dissected by numerous int rmittent streams which flow across the plains n entrenched courses and, in many places, terrrinate in swamps, marshes, or porous sandy ares on the coastal plains. For brevity, these inter ittent streams are referred to as "wadies" in the beach tables appearing in this SECTION 22. French Somalila d (Sector 2) has mostly sandy shores but there a e many rocky cuffed stretches of shore as well as some 'muddy stretches border- ing the Golfe de adjoura. Along most of the Golfe de Tadjoura, narrow pocket plains back the shore, in turn bac and a mountain? these highlands te edge. Along the B the shores are pri sloping sandy co ed and flanked by rugged hills s plateau. In many places minate in cliffs at the water's b el Mandeb and Gulf of Aden, arily backed by flat-to-gently tal plains which extend as much as 30 miles inland. Rugged hills and a mountainous plate .0 back the coastal plains. The coastal areas are Mostly barren, but clumps of grass and brush plains while the hi The Somali Re sandy shores, alth of rock, pebble, or low bluffs back m re scattered over the coastal hlands are partly wooded. ublic (Sector 3) has mainly ugh there are some stretches mud. Rocky slopes, cliffs, or st of the shores, and at the headlands rise dir ctly from the water's ele. The southwestern shores of the Somali Repub ic (south of approximately 8?N.) are backed by a flat- to-undulating coastal plain that extends over 100 miles inland. In t e remainder of the SomaliFte- public, the shores tr e backed by plains that are mostly 5 to 25 mils s wide and sporadically inter- rupted by isolate hills and mountains. The plains are separated by hilly-to-mountainous spurs and ridges that ext nd to the sea from highly dis- sected rugged hills nd mountains which back the plains. Most of th Somali Republic coast is bar- ren with scattered lumps of grass or brush, but PAGE 22-2 there are prominent areas of grass, pasture, and cultivation in the southern part of the country. This southern part is drained by the only peren- nial rivers in the entire NIS Area. The remainder of the country is dissected by numerous intermit- tent streams. These streams flow in entrenched courses across the coastal plains, and many of them terminate in the sands before they reach the sea. The principal off-lying islands are the Isole Dah- lac (Sector 1) , a dense cluster of islands and islets in the Red Sea, and Socotra and adjacent islands (Subsector 3-B) in the Arabian Sea. The numer- ous islands and islets of the Isole Dahlac are prin- cipally low, composed of sand and coral outcrop- pings, and have mostly sandy shores with fring- ing coral reefs. Socotra and the adjacent islands are mainly hilly and mountainous, and although Socotra has many stretches of sandy shores, the other islands are chiefly bordered by rocky shores. In many places throughout the Area, movement inland from the shores is difficult because of steep bluffs and cliffs. Cross-country movement over broad areas of the coastal plains is good; however, isolated hills and mountains, sand dunes, and sandhills are local obstacles to movement in places but they can generally be bypassed. Vehicular movement on the plains is impeded in many places by the steep sides of entrenched intermittent streams. During rainy periods, many of the streams on the coastal plains flood and inundate broad areas. There are also many areas of sandy clay along the coastal plains which become very slippery during rainy periods, presenting a traffic- ability problem for wheeled vehicles. The Tugged hills, mountains, and plateaus which back and flank the plains are formidable obstacles to move- ment. Movement through these highlands is mainly limited to stream valleys or to the skeletal network of roads and tracks. Within this NIS Area, the offshore approaches are mostly clear although in Sectors 1 and 2 there are several groups of off-lying islands, rocks, reefs, and shoals. The principal group of offshore ob- structions is the islands, islets, and reefs of the Isole Dahlac which lie as much as 80 n. miles off the mainland coast of Sector 1. The Isole Dahlac, however, are separated from the mainland by a rel- atively broad navigable channel; an additional but more devious channel leads through the archipel- ago. Throughout the Area, coral reefs fringe most of the shores of both the mainland and islands and constitute the principal nearshore en- cumberance; however, there are also scattered rocks, shoals, and islands encumbering parts of the nearshore approaches, especially in the south- ern part of the Area. NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NAVY-JUNE 1962 MILITARY GEOGRAPHY In this Section anchorages are classified either as fleet anchorages or anchorages. A fleet anchor- age is one that affords clear anchorage in an area of 4 square miles or more in not less than 7 fathoms and offers some protection from the weather. All fleet anchorages are symbolized on the location maps (FIGURES 22-71 through 22-76). The other anchorages are those that fail to meet the size, depth, or protection criteria for a fleet anchorage and are not symbolized on the location maps. There are four potential fleet anchorages, all lo- cated off Eritrea (Sector 1). These fleet an- chorages are off the mainland in Golfo di Zula and Baia di Beilul, and on the western side of Isola Dahlac Chebir, an island in the Isole Dahlac. In addition to the potential fleet anchorages, there are many smaller anchorages scattered through the Area, but only a few offer any protection. The ports in this Section are classified as prin- cipal, secondary, and minor ports on a basis of alongside berthing capacity and commercial and strategic importance. Massaua in Ethiopia (Eri- trea) and Djibouti in French Somaliland are prin- cipal ports; Assab in Eritrea is a secondary port. These ports are the only ports in the area that have alongside accommodations for oceangoing vessels. Massaua handles about 90% of the waterborne cargo for Eritrea and has highway connections with the hinterland as well as a railroad leading inland. Although Djibouti lacks good road con- nections, it has a railroad leading inland to Addis Ababa, making it the principal port for Ethiopia. The secondary port of Assab is also very signifi- cant as an outlet for Ethiopian trade, particularly because it has good highway connections with Addis Ababa. In addition to the principal and secondary ports, there are 15 minor ports with piers, which are located principally along the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. Also, a number of places, not classified as ports and without piers, handle cargo over the shores. In general, the ports are the largest coastal cen- ters of urban population, with Mogadiscio in the Somali Republic being the most populous. Other important coastal urban areas are: Massaua and Assab, in Eritrea; Djibouti, in French Somaliland; Berbera, Merca, Brava, and Chisimaio, all in the Somali Republic. Also, there are widely scattered villages and settlements, the population of which are seasonally increased and decreased by semi- nomads, the principal inhabitants on the coastal plains. CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL The transportation routes in this Section are classified as surfaced roads, unsurf aced roads, tracks, or trails. Surfaced roads have either bi- tuminous, bituminous-treated, gravel, or earth and gravel surfaces, 14 to 22 feet wide. Except for spot flooding during rainy periods, the surfaced roads may be regarded as being all-weather routes. Unsurfaced roads are composed of earth and are graded and drained, but in general are trafficable only during dry weather. In places, both the surfaced and unsurfaced roads may be in a poor state of repair, particularly in the Somali Republic. The remaining land routes are classi- fied as tracks or trails. In general, tracks are dry- weather routes that are wide enough for a small truck to negotiate. Trails are routes which can be used by pack animals and foot troops, but are gen- erally unsuitable for wheeled or tracked vehicles. Source data on the transportation routes were in- complete in many places, and classification of the routes may be subject to changes in localized areas. A skeletal network of roads, tracks, and trails extends over the plains and only a few routes lead into the interior. Vehicles can move cross- country over the greater part of the coastal plains, and the lack of roads and tracks on the plains is not as great a handicap as it is in the hilly-to- mountainous hinterland where off-road movement is difficult to impossible. There are only six places in the NIS Area where surfaced roads lead any appreciable distance inland from the shores; these are at Massaua and Assab in Eritrea, and Berbera, Bender Beila, Obbia, and Mogadiscio in the Somali Republic. However, only the roads leading inland from Massaua, Assab, and Moga- discio are bituminous or bituminous treated; the others are gravel or gravel and earth. There are only two railroads of importance in the NIS Area, and both are narrow gage and single tracked. The longest railroad is a 3'3%" meter- gage line extending some 490 route miles from the principal port of Djibouti, in French Somaliland, to Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia. The other is a 3'1%"-gage line running some 190 route miles from the principal port of Massaua to As- mara and Agordat, serving most of the important urban areas of Eritrea. The Fiume Giuba, in the southern part of the Somali Republic, is the only navigable river in the NIS Area. There are seasonal variations in the water level, but during the higher water pe- riod of March or April through November, craft drawing 3 feet can ply the river more than 300 miles upstream. NO FOREIGN DISSEM Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 PAGE 22-3 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL N I S 5 5 Air facilities in t ing to Vol. 18 of At the World as follow, is Section are classified accord- fields and Seaplane StationS of AIRFIELDS CLASS LENGT* OF DELINEATED RUNWAY* (FEET) 1 .... 7,000 fee 6,000 to 5,000 to 4,000 to 2,000 to import nifica lineat or over ,999 ,999 4,999 ,999, or any usable potentially nt airfield of intelligence sig- ce over 2,000 feet without de- d runways SEAPLANE STATIONS DESCRIPTION shelter and complete facilities shelter but limited or aban- acilities CLASS 6 .... Adequat 7 .... Adequat doned * Delineated i'ariway is a defined or marked area on an a1rfleld prepared or selected for landing and takeoff of aircraft. Runway surfaces are symbolized on the location maps as follows: ip?Permanent, T?Temporary, and N?Natural. Air facilities not described in the Airfield and Se plane Station publication are referred to as "un lassified" and are not symbol- ized on the location maps (FIGURES 22-71 through 22-75). The "unc assified" airfields or seaplane stations are areas potentially available for the landing of aircraft. The only Class 1 there is also a Clas classified facility f Other airfields are and on the highlan important coastal saua, Bender Cassi addition to the air the plains that are s though loose sand ardous in places. ing areas on the p hinterland. ir facility is at Djibouti where s 7 seaplane station, the only r seaplanes in the NIS Area. ell distributed on the plains s in the interior with the most ir facilities located at Mas- , Alula, and Mogadiscio. In elds, there are broad areas on itable for helicopter landings, nd rocks make landing haz- here are also helicopter land- ateaus and tablelands in the A hot, dry mons over the coastal tremely hot the ye or June through S prevailing mean tures of 85? F. to 1 coastal lowlands, m or less but the inte to more than 40 inc While land and s the general wind p ture. Along the Re from the southeast onal type of climate prevails eas. While the area is eX- r around, the months of May ptember are the hottest with onthly maximum tempera- 0? F. Along most of the arid n annual rainfall is 10 inches ior highlands receive from 15 es of rainfall annually. a breezes dominate at times, tterns are monsoonal in na- Sea coast, winds are mostly and south during the period of October through April, while winds from the PAGE 22-4 NAVY?JUNE 1962 northwest quadrant prevail during June through August. Along the Gulf of Aden coast, winds are primarily from the east and northeast during the period of October through April and from the southwestern quadrant during June through Au- gust. The Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea coasts have winds mainly from the northeast and north during November through March and predomi- nantly from the southwest and south during June through August. Throughout the Area, wind di- rections are variable during the transitional pe- riods between the monsoon seasons. In the coastal areas, sporadic sandstorms and the flash flooding of streams are significant results of weather factors bearing on ground operations. In many places the flooding of streams washes out portions of nearby roads or tracks. The sea approaches, beach areas, and coastal terrain are summarized in tabular form in FIGURE 22-1, Summary of Coasts and Landing Beaches. 2. Maps and charts The position of the coastal sectors and subsec- tors, and the distribution of major beaches are shown on FIGURE 22-76: Coastal Divisions and Dis- tribution of Major Beaches. The delineation of the coastal sectors, subsectors, and segments and the location and orientation of major and minor beach areas and landing places are shown on the location maps (FIGURES 22-71 through 22-75), produced from World Aeronautical Charts, scale 1:1,000,000. Only limited generalized hydrog- raphy is shown on the location maps and should not be used for navigational purposes. For com- plete information on rocks and shoals, anchorages, and dangers to navigation, the largest scale hydro- graphic charts of the Area and the following pub- lications should be consulted: USHO Pub. No. 61, Sailing Directions for the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and USHO Pub. No. 60, Sailing Directions for Southeast Coast of Africa. Reference should also be made to appropriate NIS Sections and Supplements. 3. Criteria for beach selection This Maintenance Section reflects major changes in the selection and description of the landing beaches of Ethiopia (Eritrea) and the So- malilands contained in SECTION 22 of NIS 55, dated March 1950. The changes are based on re- vised criteria for selecting landing beaches and in- formation obtained subsequent to publication of the original NIS Section, which has made possible a more accurate selection and appraisal of sev- eral beaches. In general, the beaches were se- lected by analysis of hydrographic charts, topo- NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL Apprlved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NAVY?JUNE 1962 MILITARY GEOGRAPHY FIGURE 22-1. SUMMARY OF COASTS AND LANDING BEACHES (Map reference: FIGURE 22-76) CONFIDENTIAL SECTOR OR SUBSECTOR SEA APPROACHES BEACHES COASTAL TERRAIN 1 Ethiopia (Eritrea) Islands, rocks, and shoals en- Sector contains 4 major beach The mainland shores are predominantly (18?02'N., 38?36'E. cumber many parts of off- areas, 6 minor beach areas sandy and are backed mostly by low to shore approaches, particu- and 9 landing places on the sandy stretches or sand dunes. 12?42'N., 43?08'E.) larly at the entrance to the mainland. There are no Coastal terrain consists of plains of numerous large bays in- beaches on the islands of variable width backed by high moun- denting the coast. The the archipelago. Major tains and plateaus. Isolated hills principal nearshore obstruc- beach areas range in length and peaks rise from the plains and don is a discontinuous fring- from 1 to 334 miles. back the shores in several places. ing coral reef and in places L.W. widths of major beach Sparsely scattered grass and brush there are sandbars, some of areas range from 40 to 150 are the predominant vegetation cover which dry. Potential fleet yards; H.W. widths range in this sector. The numerous islands anchorages are located off from 10 to 35 yards. Beach and islets of the offshore archipelago the mainland in Golfo di gradients are predomi- are principally low and sandy with Zula and Baia di Beilul in nantly gentle to mild in the scattered coral outcroppings. Ob- the central part of the sec- L.W. to H.W. zone and structions in the approaches to the tor. There are two addi- mostly steep in the II.W. islands make them generally unsuit- tional potential fleet an- zone. Primary beach ma- able for amphibious operations. Mas- chorages on the western side terial is sand. Exits mostly saua is a principal port and Assab a of Isola Dahlac Chebir, an cross-country to tracks and secondary port. A narrow-gage rail- island in the offshore archi- pelago of Isole Dahlac. Nearshore bottom slopes range from moderate to fiat. Primary nearshore bottom material is sand. During the period October through April, the expected average occurrence of surf 4 feet or higher ranges from infre- quent up to 12% of the time; it is infrequent in all other months. Spring tides of 3 feet occur in the north- ern half of the sector and diurnal tides of 23 feet oc- cur in the southern half. trails, road runs westward into the interior from Massaua. Two main surfaced roads lead from Massaua and Assab westward into the hinterland. There is also one principal coastal track traversing the length of the sector from 1 to 133' miles inland. Else- where, a scattered network of tracks and trails leads inland from the shores. There are only tracks and trails on the larger inhabited islands of the archipelago. Class 1 air facilities are located at Asmara and Gura, a Class 2 air facility at Massaua, a Class 3 facility at Maacaca; there are several unclassified facilities as well. CONFIDENTIAL NO FOREIGN DISSEM Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 PAGE 22-5 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL NIS 55 FIGURE 22-1 (Continued) NAVY ? RINE 1962 SECTOR OR SUBSECTOR SEA APPROACHES BEACHES COASTAL TERRAIN 2 French Somaliland (12?42'N., 43?08'E. to 1128'N., 43?16'E.) PAGE 22-6 Offshore approaches to the sector are relatively unob- structed while nearshore ap- proaches are principally ob- structed by a fringing reef extending throughout most of the sector. Nearshore bottom slopes range from steep to flat. Primary near- shore bottom material is sand or sand mixed with mud. The expected aver- age occurrence of surf 4 feet or higher is infrequent dur- ing all months. Diurnal tides range from 4 to 04 feet. There are no major beach areas; however, there are 2 minor beach areas and 7 landing places. Minor beach areas are 750 and 780 yards long; H.W. widths range from 15 to 50 yards, L.W. widths 50 to 500 yards. Beach ma- terial is sand or sand mixed with gravel. Exits cross- country to tracks, trails, or a surfaced road. NO FOREIGN DISSEM The shores of the northern part of the sector are predominantly sandy; the southern part consists of sandy or muddy stretches interrupted by cliffs and numerous intermittent streams. The northern shores are backed mostly by a low coastal plain covered with scattered sand dunes and clumps of grass and brush; the southern shores are backed principally by partly wooded and brush-covered hills and mountains except at the southern end of the sector where there is a broadening coastal plain. On the northern and southern parts of the sector the coastal terrain consists of desert plains of variable width backed by hills and mountains; parts of plains interrupted by isolated hills and peaks. Elsewhere, there are narrow broken stretches of sandy plain. Djibouti is a principal port, and there are minor ports at Obock and Tadjoura. A single-track meter- gage railroad runs from Djibouti to Addis Ababa. Land transportation is very poor and consists essentially of scattered tracks and trails. One main route, which starts out at Dji- bouti as a hard-surfaced road, ex- tends inland west-southwestward to the Ethiopian border. One principal coastal track serves the northern plain while another main coastal track extends along the coastal plain south of Djibouti. Cross-country movement across the northern and southern coastal plain is relatively unimpeded but movement inland through the mountains backing the plain is mostly impossible. There are a Class 1 air facility and Class 7 seaplane station at Djibouti. CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NAVY?JUNE 1962 MILITARY GEOGRAPHY CONFIDENTIAL FIGURE 22-1 (Continued) SECTOR OR SUBSECTOR SEA APPROACHES BEACHES COASTAL TERRAIN 3?A French Somaliland ? So- mali Republic border to Capo Guardafui. (11?28'N., 43?16'E. to 11?50'N., 51?17'E.) 3?B Socotra and adjacent is- lands. (12?45'N., 12?05'N., to 52?00'E., 54?35'E.) CONFIDENTIAL Islands, rocks, shoals, and reefs encumber the offshore approaches to the western- most part of the subsector. Nearshore approaches partly encumbered with scattered rocks, reefs, shoals, islets, and sandbars. Open anchorages are avail- able off many parts of the coast, but only those at Zeila and Berbera have some protection. Near- shore bottom slopes range from steep to flat. Near- shore bottom material is sand or sand mixed with shells. The expected aver- age occurrence of surf 4 feet or greater on beaches ranges from 5% to 15% of the time October through April, infrequent to 4% in May; it is infrequent in all other months. Diurnal tides of 5 feet occur. Offshore approaches to Soco- tra and its off-lying islands generally clear; nearshore approaches partly ob- structed by reefs and rocks. Nearshore bottom slopes range from steep to mild. Nearshore bottom material consists of sand or sand mixed with rocks, coral, and mud. The expected aver- age occurrence of surf 4 feet or higher is infrequent dur- ing all months on major beach area (14). However, the average occurrence of surf 4 feet or higher on the remaining beaches ranges from 7% to 14% of the time during October through April; it is 4% in May and infrequent during all other months. Diurnal tides of about 5M feet occur. Subsector contains 7 major beach areas, 6 minor beach areas, and 7 landing places. One major beach area is 40 miles long, but the others range from 1M to 153 miles in length. Four beach areas are separated or in- terrupted by wadi mouths. Where known L.W. widths of major beaches range from 50 to 110 yards. [LW. widths range from 5 to 20 yards. Beach gradients in the L.W. to [LW. zones range from moderate to gentle but are unknown on one beach. Beach gradi- ents in the H.W. zones are steep. Primary beach ma- terial is sand.. Exits mostly cross-country to tracks. Subsector contains 3 major beach areas on Socotra; 1 landing place is on Socotra and 2 are on 'Abd al Kum Major beach areas range from 1 to 17 miles in length. L.W. widths range from 40 to 90 yards, II.W. widths 5 to 20 yards. Beach gradi- ents are moderate to gentle in the L.W. to H.W. zone and steep in the H.W. zone. Beach materials are sand or sand mixed with gravel. Exits cross-country to tracks and trails. NO FOREIGN DISSEM The subsector is bordered mostly by sandy shores separated and backed by bluffs and cliffs, most of which range from 12 to 25 feet in height. Coastal terrain consists of series of generally narrow arid plains separated by spurs and ridges extending from rugged hills and mountains that comprise the hinterland. Plains in- terspersed with detached hills and mountains and intersected by many intermittent streams. During rainy periods streams on westernmost plain flood and inundate broad areas. Dominant vegetation is generally widely scattered clump grass and brush with some trees. Tracks and unsurfaced roads closely ,parallel the coast, and in several places surfaced and unsurfaced roads and tracks extend over the rugged hills and mountains into the interior. Zeila, Berbera, Bender Cassim, Candala, and Alula are minor ports. Class 2 air facilities are at Bender Cassim and Alula, and a Class 4 facility is at Berbera. The shores of Socotra are predominantly sandy but interrupted in many places by high marine cliffs. In general, coastal terrain consists of a northern and southern coastal plain, separated inland by a deeply dis- sected, mountainous plateau. The plains and inland plateau are covered with scattered brush and trees. The shores of the off-lying islands are predominantly rocky except for sandy shores on the northern coast of 'Abd al KtlrI; inland terrain is mostly rocky and mountainous; the islands are uninhabited. There are no ports, urban areas, or roads on Socotra or its off-lying islands. Routes of com- munication on Socotra are limited to a coastal track across the northern side of the island with a branch route extending to the western side. Else- where, there are only trails. Cross- country movement is impeded by the mountains backing the narrow plains. Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 PAGE 22-7 Approved For Release 1999/09/24 : CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL N I S 55 FIGURE 22-1 (Continued) NAVY?JUNE 1962 SECTOR OR SUBSECTOA 3?C Capo Guardafui to Som4li Republic ? Kenya bob- der. (11?50'N., 51?17'E. to 1?40'S., 41?34'E.) SEA APPROACHES BEACHES COASTAL TERRAIN Offshore approaches generally clear. Nearshore ap- proaches partly obstructed by reefs, shoals, rocks, and islets; chain of reef-fringed islands and islets extend from Chisimaio to Kenya border. Anchorages are along the generally open coast; only protected har- bor is at Chisimaio. Near- shore bottom slopes range from moderate to flat. Near- shore bottom material is sand or sand mixed with rock, shell, coral, or mud. The expected average oc- currence of surf 4 feet or , greater on beaches ranges from 4% to 20% of the time during November through March, 9% to 47% April and May, 12% to 76% June through August, and 9% to 56% September and Octo- ber. Spring tides range from 534 to 9 feet. Subsector contains 9 major beach areas, 2 minor beach areas, and 8 landing places. One major beach area is 27 miles long but others range from 13.1 to 8 miles in length. A few beaches have interruptions. L.W. widths of major beach areas range from 30 to 300 yards, H.W. widths from 10 to 30 yards. Beach gradients in L.W. to H.W. zone range from steep to flat and in H.W. zone are steep. Beach material is sand. Exits cross-country to tracks; sur- faced and unsurfaced roads lead inland from several beach areas. The subsector is bordered by sandy shores, which alternate with rocky stretches in the center of the sub- sector and mud near the southwestern end. Shores are in most places backed and separated by escarpments, several hundred feet in height in the north and decreasing southward to eleva- tions little above the general level of the sea. Coastal terrain is mainly a plateau 5 to 25 miles wide in the northeast progressively declining in elevation in the southwest where it becomes a plain which extends in- land 80 to 120 miles before elevations of 1,000 feet are attained. Greater part of the shore is closely backed by long lines of sandhills and escarpment- backed terraces. A low mountain rises west of Obbia, and hills and dune-covered areas of sand are in- terspersed over the plain. Northern end of subsector intersected by in- termittent streams; two perennial rivers, the only ones in the Area, in- tersect the southern part of the plain. Dominant vegetation on plain is scattered clump grass and desert brush that increases in density west- ward; on the southern part of plain it gives way to pastureland and areas of cultivation. Tracks and unsur- faced roads closely parallel the coast, and in several places surfaced and unsurfaced roads and tracks extend into interior. The Fiume Giuba, one of the perennial rivers, is navigable for distances of about 300 miles. Dante, Merca, Brava, Mogadiscio, and Chisimaio are minor ports. A Class 2 air facility is located at Mogadiscio, and a Class 4 facility is maintained at Chisimaio. graphic maps, Sailing Directions, and recent pho- tography. In this Maintenance Section the landing beaches are divided into tIMee categories: 1) major beach areas, 2). minor beach areas, and 3) landing places. Major beacli areas are numbered and plotted on the location maps and described in de- tial for the planning of amphibious operations at elements of information considered to be essen- tial for the plannin of amphibious operations at strategic or high op rational levels. Minor beach areas are also num ered, plotted on the location maps, and describe in tabular form, but their descriptions are brie . Landing places are neither numbered nor described but are plotted on the lo- cation maps. PAGE 22-8 The landing beaches in this Section are classi- fied primarily by length. In addition, all beaches are accessible from the sea, fringe on coasts con- sidered favorable for amphibious landings, and have feasible exits. The length criteria are: a) Major beach area . . . Total length 1 statute mile or more. b) Minor beach area . . . Total length 400 yards or more but less than 1 stat- ute mile. c) Landing? places Total length less than 400 yards. The beach areas considered best for amphibious landings in this NIS Area are as follows: major beach (2) in Sector 1; minor beach 8 in Sector 2; major beac,h (5) and minor beach 12 in Subsector 3-A; part of major beach (2) in Subsector 3-B; NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24 : CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NAVY?JUNE 1962 MILITARY GEOGRAPHY CONFIDENTIAL and major beaches (18) through (20) and minor beach 15 in Subsector 3-C. The five landing places of Assab in Sector 1, if considered a single landing area, also offer good. landing possibilities. 4. Major beach areas The location, approximate dimensions, slopes, approaches, surf and tidal conditions, beach ma- terial and firmness, coastal terrain, and exits for each major beach area are tabulated at the end of the coastal description of each sector or sub- sector; brief textual summaries of beach charac- teristics precede the tables. Explanations of beach area numbering and column headings in the tables, and definitions of terms used in the tables and the text summaries follows. The Gen- eralized Beach Profile Diagram for a Tidal Sea (FIGURE 22-2) illustrates the significance of terms used in the text and beach tables. a. BEACH NUMBERS AND LOCATION ? Major beach area numbers appear in parentheses, as (1), in the text and tables, but are shown enclosed in circles on the location maps (FIGURES 22-71 through 22-75) and on photographs. The ap- proximate position and, where possible, the limits of the usable part of each beach are shown on the location maps. In the first column of the major beach tables, each beach is located with reference to a geographical feature and by geographical co- ordinates to the nearest minute. Geographical coordinates are given for both flanks of a beach 2 miles or more in length and for the center of a beach less than 2 miles in length. The coordi- nates given in the tables were taken from the lo- cation maps. In the beach number and location column are also listed references to photographs which illustrate the beach area, and a reliability evaluation of the 'source information used in pre- paring the beach table. b. LENGTH AND USABLE LENGTH ? The usable length of a beach area is the total length minus such unusable stretches as: 1) separations con- sisting of breaks in beach continuity caused by natural features such as wadi mouths which pre- vent lateral movement along the beach without the aid of special equipment, and 2) unusable sections consisting of those parts of a beach which are closely backed by salt water lagoons which make exit from the beach infeasible. Interruptions are considered to be partial obstructions such as wadi mouths and piers that would impede but would not block lateral movement along the beach. Beach lengths are expressed in yards or statute miles. C. WIDTHS Beach widths at high water and low water are referred to in the text and tables. Width at low water (L.W.) is the maximum usable width of a beach that can be expected to be dry during periods of low tide and slight wave action. Width at high water (H.W.) is the mini- mum width of a beach that can be expected to re- main dry during periods of high tide under nor- mal wind, wave, and tide conditions and is meas- ured from the landward limit of normal wave ac- tion (FiouRE 22-2). All beaches may be subject to inundation under abnormal storm conditions such as might exist when heavy gales occur. The extreme landward limit reached by waves during -rx? Offshore --pi-% SEA APPROACH N shoe High water level tide) - Low water (doium) level ? B? (low tide) ApProx; 30-ft. o 0.m. depth Foreshore Average nearshore bottom slope = As Lo BEACH OR SHORE Beach width at low water (maximum) Zone of normat wave wash above water love! (variable) Beach width at high water (minimum),?..- (normally dry) or backshore Berm crest Berm Limit of-nOrtn.a..1-we 'action (high water) Beach gradient in H.W. zone (influenced greatly by wave action) water to high water beach gradient a known depth (referred to datum) in nearshore zone distance of known depth from datum shoreline COASTAL TERRAIN,--11=. EXITS Cliffs Plain riy(RF:ertrAtt.gr.:MS1. ? Extreme limit of . . storm wave action (infrequently reached) FIGURE 22-2. GENERALIZED BEACH PROFILE DIAGRAM FOR TIDAL SEA. Zones used in estimating widths and gradient ratios (vertical distance over horizontal distance) for beaches in tidal areas. CONFIDENTIAL NO FOREIGN DISSEM Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 PAGE 22-9 Approved For Release 1999/09/24 : CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL N I S. 5 5 NAVY - JUNE 1962 these abnormal storms is an accepted landward limit of a beach. Where wave action is slight, the zone of normal wave wash becomes insignificant and for all practical purposes the minimum width of a beach bordering on a tidal sea would be measured from the high water line to the extreme ? limit of storm wave action. d. BEACH GRAPIENTS ? The beach gradients given in the tables are expressed as a ratio of ver- tical. rise to horizontal distance (FIGURE 22-2). Two beach gradients are given: 1) the gradient from low water to iigh water (L.W. to H.W.), the part of a beach alt rnately covered and uncovered by the rise and fall of the tide; and 2) the gradient from the high wat r level to the landward limit of normal wave actio (H.W. zone), a relatively nar- row part of a beach subject to varying amounts of inundation and Wave action. Both gradients (L.W. to H.W. and H.W. zone) may vary consid- erably from one lOcality to another a few yards along the beach, from one day or week to the next, or with the passage of a single storm. For these reasons, even thosE curate beach surve ered to be approxiir The following ter gradient ratios based on ac- information must be consid- ations. s describe the indicated gen- eral ranges of beach gradients and nearshore bot- tom slopes. TERM GRADIENT RANGE flat horizon61 to (but not including) 1 on 120 mild 1 on 126 to (but not including) 1 on 60 gentle 1 on 60 to (but not including) 1 on 30 moderate . . 1 on 30 to (but not including) 1 on 15 steep .... . 1 on 15 and steeper For example, a gradient range of "1 on 30 to 1 on 15" is classed as In oderate, "1 on 40 to 1 on 15" as gentle to moderic te; a single gradient value of "1 on 16" is classed as moderate, but "1 on 15" as steep. C. APPROACH ? Characteristics and features of the nearshore zone (generally shoreward of 30- and 36-foot depths) re stressed in the tables under this heading; howe er, important features in the offshore zone (seaw rd of 30- and 36-foot depths) such as obstructio s and anchorages are men- tioned when it is apparent that they would affect amphibious landings. All depths are referred to chart datum planes which reflect depth conditions during stages of loiv water. For more complete information on the offshore and nearshore zone, the Sailing Directions, and the most recent and largest scale hydrographic charts of the Area should be consulted. The nearshore bottom slope, also referred to in the "Approach" column of the major beach tables, is an average gradient of the nearshore bottom, PAGE 22-10 determined by the relationship between known depths and their corresponding distances from the low water shoreline. Because the nearshore bot- tom slope represents a computed average gradient which may vary considerably, it is best expressed in comparative terms, such as steep, gentle, etc. (FIGURE 22-2 and Subsection A, 4, d). f. SURF AND TIDAL RANGE ? Experience has demonstrated that loss of or crippling damage to existing types of landing craft increases abruptly and prohibitively as the average height of surf reaches 4 feet. For this reason surf 4 feet or greater in height has been given special empha- sis in this Section. Operations through surf less than 4 feet in height are considered feasible, and the occurrence of such surf is not reported in the beach tables. Surf 4 feet or greater in height oc- curring less than a statistical total of 24 hours per month is described as occurring infrequently. The surf data in the beach tables were derived from breaker and surf data sheets prepared by the U.S. Navy Hydrographic Office and the data were modified by factors of short alinement and exposure when applied to individual beaches. Tidal information for the beach tables was de- rived from the tidal range chart (FIGURE 22-63A) compiled by the U.S. Navy Hydrographic Office. The ranges given in the beach tables are spring or diurnal ranges interpolated to the nearest half foot. Tidal ranges are given to the nearest one- tenth of a foot only when a tide station is within the limits of a selected beach. g. MATERIAL AND FIRMNESS ? Beach material for the NIS 55 Area is predominantly sand. To indicate the trafficability of materials, beaches are characterized as firm, soft, or loose. A firm beach (in general, composed of a well-graded mixture of particle sizes or of wet sand) is one that will sup- port the weight of wheeled vehicles and will allow initial movement without special equipment or aids, provided the beach gradient is sufficiently low for normal movement. ' A soft beach (in gen- eral, composed of poorly graded sand, dry sand, mud, or sand mixed with mud) may support vehi- cles but because of poor traction, wheeled vehicles will, in general, require the assistance of tracked vehicles or mats for movement. A loose beach (in general, composed of poorly graded materials such as gravel or cobbles, i.e., materials with limited size range and without fine material to fill the voids) will support vehicles but provides poor traction. The trafficability of most beaches was deter- mined by interpretation of ground photographs and study of factual data contained in documents. The trafficability of the remaining beaches was de- NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999109124: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NAVY-JUNE 1962 MILITARY GEOGRAPHY termined by a study of the physical features and conditions of the beach affecting firmness such as the composition, exposure to wave attack, manner of formation, deposition of materials, gradients, and moisture content. h. TERRAIN IMMEDIATELY BEHIND BEACH ? In- formation under this heading describes terrain and cultural features inland of the beach and stresses those features which aid or impede movement in- land from the beach proper. This description is usually carried to the first major relief feature, but in general, not farther than 15 to 20 miles inland. i. EXITS AND COMMUNICATIONS INLAND ? Under this heading are listed the known or apparent means of moving inland from the beach and the proximity of roads, tracks, trails, railroads, airfields, seaplane stations, and ports. For addi- tional information on transportation facilities, appropriate NIS Sections and Supplements should be consulted. 5. Minor beach areas and landing places a. MINOR BEACH AREAS ? The location, approxi- mate length and width, beach composition, ap- proaches, terrain, behind the beach, exits inland and the reliability of the source of information for minor beach areas are briefly summarized in tables following the major beach table for each Sector or Subsector. The minor beach areas are indicated by num- bers on location maps and photographs, and are referred to by italicized numbers in the text, in minor beach area tables, and in captions of the photographs. In general, a line drawn to the minor beach number from the shoreline on the location map shows the approximate center of the minor beach. b. LANDING PLACES ? Landing places are neither numbered? nor described but are shown on the location maps and photographs by a sym- bol consisting of a dot at the end of a line drawn to the approximate center of the beach. A sum- mary of landing places is also included in the tex- tual summaries of landing beaches at the end of each Sector or Subsector. 6. Reliability index The reliability of information given in the in- dividual beach tables of this Section is rated ac- cording to a scale of four values: EXCELLENT, GOOD, FAIR, and POOR. These ratings take into consideration the quality, accuracy, and credi- bility of source materials, and the amount of in- CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL terpretation required. Definitions of reliability ratings are as follows: EXCELLENT?Aerial photographs available at such scales that features of the beach, adjacent terrain, and hydrography can be accurately determined; factual information from intelligence documents, technical documents, geographic or travel literature confirmed by aerial or ground photographs; accurate maps and charts available at such scales that coastal configuration, bottom characteristics, nearshore hy- drography, obstructions to navigation in approaches, and detailed topography behind the beaches can be accurately determined; no factual conflicts. GOOD?Aerial photographs available at such scales that beach and terrain features can be determined with little interpretation; ground photographs show- ing a limited number of beach features and charac- teristics; factual information from intelligence docu- ments, technical documents, and geographic or travel literature which may or may not be confirmed by aerial or ground photographs; maps and charts avail- able at such scales that coastal configuration is clearly shown, but hydrographic and topographic data may be incomplete; few or no factual conflicts. FAIR?Aerial photographs available but at such scales that beach features and characteristics can be determined only with considerable interpretation; no ground photographs available, or only a few which show a limited amount of beach characteristics; little factual data from intelligence documents, technical documents, and geographic or travel literature that may or may not be confirmed by photographs; maps and charts available at such scales that coastal con- figuration is clearly shown, but hydrographic and topographic data may be inaccurate and incomplete; data may occasionally conflict. POOR?Aerial photographs poor or nonexistent; meager information from intelligence and technical documents or other literature; maps and charts available only at such scales that coastal delineation and hydrographic and topographic data are gener- alized and incomplete; factual conflicts are common. Some interpretation is necessary in all beach descriptions. In the higher reliability ratings (EXCELLENT and GOOD), interpretation is re- sorted to only for minor features; however, in the lower ratings (FAIR and POOR) , the facts are often so meager that interpretation is necessary even for some of the major features. Beach lengths are usually determined accurately when large-scale photographs, topographic maps, or hy- drographic charts provide complete coverage. Lengths are approximate when obtained from small-scale charts and from poor or incomplete photographic coverage. Beach width, material, and gradient data are approximations under aver- age wind and wave conditions determined mainly by interpretation of photographs, maps, and charts. Although not exact, this information is believed to be sufficiently accurate for strategic and high-level planning of amphibious operations. Within this NIS Area the reliability evaluations NO FOREIGN DISSEM Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 PAGE 22-11 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL N I S 5 5 NAVY - JUNE 1962 of all beach desCriptions vary from GOOD to POOR. 7. Glossary Generic terms relating to features of terrain and hydrography, together with their English equivalents, are listed as follows: TERM MEANING ba'b bala canale capo djeziret flume ghubbat, ghubbet, gubbet golfo, gulfe lie (s) isola isole mersa penisola ras, ra's uebi, uadi strait bay channel cape islands river bay, gulf gulf island (s) island islands bay, inlet peninsula cape, point, hill wadi, stream B. Coastal ocea ography Coastal ocean? raphy covers the marine en- vironment affect g nearshore and naval amphibi- ous operations. B oadly speaking, this is the znne where oceanographic conditions are modified by bottom and land configurations or surface runoff. The oceanography and marine climatology for the open ocean adjacent to this Area are contained in NIS 106-PART IlV (Indian Basin-IV). I. Introduction The coasts of Ethiopia and the Somalilands bor- der some of the warmest water bodies in the world, namely, the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, and western Indian Ocean. Generally, deep water (100 fathoms) lies close to shore, i.e., within 1 to 10 n. miles offshore. The coast of Socotra, is bold, with moderitte depths (20 fathoms) near shore. The principal ciimatic control of this Area is the Indian Ocean monsoonal regime, although seasons vary from region to region. The Siberian high controls the monsoonal flow during the cooler months, wl-,ereas the Asian heat low con- trols flow during the warmer months. Severest sea conditions in the Red Sea occur during the northeast monsoon; however, severest conditions in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean region occur during the southwest monsoon. Prevailing curr nts also are governed by the monsoonal flow, ith speeds ranging from 0.2 to 3 knots. Tidal cu rents may reach 7 knots, as off Socotra. PAGE 22-12 In this Area coral, sand, and shell are the domi- nant bottom materials near shore, and mud and mud-sand in the deeper parts. Many species of potentially dangerous animals inhabit the nearshore waters of this Area. These include the scorpionfish, stingray, stinging jelly- fish, shark, and barracuda. 2. Tides and currents a. TIDES (1) Astronomic tides ? Although the tidal regime in the Red Sea is complex and not well defined, the tide at Massaua is principally semidi- urnal (FIGURE 22-3). In the central two-thirds of the sea, the tide is controlled by an amphi- dromic system (region of no perceptible tide) which is centered somewhere along an. east - west line between Port Sudan (19?37'N., 37?14'E.) and Al Qunfudhah (19?08'N., 41?04'E.). In the ex- treme southeastern part of the sea, the tide seems to be maintained by energy from the Gulf of Aden which enters the Red Sea through Bab el Mandeb. In the Gulf of Aden, two high waters and two low waters occur daily, with considerable diurnal inequality, principally in the low waters; see the curve for Zeila, FIGURE 22-3. There are also con- siderable diurnal inequalities during times of equatorial declination when the semidiurnal ef- fect should be greatest. The tide along the east coast of the Somali Re- public is also semidiurnal, with some inequality, principally in heights of successive high waters, as shown on the tidal curve for Brava, FIGURE 22-3. The range of the tide along this coast in- creases southward from about 5 feet at Capo Guardafui to more than 9 feet at the southern limit of this NIS Area. The tides around the island of Socotra (12?30'N., 54?00'E.) are semidiurnal with consid- erable inequality in heights of successive high and successive low waters. High water occurs at about 4 hours after lunar transit of the Green- wich meridian. The mean tide range is about 3.6 feet, and the diurnal range is about 5.3 feet. The areal distribution of tide ranges within this Area is shown in FIGURE 22-63A. The tidal progression or time of high water in hours after the moon's transit of the Greenwich meridian is shown in FIGURE 22-63B. (2) Meteorological tides? Changes in wind speed and direction and atmospheric pres- sure also cause variations in sea level. In general, onshore winds or a decrease in atmospheric pres- sure will cause an increase in sea level, whereas offshore winds or an increase in atmospheric pres- sures will cause a lowering of sea level. NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NAVY-JUNE 1962 MILITARY GEOGRAPHY CONFIDENTIAL MASSAUA (15?35'N, 39?29'E 17 DAYS 4 1 0 I P ? El MHWS I i 0 N fl A A A nr 1 n HEIGHT (FEET) 1 !, 1 [ u J U u. \"I-MLWN v. u I U UMSL CHART DATUM w _ MLW S ,? ? In ZEILA (11?21'N, 43?29'E) HEIGHT (FEET) 0 I.s.. Oco S -T ? A E T 0 f I 0 N A A MA I A MHHW A A AWW1=1==M?MINIIIIIIAINE IMM . 1 MIJMIIIIA III 1111 nil MLHW a mwrimmismam _Mill am 1 mummonsmuswimmemusio SI- = mier.rimunalim. I I i MHLVv V V V w . B V ? ML LW CHART DATUM BRAVA (1 ?08'N, 44 02'E) a HEIGHT (FEET) 0 ol I S I P ? en (i) I 1 ON MHWS 1 r I A MHWN MSL i 1 MLWN v 1 U J MLWS CHART DATUM LEGEND ? NEW MOON N MOON FARTHEST NORTH OF THE EQUATOR 0 LAST QUARTER S MOON FARTHEST SOUTH OF THE EQUATOR @ VERNAL EQUINOX P MOON IN PERIGEE E MOON ON THE EQUATOR FIGURE 22-3. TIDAL CURVES Higher evaporation rates in the summer cause the level of the Red Sea to fall lower than during winter. b. CURRENTS (1) General surface currents ? The sur- face currents of this Area are primarily caused by stresses exerted upon the water by monsoonal winds. The time of establishment of the mon- soon varies with latitude. The periods during which the currents set in alternate directions do CONFIDENTIAL not correspond entirely with wind directions of the two monsoons. In the Arabian Sea and In- dian Ocean the current may change direction one to two months earlier than the wind because of the effect of a transient gradient current which develops as a result of differential cooling of the Arabian Sea by the northeast winds. FIGURES 22-64B and 22-64C show prevailing surface currents associated with the northeast and southwest monsoons, respectively. For the three main coastal alinements (Red Sea, Gulf of NO FOREIGN DISSEM Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 PAGE 22-13 Apprckted For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL Aden, and Indian ration of the mo the currents hay N I S 5 5 NAVY - JUNE 1982 Ocean), the periods for the du- goons and transition periods for been derived on the basis of similarity of direction of flow. Differences be- tween wind direction and current direction, occur most markedly along the eastern Somalia coast. (a) RED SEA - The general circulation in the southeastern part of the Red Sea is coun- terclockwise during the year. The current set- ting northward along the coast of Saudi Arabia is more persistent during the southwest monsoon (June through September) and the current set- ting southeastward along the African coast is more persistent iouring the northeast monsoon (November thro h March). The average cur- rent speed is ab tions covering 23 greater than 1.2 k Currents. whic may be observed seldom exceeds 1 direction may be however, the c during the transit ut 0.5 knot. Of 6,000 observa- ears, 11/2 percent showed speeds ots. set across the axis of the sea uring any month, but the speed knot. Variability of speed and ncountered at any time of year; rrents are extremely variable on periods. (b) GULFI OF ADEN - During the period October through March the current sets gener- ally between northwest and southwest over the greater part of the gulf. The speed varies be- tween 0.2 and 0.8 knot and increases to about 1 knot in the vicinity of Bab el Mandeb. The cur- rent is generally weaker from November to Jan- uary than from February to April. During April the currents in about 0.2 to 0.5 occur on the Ara During the pe current sets east d May, the spring transition, he gulf have average speeds of knot. The stronger currents ian side of the gulf. inod June through August, the ward through Bab el Mandeb into the Gulf of Aden, primarily along the Ara- bian side of the gulf. Currents again are gener- ally stronger on the Arabian side of the gulf than in the middle or On the African side. A counter- current sets around Capo Guardafui from the south and flows estward along the African coast as far as Djibouti. During Septe ber, the autumn transition for currents, speeds n the Gulf of Aden vary from about 0.3 knot cn the African close inshore on the Arabian side. The variability of direction of of Aden is shown below: PERion Nov.-Jan. Feb.-Apr. May-July Aug.-Oct. PAGE 22-14 side to 0.8 knot flow in the Gulf SET PERCENT OF TIME WNW-WSW WNW-WSW ENE-ESE ENE-ESE 44 34 43 35 (C) INDIAN OCEAN AND ARABIAN SEA - Dur- ing the northeast monsoon the ocean current sets toward the northern part of the eastern Somalia coast. At about 10?N. the current divides and sets north and south along the coast of Africa. Be- tween Capo Guardafui and Socotra, the rate is about 0.2 to 0.4 knot. From about 1?30'S. to 2?30'S., the southerly set meets a northerly cur- rent, and the combined currents set offshore. The strongest part of the sciuthwesterly setting current near the coast is between 2?N. and 4?N., where the mean speed is about 1 to 1.4 knots from November to January. During the spring transition period for cur- rents (March) between the Equator and 4?N., the current sets west and northwest with a mean speed of about 0.3 to 0.5 knot. From about 4?N. to the southern limit of this NIS Area, the set is southerly at speeds of about 0.8 knot. The main part of the westward setting current passes south of Socotra and divides when it reaches the coast at about Ras Hafun (10?27'N., 51?24'E.). A part of this current sets into the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea; the remainder sets south along the African coast. The speed between Socotra and the mainland is less than 1 knot. A branch of this current sets into the Gulf of Aden, whereas the remainder sets northward along the Arabian coast. Of the two monsoons, the southwest is stronger, of longer duration, and more stable in the Ara- bian Sea, causing the currents to be stronger and more persistent. During the period April through October the currents set northeast along the Somalia coast at a rate of 1 to 3 knots. The cur- rent passes through the channels between Capo Guardafui and Socotra at speeds of 0.6 to 1.4 knots and joins the easterly set from the Gulf of Aden. The current speed off the eastern end of Socotra is about 1 knot. From 3?S. to 4?N. the current is generally weaker during August, but from 6?N. to Capo Guardafui the strongest period is Au- gust to October. Between 3?S. and 3?N. the cur- rent speed is about 2.3 knots and the direction about 56? true. It is weakest between Capo Guardafui and Ras Hafun with a mean drift of 0.5 knot from May to July and 0.8 knot from Au- gust to October. During November, the autumn transition period for currents, a clockwise eddy is centered at about 8?N., 55?E. In the southwestern part of this area, the currents set southwestward south of 5?N.; north of 5?N. the current sets fairly stead- ily northward along the African coast at speeds which average slightly over 1 knot. The current passes between Socotra and Capo Guardafui at about 0.7 to 1 knot. NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NAVY-JUNE 1962 MILITARY GEOGRAPHY Along the coast of Somalia, the strongest cur- rents occur within 30 to 40 n. miles of the shore. Speeds as high as 2.5 knots may be observed within 60 n. miles of shore but are rare between 60 and 120 n. miles offshore. (2) Subsurface currents - The subsurface water movements within the Red Sea are influ- enced by the wind regime and the excess of evapo- ration over precipitation. No comprehensive syn- optic measurements are available from which subsurface water movements may be determined. However, from theoretical considerations, the gen- eral movements of subsurface waters may be de- duced. In the Northern Hemisphere, the effect of wind parallel to a coast is to cause transport of sur- face and subsurface water to the right of the wind, and to a lesser extent in the direction of the wind. In a narrow water body such as the Red Sea, piling up of water will produce a com- pensating bottom current flowing away from, the coast. Thus, a north-northwest wind over the Red Sea will pile up water against the west shore and cause water movements which are a combina- tion of a clockwise circulation in a vertical plane perpendicular to the direction of the wind looking downwind, and a flow parallel to the coasts which is less pronounced in the subsurface than in the surface layers. A south-southeast wind will pro- duce the same phenomenon as above except that the direction of transport will be reversed. The controlling sill depth between the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden is about 300 feet. During the southwest monsoon a vertical view of water move- ment shows a surface flow out of the Red Sea, an intermediate compensating flow into the sea, and a very small outflow of highly saline water along the bottom. During the northwest monsoon, the water flows into the Red Sea at the surface and outward at depth. The depths of the intervening transition layers are unknown. FIGURE 22-4 lists current speeds and directions and observed winds at selected locations and depths within the Red Sea. FIGURE 22-64A shows the resultant speeds of both tidal and nontidal currents in the Bab el Mandeb at depths of 5, 50, and 150 meters predominantly setting into the Red Sea. (3) Tidal currents - Tidal currents within this Area are noticeable only as negative or posi- tive accelerations of the nontidal flow. The pe- riod of the tidal current (about 12 hours) and its mean speed (about 1 knot) can be deduced from FIGURE 22-64A. The figure also indicates that the tidal current at 150 meters is almost completely out of phase with that at 5 and 50 meters; i.e., CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL FiounE 22-4. CURRENT SPEEDS AND DIRECTIONS AT SELECTED LOCATIONS AND DEPTHS IN THE RED SEA, TOGETHER WITH SIMULTANEOUS OBSERVATIONS OF WIND DIRECTIONS LOCATION (SEE FIG. 22-MB) MONTH DEPTH SPEED (KNOTS) CURRENT DIREC- TION , kTRUE?) WIND DIREC- TION AND STRENGTH Max. Mi' n A Jan. 5 1.0 0.5 33 SE Strong. 15 1.0 0.7 0 SE Strong. 40 1.0 0.7 0 SE Strong. B Jan. 5 0.6 0.4 35 SE Strong. 20 0.7 0.4 32 SE Strong. 40 0.9 0.1 22 SE Strong. C Nov. 5 0.6 0.4 34 SE Strong. 10 0.4 na 35 SE Strong. 25 0.6 na na SE Strong. D Dec. 5 0.8 0.3 33 S Moderate. 15 0.8 0.3 33 S Moderate. 30 0.7 0.1 33 S Moderate. E Apr. 5 0.3 0.2 14 E Light. 15 0.4 0.3 21 E Light. 30 0.1 0.1 5 E Light. F Dec. 5 1.4 0.4 34 NW Light. 15 1.4 0.4 34 NW Light. 35 1.2 0.4 34 NW Light. 40 1.0 0.7 33 NW Light. na Data not available. the velocity at the surface is at a maximum while that at 150 meters is at a minimum. (4) Local currents (a) ETHIOPIA (ERITREA) - In the entrance to Gubbet Mus Nefit (15?42'N., 40?00'E.) tidal cur- rents attain speeds as high as 2 knots. At times the current leading to Dubellu anchor- age (15?44'N., 40?09'E.) and through the passages east and west of Isola Erua attain considerable speed. (b) FRENCH SOMALILAND - The tidal Cur- rent setting through the passes into Ghubbet Kharab (11?30'N., 42?35'E.) causes whirls and rip- ples; it attains a speed of 7 knots in Petite Passe. Tidal currents in the bay at Djibouti are scarcely perceptible; they generally set eastward during the falling tide and westward during the rising tide. (c) SOMALI REPUBLIC - At springs the tidal currents usually set westward through the roadstead at Zeila (11?21'N., 43?29'E.) during the rising tide and eastward during the falling tide at speeds of about 0.5 knot. Along the coast off Zeila a current which usually sets with the wind attains speeds as high as 0.8 knots. During the northeast monsoon, a countercur- rent occasionally sets eastward along the coast between Mait Island (11?12'N., 47?13'E.) and the 49?E. meridian at a speed which ranges between NO FOREIGN DISSEM PAGE 22-15 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Apprckted For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL N I S 0.5 and 2.3 knots. Onshore currents with speeds as great as 1.5 knits have been reported. Tidal currents in the anchorage at Alula (11?58'N., 5004510 are often strong, especially during spring tide. At Capo Guardlafui (11?49'N., 51?15'E.) when the northeast monsoon is established, the current usually sets southwestward at speeds not exceed- ing 2 knots. At the change of the monsoons the currents become quite variable. During the southwest mons*, the current sets strongly northward along I the coast south of the cape. During February, March, and April the current rounds the cape close to shore and sets westward. A short distance from the shore, the currents continue northward and east-northeastward. In August the c rrent sets northward at Moga- discio (2?04'N., 4$?22'E.) very nearly parallel to the shore but with a slight onshore component at speeds as high as 3 knots. At Merca (1?43'N., 44?53'E.) tidal currents cause positive and negative accelerations of the monsoonal currents. The speed at times is as much as 4 knots. The current in the Brava roadstead (1?08'N., 44?03'E.) attains speeds as high as 4 knots during the southwest monsoon. During the northeast monsoon the speed S may be greater. At Isole Giuba (1?10'S., 42?10'E.) and Chisimaio (0?22'S., 42?32'E.) the current sets southwest- ward from about November to April at a speed of about 2 knots.; it i strongest during January and February. From about April to November, the set is northeast at a Speed of about 3.5 knots. The ingoing Current at Bircao (1?25'S., 41?51'E.) has speeds of about 1.5 knots and the outgoing about 2 knots. During the southwest monsoon there is 4sua11y a heavy sea over the bar, especially during titie outgoing current. (d) SOCOTRA AND ADJACENT ISLANDS ? Nontidal currents close inshore off Socotra are af- fected by tidal Orrents to some extent but are primarily influenc d by winds. During the north- east monsoon, a northwesterly current of 2.5 knots has been ob erved in a position about 1 n. mile offshore abou 3 n. miles south-southwest of Da'iri (12?26'N., 54?11'E.). During May t e current off 'Abd al KM (12?12'N., 52?15'E.) has been observed to set east- northeast at a sped of 1.5 knots with many tide rips in shoal water. Through the passages be- tween the islands west of Socotra, the tidal cur- rents set northward during the rising tide and southward during the falling tide. The speeds are reported to be 1 tO 2.5 knots, but are likely to be greater when the Monsoons are at their strongest. PAGE 22-16 55 NAVY-JUNE 1962 The tidal currents are very irregular. They sometimes set in one direction for 16 hours and at other times for only 6 hours. During the ris- ing tide, the tidal currents set westward on the southern side of the island and eastward on the northern side. During the falling tide the cur- rents flow in the opposite direction. The rate of the eastgoing current on the southern side of the island is about 1 knot. In the general vicinity of Socotra, the strongest currents observed any- where in the Indian Ocean are encountered. Many rates of 4.5 to 5 knots have been observed with occasional reports of 6 and 7 knots. 3. Sea and swell, and breakers and surf a. SEA AND SWELL (1) Introduction,? Sea is defined as waves caused by local winds, whereas swell refers to wind-generated waves that have advanced beyond the region of generation. The direction of sea is that of the local wind, whereas the direction of swell is independent of, but may coincide with, the local wind. Both sea and swell may be present at the same time. Sea and swell vary locally with passing atmos- pheric disturbances, such as tropical easterly waves, tropical squall lines, invading cold fronts, and tropical storms. As these disturbances sel- dom remain very long in a particular region, their effects on sea and swell are generally of short duration, although often of consequence. In the tropics, the land - sea breeze effect is very pro- nounced and will influence the sea conditions locally, but will not affect the persistent swell which penetrates these locally derived waves. The sea and swell roses presented in FIGURES 22-65 through 22-68 show the frequency of vari- ous height categories by direction. Bar graphs showing the frequency of various height cate- gories for all directions are presented with each rose. These roses and bar graphs are compiled from monthly sea and swell data. For purposes of discussion, the Area is divided into three regions: the Red Sea region including Bab el Mandeb (four sea and swell sections), the Gulf of Aden (three sea and swell sections), and the Indian Ocean region (six sea and swell sec- tions). While the Area lies within the climatic influence of the Indian Ocean monsoonal regime, seasons, vary from region to region because of top- ographic and latitudinal differences. The seasons for the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden regions are the northeast monsoon (October through April), spring transition (May), southwest mon- soon (June through August), and autumn transi- tion (September); and for the Indian Ocean re- gion the northeast monsoon (November through NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NAVY-JUNE 1962 MILITARY GEOGRAPHY March), spring transition (April and May), south- west monsoon (June through August), and au- tumn transition (September and October). Be- cause of insufficient data, the April and October swell roses and bar graphs for the middle section of the Gulf of Aden are omitted. The northern exposures of Socotra are sub- jected to sea and swell conditions similar to those In the Gulf of Aden (easternmost section). So- cotra's southern exposures have sea and swell conditions resembling those of the Indian Ocean region (section between 9?N. and 6N.). (2) Seasonal characteristics ? The alter- nation of the monsoons associated with the cli- mate of the Indian Ocean is the chief control of the sea and swell conditions of the nearshore area. Although high pressure cells form over northern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula dur- ing the cooler months of the Northern Hemi- sphere, the intense Siberian high is the chief source of the northeast monsoon as it flows from Asia toward low pressure over southern Africa and in the intertropical front now south of the Equator. Between Capo Guardafui and the Arabian coast, a small branch of this monsoon diverges in a clockwise circulation around the high pressure over Arabia, which becomes more east- erly over the Gulf of Aden and southeasterly over the southern Red Sea. The southwest monsoon, which flows out of the south Indian Ocean high toward Asia during the warmer months of the Northern Hemisphere, is controlled chiefly by the intense south Asian heat low, although low pressure cells form over northeaSt Africa and the Arabian Peninsula at this time. However, a counterclockwise circula- tion around the low pressure cell over Arabia, which backs from northwest winds over the south- ern Red Sea to westerly and southwesterly winds over the Gulf of Aden, forms a minor branch of the southwest monsoon. The transitional seasons are generally periods of weak and variable winds. However, because of the large latitudinal extent of the Area, seasons vary from region to region and with local conditions. ? The intertropical front, which migrates across the Area during each transition season, has little dynamic effect because of the divergent nature of the winds and generally represents only the boundary between Northern Hemisphere air and Southern Hemisphere air during its rapid transit. For this reason easterly atmospheric waves rarely occur in this Area, whereas tropical squalls, gales, and thunderstorms are generally related to the thermal differential between land and sea. CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL Land and sea breezes are an important feature throughout the Area and have such strength that they may deviate the monsoonal winds; i.e., they may retard or neutralize them, but more fre- quently they reinforce them. During weak anti- cyclonic conditions the land and sea breezes are the dominating winds. Gales and squalls occur most frequently over the southern Red Sea during the northeast mon- soon. During this season an occasional gale with cold front characteristics may enter the Area from the Arabian high. In the Gulf of Aden, gales and squalls occur most frequently during the southwest monsoon. Although gales and squalls occur during both monsoons over the Indian Ocean region, they are much more frequent dur- ing the southwest monsoon, especially over the northern part. Thunderstorms occur infre- quently in this moisture-deficient air, whereas no cyclones have been observed in the Red Sea, and only the effects of an occasional distant cyclone are noted in the Gulf of Aden and along the coast of the Indian Ocean region. (Three cyclones are recorded as entering the Gulf of Aden since 1894.) Seas 5 feet or lower (slight to moderate) are the most frequent sea condition in the Red Sea; seas are roughest during the northeast monsoon except in the northern part. In the Gulf of Aden, seas 5 feet or lower are the most common, with roughest seas during the southwest mon- soon. In the Indian Ocean region, seas less than 5 feet are also the most common sea condition except along the northern part during the south- west monsoon, when seas 5 feet or higher (rough through high) are more frequent. Low swell (1 to 6 feet) is the most frequent swell condition during the northeast monsoon in the Red Sea except in the section north of Bab el Mandeb, where moderate swell (6 to 12 feet) is most frequent. Periods of no swell are most fre- quent during the southwest monsoon and the transition seasons except in the northern section, where low swell occurs most often from June through September. In the Gulf of Aden, low swell is generally most frequent during the north- east monsoon, and no swell during the spring transition. However, swell conditions vary from no swell to moderate swell during the southwest monsoon and from no swell to low swell during the autumn transition. In the Indian Ocean re- gion low swell is the most frequent during the northeast monsoon except during December in the north-central sections and during January in the middle and south, when moderate swell occurs most often. Moderate swell is most frequent dur- ing the southwest monsoon except in the north- ern sections during July, when high swell (higher than 12 feet) occurs most frequently. NO FOREIGN DISSEM PAGE 22-17 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL (3) Red Se high mountains a Sea on both sides trols as well as th monsoonal winds over the southern west monsoonal w The prevailing no Red Sea are an im section even durin N I S 5 5 NAVY - JUNE 1962 and Bab el Mandeb ?The d plateaus bordering the Red affect the major climatic con- local weather. The northeast re diverted to southeast winds Red Sea, whereas the south- nds arise as northwest winds. thwest winds of the northern portant factor in the northern the northeast monsoon. Sea breezes acc ntuate the prevailing winds and seas mostly during the afternoon, whereas night cooling of the land generally cause's a pe- riod of calm winds and seas during the early morning hours. Gales and squalls are most fre- quent during the nOrtheast monsoon in the south- ern sections, but the southwest monsoon is more severe in the northern section. Gales associated with easterly moving lows over northeast Africa (frequently dust laden) may on occasion enter or extend into the Red Sea region, whereas cold front squalls may occasionally. penetrate from the Arabian side. Thunderstorms (10 to 15 days per year) occur most frequently during the south- west monsoon. 04 the rare occasions when cy- clones, enter the G lf of Aden, the effects may be noted in the Bab el andeb. Except in the n rthern section, where seas 5 feet or higher ar more frequent during the southwest monsoo than' during the northeast monsoon? sea and swell conditions are roughest during the northe t monsoon. (a) NORTHE APRIL) ? While th over Arabia, south ST MONSOON (OCTOBER THROUGH winter high pressure cell lies ast winds, seas, and swell are generally the most frequent wave conditions of the region. In the northern section swell condi- tions tend to vary from southeasterly to south. Calm seas are least frequent during this season except in the north. section. Seas 5 feet or higher occur most frequenpy for the year except in the northern section, Where frequencies range froin 2% to 14%. Farther southward annual maxi- mum frequencies of 33%, 60%, and 41% occur. No swell conditions occur least frequently for the year during thiS season (16% to 33%). How- ever, swell higher than 12 feet occurs most fre- quently this season, having annual maximums southward of o 7%. (b) SPRING RANSITION (MAY) ? Winds are generally mild and variable as the high pres- sure dissipates and before the low pressure cell is established. Northwest winds, seas, and swell pre- dominate in the no hern section, while southeast winds, seas, and swell are still most prevalent in the south. PAGE 22-18 Except in the northern section and Bab el Man- deb, calm seas are more frequent (3% to 13%) than during the northeast monsoon and about equal to those of the southwest monsoon. Seas 5 feet or higher are generally less frequent (4% to 15%) than during the northeast monsoon. Periods of no swell .occur more frequently (44% to 64%) than during the northeast monsoon, whereas swell higher than 12 feet is considerably less frequent (1%). (C) SOUTHWEST MONSOON (JUNE THROUGH AUGUST) ? In the cyclonic circulation around the Arabian summer low, northwest winds, seas, and swell form the chief wave direction of the region. In Bab el Mandeb westerly swell occurs more fre- quently than northwesterly during July and Au- gust. Calm seas are less frequent (4% to 15%) than in the autumn transition but, except in the northern section, more frequent than during the northeast monsoon and the spring transition. Seas 5 feet or higher occur with an annual maxi- mum of 20% in the northern section and a sea- sonal maximum of 15% in Bab el Mandeb during July, but average only 4% or less in the other 'two sections throughout the season. The occurrence of no swell ranges in frequency from 27% to 69%, averaging more than during the northeast monsoon. Swell 12 feet or higher does not exceed 3%. (d) AUTUMN TRANSITION (SEPTEMBER) ? While the winter high pressure cell is gradually replacing the summer low pressure cell over Arabia, winds are generally mild and variable. Northwest winds, seas, and swell continue to domi- nate the northern sections, whereas southeast winds, seas, and swell increase to a greater fre- quency than those from the northwest in the Bab el Mandeb. Calm seas, except in the northern section, oc- cur with annual maximum frequencies of 13% to 17%. Seas 5 feet or higher, except in the north- ern section, occur with annual minimum frequen- cies of 1% to 5%. Periods of no swell are most frequent for the year, except in the north section, having annual maximums of 59% to 75%. Swell higher than 12 feet occurs with least annual frequency (less than 0.5%) throughout the region. (4) Gulf of Aden ? The high mountains and plateaus that border the Gulf of Aden on the north and south affect the major climatic fea- tures as well as the local weather. The north- east monsoon winds are diverted to a more east- erly direction, especially over the head of the gulf. Although the southwest monsoon is the season NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NAVY-JUNE 1962 MILITARY GEOGRAPHY of severest winds and waves, in this region they are milder than at the same latitude in the open Indian Ocean. Sea breezes in the afternoon and land breezes before morning are characteristic during the northeast monsoon and the transition seasons; however, the strength of the southwest monsoon is generally greater than the land ? sea breeze effect. Gales and squalls are infrequent during the northeast monsoon, but the winds of the southwest monsoon are often of gale force. Dur- ing periods of weak southwest monsoonal winds, southward moving squalls with northerly winds may arise suddenly over the sea. Although thun- derstorms occur infrequently, their greatest oc- currence is during the southwest monsoon. The rare cyclone that enters the region is most dan- gerous because of its unpredictability. Seas less than 5 feet are the most frequent sea condition in this region. Although seas are rough- est during the pouthwest monsoon, they are also rough in February when the northeast monsoon is strongest. The most frequent swell condition varies between no swell and low swell, but high swell occurs most frequently during the south- west monsoon,. (a) NORTHEAST MOONSOON (OCTOBER THROUGH APRIL) - East and northeast winds, seas, and swell predominate throughout the season, when the high pressure cell lies over Arabia. Easterly winds and waves are most prevalent in the western section, whereas northeasterly winds and waves predominate in the middle and eastern sections. Easterly winds and waves become more frequent than those from the northeast in the eastern section during March and April. Calm seas decrease from the annual maximums of the autumn transition to a monthly frequency of 4% or less when the northeast monsoon is strongest (about January) and then increase again during March and April. However, seas 5 feet or higher increase to a seasonal maximum in February of 21% in the west, to the annual maxi- mum of 46% in the middle, and to a seasonal maxi- mum of 12% in the east, and then decrease during March and April. The occurrence of no swell has a range of 15% to 53% frequency and varies from month to month in different sections. Swell higher than 12 feet occurs infrequently throughout the sea- son, the highest being 8%. (b) SPRING TRANSITION (MAY) - Winds and waves are variable during this transition sea- son. Easterly winds and seas are most prevalent in the western and eastern sections, while west- CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL erly winds and seas are most prevalent in the middle. Easterly swell predominates throughout the region. In the middle and eastern sections, calm seas are more frequent in this season than during either monsoon. Seas 5 feet or higher have a frequency of 12%, 7%, and 4% from west to east, reflecting the generally milder conditions of the transition period. Periods of no swell occur with annual maxi- mum frequencies of 58%, 79%, and 52% from west to east, whereas swell higher than 12 feet is not observed. (C) SOUTHWEST MONSOON (JUNE THROUGH AUGUST) - When the low pressure cell is estab- lished over Arabia, southwesterly winds, seas, and swell are most prevalent in the region. West- erly swell in the middle section, and westerly, southerly, and southeasterly swell in the east at times equal or surpass the frequency of the south- west swell. Calm seas have a greater average frequency than during the northeast monsoon and occur with seasonal minimums of 3% to 9% in July. Seas equal to or greater than 5 feet are roughest for the year in July with the annual maximum of 36% in the west, the seasonal maximum of 34% in the middle, and the annual maximum of 26% in the east. For no swell conditions, July has the seasonal minimum in the west, and the annual minimum frequencies of 13% and 10% in the middle and east, respectively. Swell 12 feet or higher occurs throughout the season, ranging from 1% to 9%. (d) AUTUMN TRANSITION (SEPTEMBER) ? During this transition season winds and waves are most variable for the region. East and northeast winds and seas occur with equal frequency in the western section, southwest winds and seas pre- dominate in the middle section, while south and southeast winds and seas occur with equal fre- quency in the eastern section. Southerly swell predominates in the west, westerly swell in the middle section, and southeasterly swell in the east. Calm seas occur with annual maximum frequen- cies of 16% to 27%. Seas 5 feet and higher oc- cur with less frequency than during any other season. Periods of no swell (52%, 61%, 36% from west to east) occur less frequently than during the spring transition but are generally greater than during either monsoon. Swell 12 feet or higher occurs with a frequency of 3% in the west and 2% in the east. NO FOREIGN DISSEM Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 PAGE 22-19 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL NIS 55 (5) Indian pcean and Arabian Sea ? Al- though this region lies in the Indian Ocean mon- soonal regime, the land and sea breezes cause diurnal variations hear the coast (extending about 15 n. miles from ,hore). The land breeze tends to retard the prevailing wind at night, whereas the sea breeze accelerates the prevailing wind during the aftern on; sea breezes increase the easterly direction I of the northeast monsoonal winds and the sou herly component of the south- west monsoonal wi ds. During the transition sea- sons land and s a breezes are the prevailing winds. Gales and squal s occur during both monsoons but most frequent y during the southwest mon- soon, especially o the northern half of the re- gion. Although tiunder may accompany the squalls, thunderstorms do not occur frequently. Cyclones almost never pass this far south of the storm tracks. Although seas a west monsoon, hei most frequent in t whereas seas 5 fee in the north. The e roughest during the south- hts less than 5 feet are the e southern half of the region, or higher are most frequent most common swell conditions vary from mostly low swell in October through April (except for moderate swell during January in the central anc southern sections) to mostly moderate swell in May through September (and high swell in the northern sections) . (a) NOR HEAST MONSOON (NOVEMBER THROUGH MARCH) As the northeast monsoon is being established 4uring November between the Siberian winter hi h and the low pressure of the Intertropical front now south of the Equator, northeast winds, s as, and swell become predoini- nant over the northern and middle sections and increase in the'southern sections, where south- east winds, seas, ad swell predominate. During the remaining m ths of the season northeast winds, seas, and sw 11 are most prevalent through- out the region. Calm seas durin November, with frequenc es ranging from 8% i the north to 1% in the south, generally decrease in occurrence during midsea- son and then incre se again in March. Seas equal to or greater than 5 feet increase rapidly in fre- quency to seasona maximums during December or January of as niuch as 40% and then decrease gradually during tlie remainder of the season. While the occurrence of no swell (range of less than 1% to 37% frequency) is variable from sec- tion to section al ng the coast, it is always at least 5% greater n March than in November. Swell 12 feet or hi her varies in frequency from less than 1% to 8*; it occurs least often in No- vember and most ften in January, and is gen- PAGE 22-20 NAVY-JUNE 1962 erally more frequent in the north and south than in the middle. (b) SPRING TRANSITION (APRIL AND MAY) ? During April the northeast winds and seas de- crease rapidly, especially in the south, and are re- placed by east winds and seas in the northern and middle sections, and by southeast winds and seas in the south. Southeasterly swell predomi- nates throughout the region during April. As the southwest monsoon develops during May, south winds and seas predominate in the north- ernmost and southern sections; southwest winds and seas predominate in the middle sections. Southerly swell predominates throughout the re- gion during May. Calm seas generally decrease in April from the north - south range of 14% to 2% to the north- south range in May of 5% to 0%. Seas 5 feet or higher increase sharply from April (1%-7%) to May (6%-38%). The occurrence of no swell decreases sharply from April (8%-30%) to May (6%-19%). During April swell higher than 12 feet is noted only in the south with a frequency of less than 1%, but occurs during May throughout the region with a range of 1% to 9%. (C) SOUTHWEST MONSOON (JUNE THROUGH AUGUST) - During the full development of the southwest monsoonal flow from the south Indian Ocean high to the south Asian heat low, southerly winds and seas generally predominate throughout the region. Southwest winds and seas are more prevalent in the central sections throughout most of the season, and southeast winds and seas are more prevalent in the southernmost section dur- ing July and August. Southerly swell predomi- nates throughout the region, but southwest swell is more prevalent in the section between 9? and 6?N. at all times; southeast swell is more prevalent south of 2?N. during June and July and south of 00 during August. Calm seas are infrequent, occurring less than 1% of the time in most months. Seas equal to or greater than 5 feet are generally severest during July. The seasonal range of frequency is 18% to 40% in the southern half and 54% to 95% in the northern half. The occurrence of no swell is generally least for the year, ranging 0% to 9% in June, 0% to 2% in July, and 0% to 4% in August. Swell greater than 12 feet during June occurs about 30% of the time in the two northern sections and averages 10% in the middle and southern sections. During July the frequency increases to about 48% in the north to a 13% average in the middle and south. August frequencies decrease to a 37% to 24% NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NAVY-JUNE 1962 MILITARY GEOGRAPHY range in the north and a 5% to 8% range in the middle and south. (d) AUTUMN TRANSITION (SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER) ? Although the strength of the south- west monsoonal winds gradually decreases during this period, southerly winds and seas generally predominate in the region during September and over the northern half during October. Southeast winds and seas, prevalent south of the Equator dur- ing September, extend northward until they pre- dominate over the southern half of the region dur- ing October; northeast and east winds and seas also increase during October. Southerly swell continues in the northern half during Septem- ber, but is only predominant in the northern- most sections during October; southeasterly swell is predominant over the southern half dur- ing September and October. Northeast and east swell also show an increase during October. Calm seas, except for the 1% frequency in the northernmost section, are not noted during Sep- tember; however, during October they occur with a range in frequency of 13% in the north, to 1% in the south. Over the northern half, seas 5 feet or greater decrease from a frequency range of 42% to 74% in September to 7% to 13% in October; over the southern half, seas 5 feet or higher decrease from a 9% to 17% frequency range in September to a 5% frequency in October. Periods of no swell increase in frequency from a 0% to 6% range in September to a 5% to 31% range in October. Swell 12 feet and higher de- creases from 4% to 17% in September to 0% to 4% in October. b. BREAKERS AND SURF (1) Introduction ? This Subsection pre- sents wave and breaker data for representative coastal alinements. Terms used in this discus- sion are defined as follows: Waves?Sea, swell, or composites of the two, which- ever describes the surface of the ocean. Surf?The disturbed water in the area extending from the outer breaker line to the limit of uprush on a beach. Breakers?Waves that break in shoaling water, over a reef, or on a shore. Although breakers overlap, they can be classi- fied into three types: Plunging breakers?Waves, the crests of which ad- vance faster than the bases, falling forward on the front face with a violent action. Spilling breakers?Waves that become unstable and form white water at the crest. Breaking action is mild. Surging breakers?Waves that surge up on the beach as a wall of water with little or no breaking action, and which may or may not include white water. CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL Breakers less than 4 feet in height on landing beaches are considered safe for all small landing craft. Breakers 4 to 8 feet high will slow down landing operations, permitting only the larger craft to remain operational in the upper limit of this range. Breakers more than 8 feet high will generally stop landing operations for most types of landing craft. Although hazards to landing craft increase with increasing breaker height, the difficulties depend also upon the period of the waves, the type of breakers, and the direction of breaker approach onto the beach. Waves with long periods can peak up to greater heights before instability and breaking take place. On the other hand, long-period waves are easier to navigate, as fewer breakers are encountered. Plunging breakers are usually the most dan- gerous because breaking action is generally very severe; however, spilling breakers that exceed 8 feet in height can be equally hazardous. Surging breakers, although generally mild in land- ing operations, can be hazardous while the craft is on the beach or retracting. The width of the breaker zone also affects the use of landing craft. Gently sloping nearshore bottoms have a wide surf zone with many lines of breakers. These nearshore zones usually have several lines of irregular bars, with waves_ break- ing on the outer bars, re-forming, and breaking again on the inner bars. When breakers are high, the length of time required to pass through a wide surf zone imposes a severe strain upon the landing craft and operating personnel. Retrac- tion through such a surf zone is slow and difficult. Bottom slopes are also important because land- ing operations usually cannot be carried out ef- ficiently where the slope is flatter than 1 on 50. With steeper slopes, however, plunging breakers in- crease in frequency. Slopes as steep as 1 on 8 can produce hazardous plunging breakers, even where deepwater wave heights are as low as 2 feet. (2) Criteria for wave and breaker compu- tations?The influence of climatic wind systems together with beach exposures are the main fac- tors in defining coastal alinements. Other fac- tors are bottom topography, the presence of is- lands offshore, and barrier and fringing reefs ad- jacent to oceanic depths. For any particular coastal alinement only waves from exposed directions are considered. The re- maining directions are assumed to produce waves 3 feet or less in height. For purposes of compu- tation a representative part of each alinement is selected. The wave heights for each part are de- rived for the waves just prior to refraction and shoaling. However, a coastal alin.ement may be subdivided into smaller units if either the exposure NO FOREIGN DISSEM Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 PAGE 22-21 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL N I S 5 5 or the nearshore bottom slope of the larger coastal alinement varies markedly. At the junc- ture of two coastal alinements, breakers from one alinement will mer e with those of the other and can assume the characteristics of either or bath alinements. The breaker an lysis for the four seasons is given in FIGURE 2-69. Twelve representative coastal alinements provide coverage for this NIS Area. A represent tive bottom slope of 1 on 50 has been used in the computations. Each of the brea er roses shows the frequency, by direction, of s ecified breaker-height ranges. The bar graphs how cumulative frequencies from all directions cf breakers less than 4 feet and types of breakers 4 f et and higher. Wave and breake conditions have been derived from available win data for each of the four sea- sons. Wave and bi eaker percentage frequencies shown in the text d in the roses are for straight beaches parallel to the bottom contours. Where the contours are concave to the sea, actual breaker heights wi I generally be lower, and for contours convex to the sea, breaker heights will be higher than for p rallel contours. Refraction and s oaling factors have been con- sidered for the repr sentative part of each coastal alinement in derivi g breaker heights and char- acteristics. The pr nciples outlined in H.O. Pub. No. 234, Breakers nd Surf, Principles in Fore- casting, were emplOyed in deriving breaker char- acteristics. On the northern Icoast of Socotra, breakers and surf are generally imilar to those on the nearby Gulf of Aden shore (Alinement 8). Breakers on the southern coast of Socotra resemble those of the Indian Ocean region (Alinement 10) for all seasons except the northeast monsoon. During this season, conditi ns are milder because the is- land is sheltered from the predominant north- easterly waves. (3) Seasonal characteristics ? The chief climatic controls cf breakers and surf in the northeast monsoon are the high pressure area over the interior of Asia (Siberian high) and the low over southern Africa. The resulting winds cause waves and br akers predominantly from the easterly quadrant in this NIS Area. In the southwestmonsoon the principal con- trols are the /ow ov r northwestern India and the high in the south Ii,dian Ocean. Wind circulating about these pressure centers causes waves and breakers generally from the northwesterly quad- rant in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, and gen- erally from the south and southeast in the Indian Ocean. The transitional seasons are short periods NAVY - JUNE 1962 with waves and breakers of variable direction and often of decreased heights. On an average the frequency of moderate and rough breakers (equal to or greater than 4 feet) in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden is greatest dur- ing the northeast monsoon and least during the southwest monsoon. On Indian Ocean alinements the greatest fre- quency of moderate and rough breakers occurs during the southwest monsoon and the least fre- quency during the northeast monsoon, principally because of the oblique approach of the predomi- nantly northeasterly waves during the latter sea- son. Spilling breakers are the predominant type on most alinements in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. However, plunging breakers predominate on Aline- ments 2 and 6 during most seasons, and on Aline- ment 8 during the monsoons only. Plunging breakers are predominant on Alinements 10, 11, and 12 on the Indian Ocean (because of long fetch and decay distances), but spilling breakers prevail on partially shelteredAlinement 9. (a) RED SEA AND GULF OF ADEN 1) Northeast Monsoon (October Through April) ? During this season breaker- producing waves are predominantly from the southeast or east, on Alinements 1 through 6 and from the northeast on Alinements 7 and 8. On an average, breaker heights are at their annual maxi- mum during this season. The seasonal maximum of breakers 4 feet or higher is 46% on Alinement 5 (because of its ex- posure to a long easterly fetch), and the mini- mum frequency is 9% on Alinement 4 (exposed to short fetches only). The frequency of breakers 8 feet or higher ranges from a m Enimum of 1% or less to a maximum of 12%. Maximum breaker periods vary from 10 seconds on Alinements 3 and 4 to 14 seconds on Aline- ment 7. 2) Spring Transition (May) ? During this season the South African low deteriorates and is replaced by a high, and the Asiatic low develops in northwestern India. Breaker-producing waves show little change in direction except in the north. Breaker heights are considerably lower than during the north- east monsoon. The maximum frequency of break- ers equal to or greater than 4 feet is 19% on Alinement 5, and the minimum frequency is 2% on Alinement 4. The frequency of breakers 8 feet or higher ranges from nil on Alinements 3 and 4 to a maximum of 4% on Alinement 5. Maximum breaker periods are 10 seconds on Alinements 1, 3, 6, and 7, 11 seconds on Alinements 2 and 5, and 12 seconds on Alinements 4 and 8. PAGE 22-22 NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NAVY-JUNE 1962 MILITARY GEOGRAPHY CONFIDENTIAL 3) Southwest Monsoon (June Through August) ? This part of the Area is under the in- fluence of the rather weak counterclockwise cir- culation around the Arabian extension of the Asiatic /ow. Hence, breakers are the result of predominantly northwesterly or northerly waves on most alinements, and westerly on Alinements 7 and 8. On an average, breaker heights reach an annual minimum frequency in this season. The seasonal maximum frequency of breakers 4 feet or higher is 6% on Alinement 2, and the minimum frequency is 1% on Alinement 1. The frequency of breakers 8 feet or higher is less than 1% on all alinements in this region. The maximum breaker periods range from 8 seconds on Alinement 7 to 12 seconds on Aline- ment 4. 4) Autumn Transition (September)? During this season the controlling pressure sys- tems of summer (the south Indian Ocean high and the Asiatic low) begin to weaken. However, on most alinements predominant wave and breaker directions deviate little from those of the previous season. Breaker-producing waves are predominantly north or northwest on alinements in the Red Sea but mostly northeast or east in the Gulf of Aden. On the average, breaker heights are somewhat greater than during the southwest monsoon. The maximum frequency of breakers 4 feet or higher is 8% on Alinement 5, and the minimum frequency is 1% on Alinement 4. The frequency of breakers 8 feet or higher is 1% or less on all alinements. Maximum breaker periods range from 9 sec- onds on Alinement 1 to 12 seconds on Alinement 8. (b) INDIAN OCEAN REGION 1) Northeast Monsoon (November Through March) ? Breakers on all alinements are the result of predominantly northeasterly waves. However, the average frequency of break- ers equal to or greater than 4 feet is at the an- nual minimum because of their oblique approach and consequent refraction on the African coast. The maximum frequency of breakers 4 feet or higher is 30% on Alinement 10, and the minimum frequency is 16% on Alinement 11. The fre- quency of breakers 8 feet or higher is at a maxi- mum of 3% on Alinement 12 and 2% on Aline- ments 9, 10, and 11. Maximum breaker periods range from 13 sec- onds on Alinement 9 to 18 seconds on Alinement 11. 2) Spring Transition (April and May) ? Breaker heights are considerably in- creased on the southern half of this coast because CONFIDENTIAL of strengthening of southerly and southeasterly winds as the southwest monsoon develops. The maximum frequency of breakers 4 feet or higher is 48% on Alinement 12, and the minimum frequency is 10% on Alinement 9. The frequency of breakers 8 feet or higher ranges from a mini- mum of 1% on Alinement 9 to a maximum of 15% on Alinement 12. Maximum breaker periods vary from 12 seconds on Alinement 9 to 17 seconds on Alinement 11. 3) Southwest Monsoon (June Through August) ? The monsoonal circulation is strongly onshore during this season. Consequently, break- ers (the results of predominantly southerly or southeasterly waves) are on the average the highest of the year. The maximum frequency of breakers equal to or greater than 4 feet is 77% on Alinement 12, and the minim= frequency is 27% on Alinement 9, which is partially sheltered from the predomi- nantly southerly waves. The frequency of break- ers 8 feet or higher ranges from a minimum of 2% on Alinement 9 to a maximum of 28% on Alinement 12. Maximum breaker periods vary from 17 sec- onds on Alinement 11 to 19 seconds on Alinement 9. 4) Autumn Transition (September and October) ? Breaker heights are lower, on the average, than during the previous season. The maximum frequency of breakers 4 feet or higher is 56% on Alinement 12, and the minimum fre- quency is 14% on Alinement 9. The frequency of breakers 8 feet or higher varies from a minimum of less than 1% on Alinement 9 to a maximum of 15% on Alinement 11. Maximum breaker periods are 14 seconds on Alinement 9 and 15 seconds on Alinements 10, 11, and 12. 4. Bottom sediments The distribution of the bottom materials in this NIS Area is shown in FIGURE 22-70B. Coral, sand, and shell are the dominant bottom mate- rials near shore, and mud and mud-sand in the deeper areas. The coral occurs as fringing reefs, barrier reefs, or detritus. Most of the reefs have sand and shell associated with them. Small patches of mud and rock occur near shore, but be- cause of the small scale of the chart they have been combined with the other bottom materials. From the northern boundary of the NIS Area to just about 15?N. the bottom materials adjacent to the coast are sand and coral. Farther offshore mud-sand-coral is dominant. The Isole Dahlac are formed by a large coral reef with many coral is- lands. Sand and shell also are present. NO FOREIGN DISSEM PAGE 22-23 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL N I S 5 5 Southeast and e of mud-sand-shell- southern end of predominate. Bab sill covered by 90 t the Red Sea and tin st of the Isole Dahlac a region oral covers the bottom. At the the Red Sea sand-shell-coral el Mandeb occupies a shallow 100 fathoms of water between Gulf of Aden. Sand-shell-coral form a nearshore fringe along the shores of the Golfe de Tadjoura. Mud-sand- shell-coral extend along the coast southeast of the Golfe de Tady4ira to about 10?45'N. The re- mainder of the coat in the NIS Area has a narrow shelf with sand-shll-coral as the most probable major bottom ma erials. In the Gulf of Aden, mud occurs seawa while along the I mud-sand separate the mud in deep around the island glen to the southw few patches of cor all the way to 'Abd more extensive tha ments chart. The mud and m mixture of terrigen terials occurring in ganic material is carbonate which o of tests of benthic forarninifera, ptero organisms with c calcium carbonate to 90% or as little gravel portions of green colors of the result from the org d of the sand-shell-coral zone, dian Ocean coast a band of the nearshore deposits from ater. The nearshore region f Socotra and the shallow re- st are floored by sand with a 1 This sand region extends 1 Kari. Mud-sand is probably is shown on the bottom sedi- d-sand in the NIS Area is a us inorganic and organic ma- various proportions. The or- acle up primarily of calcium urs as coral and in the form and pelagic animals, such as ods, and various other marine lcium carbonate tests. The an make up as much as 80% s 1% to 2% of the sand and he sediment. The brown and mud and mud-sand here may ic matter. FIGURE 22-70A sh ws the quantity of data avail- able for each 30-minute quadrangle. The quantity is adequate in the Red Sea part of the chart, and the accuracy of t e bottom sediment chart for this region is consi ered good to fair. The quan- tity of data are spa se in the Gulf of Aden and in the nearshore area long the Indian Ocean coast, and the chart reli bility is fair to poor. Away from the coast in t e Indian Ocean, data are al- most completely lac ing, and the chart reliability is poor. 5. Marine biology a. DANGEROUS RINE LIFE (1) Introduc ion ? A number of poten- tially dangerous an mals inhabit the marine wa- ters of this NIS Ara. Some are provided with a means of injectin venom into their? enemies, some are capable, of inflicting severe biting wounds, and one can deliver a powerful electric shock. Venomous animals of these waters include NAVY-JUNE 1962 certain fishes, jellyfishes, sea urchins, and cone shells; the principal nonvenomous forms are sharks, barracudas, moray eels, and electric rays. Records of dangerous animals off Socotra are rare, but its proximity to the African mainland and the general distributional pattern of the Arabian Sea fauna indicate that the same spe- cies may be expected here as are found elsewhere in this NIS Area. (2) Venomous animals ? Among the most dangerous of all venomous fishes are the scorpion- fishes (Scorpaenidae), represented in these waters by the stonefish (Synanceja) and the lionfish (Pterois) (Fromm 22-5), ? as well as other less virulent species. The stonefish is a sluggish, dull- colored fish, difficult to detect as it lies motion- less on the bottom among rocks or chunks of coral. Human victims of its venomous dorsal spines have succumbed within a few hours. In contrast to the inconspicuous stonefish, the lion- fish is brilliantly marked with orange and black bars and possesses delicate fanlike fins. Wounds from the dorsal spines result in severe throbbing pain and occasionally in death. Stingrays (Dasyatis) (FIGURE 22-5) are com- mon in quiet shoal waters of this Area. These kite-shaped fishes bear one or more serrate venomous spines near the base of the long whip- like tail. Their habit of burying in the soft bot- tom makes them a menace to waders, who may re- ceive painful and disabling wounds by stepping on a hidden ray. The closely related eaglerays (Aetobatus), also present in these waters, are sel- dom encountered on the bottom and therefore pose little threat to waders. Marine catfishes (Plotosus, Tachysurus) (FIG- URE 22-5) are armed with venomous dorsal and pectoral spines, wounds from which result in im- mediate stinging pain followed by local swelling LIONFISH (PE(ROIS) (3-6 Inches. maximum 12 Inches) SIIINGRAV IDASYMIS) (3-5 feet in wldth) PORTUGUESE MAN-OF-WAR (PIVISALIA) (Float 6-12 Inches. tentacles 10-50 feet) MARINE CATFISH (PLOTOSUS) (average 10 Inches, maximum 30 Inches) FIGURE 22-5. VENOMOUS MARINE ANIMALS PAGE 22-24 NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NAVY-JUNE 1962 MILITARY GEOGRAPHY and numbness. These catfishes inhabit shoal wa- ters, particularly in the vicinity of river mouths and among seaweed beds. Another fish to be avoided in these waters is the rabbitfish (Siganus). The numerous venomous spines of this fish can inflict stinging wounds when specimens are handled carelessly. Stinging jellyfishes may be encountered here, especially after onshore winds have prevailed for a considerable period of time. One of the most dangerous marine stingers, the Portuguese man- of-war (Ph-ysalia) (FIGURE 22-5) , is easily recog- nized by the bladderlike float that appears to sail upon the sea surface. Beneath this float trail nu- merous long tentacles armed with batteries of stinging cells. Contact of a human with the tentacles results in violently painful stings, often followed by stomach cramps, dizziness, and res- piratory distress. Among the other jellyfishes re- ported from this region is a sea wasp (Tamoya) that is known to possess virulent stinging cells. Members of the sea wasp family (Carybdeidae) have been implicated in fatal stingings in Indo- Pacific waters. Spiny sea urchins inhabit reefs, creeping slowly over rocky ledges and coral formations. Their sharp venomous spines produce painful injuries that are susceptible to infection. Another dangerous reef-inhabiting invertebrate is the cone shell (Conus), a marine snail capable of inflicting a venomous puncture wound if han- dled. In spite of its venomous nature, this beau- tifully patterned mollusk is a favorite of shell col- lectors. The textile cone (Conus textile), re- ported from the Red Sea and the western Indian Ocean, has been implicated in fatal poisonings in the western tropical Pacific. (3) Nonvenomous animals ? Large preda- tory sharks reported from these waters include the white shark, or maneater (Carcharodon), tiger shark (Galeocerdo), mako (Isurus), ham- merhead (Sphyrna) (FiGuRE 22-5) , sand shark (Carcharias), and several gray sharks (Carcha- rh,inus). Despite the presence of these dangerous sharks, attacks on man are rare in this region. Barracudas (Sphyraena) (FIGURE 22-5) in- habit coastal waters of this NIS Area. Large solitary individuals lurk about wharves, wrecks, and submerged rocks or coral heads, ready to at- tack unwary prey. Moray eels (Gymnothorax) are common in reef areas where they hide under rocky ledges and in coral crevices. They grow to a length of 5 or 6 feet and are provided with numerous sharp teeth set in powerful jaws. CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL Another potential hazard of tropical coastal wa- ters is the electric ray (Torpedo). This bottom dweller is able to generate a powerful electric shock, one that may knock a man down. b. BIOLUMINESCENCE (PHOSPHORESCENCE) (1) Introduction ? Bioluminescence, the production of light by living organisms, is impor- tant in military operations because prominent dis- plays at night may reveal shorelines, disclose ves- sel operations by illuminating wakes of surface craft and periscopes of submarines, reveal under- water swimmers or personnel wading ashore, and interfere with adaptation of personnel to the dark and with general visibility. Luminescent displays may be grouped into three general categories: 1) Sheet-type, often appearing as a diffuse glow extending over a large area of sea surface; 2) spark-type, observed as innumerable flickering points of light; and 3) globe-type, ap- pearing as glowing balls of light. The organisms causing these displays include various types of protozoans, pelagic crustaceans, and jellyfishes, respectively. (2) Geographic distribution ? Large patches of discolored water are seen frequently along the Ethiopian coast, due usually to massive accumulations of plankton. Although not all dis- colored water results in bioluminescence, a large percentage of discolored water in this region is luminescent at night. This bioluminescence is produced by concentrations of a miscroscopic dino- flagellate, Noctiluca, and is usually exhibited as a brilliant sheet type. Concentrations of this or- ganism can develop during all seasons of the year. Discolored water due to Noctiluca is prevalent in the Isole Dahlac and near Massaua. Extremely rich plankton populations are present all year be- tween Isola Dahlac Chebir and Massaua. At times during the winter and summer months the water takes on the consistency of thick soup, owing to the countless numbers of bioluminescent dino- flagellates. Bioluminescent displays have been reported with great frequency in the southern Red Sea. Numerous displays have been described as un- dulating bands of light, rotating wheels of light ("phosphorescent wheels") , or milky seas. The highest percentage of observed displays occurs during the period July through October. Strong bioluminescence is a common occurrence during all seasons along the coast of French Somaliland and inside the Golfe de Tadjoura. Some very notable springtime displays are seen regularly near Djibouti and Obock. Large plank- ton blooms occur in the summer and extend throughout the Bab el Mandeb. These blooms NO FOREIGN DISSEM PAGE 22-25 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24 : CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL N I S 5 5 NAVY - JUNE 1962 generally consist of bioluminescent dinoflagel- lates. The Gulf of Adei is one of the most luminescent regions in the orld. Maximum luminescence takes place dun g August and September al- though very brig t and colorful displays can be observed during all seasons. In this region nu- merous observatio s of "phosphorescent wheels" occur annually, his unexplained phenomenon gives off extremelr bright luminescence, at tines capable of lightin up ships that are in the near vicinity. In addit on, large stretches of lumines- cent water, usuall caused by Noctiluca, are com- monly seen withirt the Gulf of Aden: Masses of jellyfishes are res nsible for some very string globe-type display within the Gulf of Aden and near the Somalia a,st. To the east, in the vicin- ity of Socotra, bi uminescence is a common oc- currence through ? ut the year. The same bio- luminescent condi 'ons ascribed to the Gulf of Aden occur here. Luminescent displays occur throughout the ye r along the coast of northern Somalia, reaching a maximum during the period July through Octo r. Bioluminescent displays are frequently seen during the year in the vicinity of Capo Guardafui and Ras Hafun. s in the Gulf of Aden, masses of dinoflagellates d occasional concentrations of jellyfishes contribu to numerous displays of bio- luminescence. Fe bioluminescent displays have been observed wit n the eastern Somalia coastal region south of R Hafun; those recorded are generally due to d'noflagellate blooms or masses of jellyfishes, and ually are seen during August and September. C. MARINE ALG E (1) Introdu feet nearshore nay a) by mechanicall craft operating in ing waders and tion?Marine algae may af- 1 operations in several ways: fouling the screws of small earshore waters, b) by imped- derwater swimmers in dense growths or by- creating difficult underfooting, c) by making beach Operations difficult, and d) by clogging ship and sniiall craft intakes. (2) Geograp most luxuriantly b depth of about 50 reefs found along s or below these level ticularly in the int peratures and extr establishment. So from their substrat late at the surface ally wash ashore. these waters, Sarg PAGE 22-26 ic distribution ? Algae grow tween mean low water and a feet on rocky ledges or coral me parts of this coast. Above , algal growth decreases, par- rtidal zone, where high tem- me desiccation prevent their e algae may be torn loose during storms and accumu- floating masses that eventu- Since the largest algae in sum, Turbinaria, and Cysto- phyllum, are usually no longer than 3 or 4 feet, algae are not likely to entangle swimmers or the screws of small craft. Also, they are not likely to clog small craft intakes or hinder amphibious land- ing operations, although they may at times form floating masses and windrows on the beach. Con- centrations of small algae at about mean low wa- ter may make surfaces slippery for men wading ashore in some places. The algal flora of Socotra resembles that in similar marine habitats on the Somalia coast. d. SEAGRASSES ? The seagra.sses Cymodocea and Halophila, which usually are no larger than most algae in these waters, are well represented on mud or mud-sand bottoms in protected waters less than 50 feet deep. Although they may con- tribute somewhat to the accumulation of floating masses of seaweed and windrows on the beaches, they are not abundant enough to increase the sig- nificance of marine vegetation in naval opera- tions. C. Sector 1: Ethiopia (Eritrea) 18?02'N., 38?36'E. to 12?42'N., 43?08'E. (FIGURES 22-71 and 22-72; USHO Charts 2815 and 2816) Sector 1, consisting of approximately 680 miles of coast on the mainland and 300 miles of coast on the off-lying archipelago of Isole Dahlac, extends southeastward from the Ethiopia - Sudan border to the Ethiopia - French Somaliland border, and fronts on the Red Sea. The mainland shores of the sector are predomi- nantly sandy and are bordered in many places by marsh or swamp. There are four major beach areas, six minor beach areas, and nine landing places on the mainland. ?Most of these are in southern half of the sector; there are none on the off-lying islands. The major beach areas vary from 11/4 miles to 31/4 miles in length, and the minor beaches from 450 yards to 1,700 yards. Most of the beaches are backed by sandy desert and semidesert plains. The areas best suited for large-scale amphibious operations are in the vicinity of the principal port of Massaua and the secondary port of Assab. In addition to port facilities, these two areas have good roads, large stretches of flat-to-undulating terrain, and nearby air facilities. Elsewhere, poor approaches, lack of roads, or limited area of flat terrain combine to make the remaining parts of the sector generally unfavorable for large-scale amphibious operations. NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24 : CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NAVY - JUNE 1962 MILITARY GEOGRAPHY CONFIDENTIAL Low, flat-to-undulating coastal plains, mostly about 5 to 15 miles wide, extend inland behind the mainland shores. The plains in turn are backed by hilly-to-mountainous outliers of the extensive interior mountainous plateau which attains peak elevations from 3,000 to over 10,000 feet. In sev- eral places, hilly-to-mountainous spurs of the in- terior highlands extend to or near the water's edge, compartmentalizing the coastal plains. In addition to these spurs, the coastal plains are sporadically interrupted by isolated hills or moun- tains. The predominant vegetation of the coastal re- gion is scattered grass and brush, which is most dense near the banks of streams. The partly brush- and tree-covered interior highlands are deeply dissected by numerous intermittent streams which flow out onto the coastal plains and in many places terminate in the porous sands before reaching the sea. Many of these streams have deeply entrenched streambeds, and most have marshy areas adjoining their lower limits. The majority of the off-shore islands have pre- dominantly sandy shores backed by low, barren, sandy terrain. Many islands have scattered coral outcroppings and are reef fringed. Sea approaches to much of Coastal Segments [1] and [3] are obstructed by the Isole Dahlac, an archipelago of coral reefs, shoals, islets, and is- lands, which extend 61/4 to 80 n. miles offshore. Between the mainland and the Isole Dahlac is a deepwater channel, Canale di Massaua, which provides a clear offshore approach to the port of Massaua. ? A chain of islands, extending about 54 n. miles north-northeastward of Baia di Beilul in Coastal Segment [4], is another major obstruc- tion in the offshore approaches to the sector. Rocks, shoals, and islets, ? particularly at the en- trances to the numerous large bays indenting the coast, are additional offshore obstructions. The principal nearshore obstruction is a discontinuous fringing coral reef. Approaches to the islands of Isole Dahlac are generally unfavorable due to sur- rounding reefs, rocks, and shoals. Protected anchorages are available in several of the bays. Potential fleet anchorages are located along the mainland in Golfo di Zula (Coastal Seg- ment [3), and Baia di Beilul (Coastal Segment [4]). In the Isole Dahlac there are two additional potential fleet anchorages, both on the western side of Isola Dahlac Chebir (Coastal Segment [2]). There are one principal port, one secondary port, and three minor ports in Sector 1. The principal port is at Massaua (Coastal Segment [3]) which is also the most important urban area on the coastal plain. Assab is the secondary port CONFIDENTIAL and is the largest urban area in Coastal Segment [4]. There are minor ports at Archico, Capo Mal- catto, and Mersa Fatma. Most of the coastal population is distributed among widely scattered villages, but the density is sparser than on the in- land plateaus of the highlands where there are numerous towns, villages, and settlements, includ- ing Asmara, the most important town in Eritrea. On the whole, land transportation is poor and there are only two roads of importance in the sec- tor. One surfaced road leads inland from Mas- saua to Asmara where several connecting roads branch out into the interior. Another surfaced road leads southwest from Assab and provides the shortest route inland to Addis Ababa. In addition to these roads, there is one principal coastal track which traverses the length of the sector from 1 to 131/2 miles inland, and connects at various points with the two main roads by means of other tracks and trails or by cross-country movement. There is only one railroad in the sector, a narrow- gage (3'13/8") line running westward from Mas- saua through Asmara and Cheren (Coastal Seg- ment [1]). Cross-country movement would be hindered by soft sand, hilly and mountainous areas, deeply entrenched streambeds, sand dunes, and areas of lava rock. Movement inland is also impeded by the hills and mountains backing the coastal plain with only valley corridors and wide streambeds affording, at best, difficult routes of access. There are four classified and three unclassified airfields throughout the sector with the greatest concentration in Coastal Segment [3]. These fa- cilities can be used for helicopter landings. There are other suitable helicopter landing areas on flat uninterrupted stretches of the coastal plain and on some of the islands of the Isole Dahlac. The coastal area of Sector 1 has a hot, dry mon- soonal type of climate. While the area is hot the year round, the months of June through Septem- ber are the hottest, with mean daily maximum temperatures of 90? F. to over 100? F. Along the coastal lowlands, the mean annual rainfall is less than 10 inches, but the littoral highlands receive from about 15 to 45 inches annually. During the period of June through August, winds are mostly from the northwest quadrant while southeasterly and southerly winds predominate during October through April. Wind directions tend to be vari- able during the transition months of May and September. Throughout the year, local land and sea breezes may dominate the wind direction in many coastal areas. In terms of ground opera- tions, the most important weather phenomena NO FOREIGN DISSEM Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 PAGE 22-27 ApprOved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL NIS 55 are the sporadic sindstorms and flash flooding of streams following periods of rain. 1. Coast Coastal Segment [1], Sudan - Ethiopia border to Ras Dogon (190 coastline miles; USHO charts 2815 and 2822) General?The c undulating, sparse dissected mounta through 22-18B a dominantly sandy by marshy areas a astal area consists of a broad, Ly vegetated plain backed by a ous plateau (FIGURES 22-14 d 22-71). The shores are pre- with some stretches bordered d mangrove swamps. The off- shore approaches tio the northern third of the seg- ment are clear. The southern two-thirds is ob- structed by the islands, rocks, reefs and shoals of the archipelago, I quate approach ch obstructions. In principal obstructi reef. There are for small boats bu tected deepwater ticularly on the Massaua,. In general, this Jar large-scale am because of poor ole Dahlac, but there are ade- nnels through or around these he nearshore approaches the n is a discontinuous fringing o protected anchorages except all along the coast partly pro- chorates are available, par- estern side of the Canale di oastal segment is not suitable hibiaus operations, principally pproaches and lack of roads. However, the area best suited for such operations is near the southern end of the segment where there are two maj6r beach areas. These beaches lie from 31/4 to 7 n4iies north of the principal port of Massaua (Coast 1 Segment [3] ) and the main road and railroad which connect this port with the hinterland. The coastal plaill only by scattered ment across the p hills and mountain steep slopes and elude off-road mov air facilities but t many flat stretche helicopter landings Shore and coast dominantly sandy marsh or mangro (1) and (2) ; FIG 22-18A). The ter of a broad, undul dissected mountai The plain is about rows to less than 1 widens to a maxim its southern end. is devoid of roads and is served tracks. Cross-country move- am n is generally good. In the ous plateau backing the plain, eep-cleft valleys virtually pre- ment. There are no classified ere is one unclassified airfield; of the plain are suitable for terrain?The shores are pre- and bordered in places by e swamp (major beach areas RES 22-14 through 22-16 and am n behind the shores consists ing coastal plain backed by a ous plateau (FIGURE 22-17). 5 miles wide in the north, nar- miles at the center, and again m of more than 20 miles near Isolated hills, ranging from about 140 to 800 feet high, are scattered over the plain and lie as close as 4 miles inland in the PAGE 22-28 NAVY-JUNE 1962 northern part of the segment and 12 miles in the southern part. The plain is mostly bare, arid, and sandy with low dunes and sand ridges. However, scattered small thorny bushes and trees line the dry streambeds, and elsewhere there are sporadic patches of brush or grass (FIGURE 22-18B). In addition, there are several widely scattered areas of cultivation and saltpans, mostly near the south- ern end of the segment. In many places inter- mittent streams issuing from the interior plateau are lost in shifting sands or marshes before reach- ing the shore. After a heavy rainfall, these streams turn into torrents. About 17 miles south of Mersa Mubarec there is a large intermittent stream that does reach the sea. It has a broad flood plain incised by broad streambeds and flanked by steep sides. Backing the coastal plain is the interior plateau whose steep serrated foothills attain elevations up to 1,000 feet. Numerous mountainous areas rise from this plateau and attain peak elevations of over 6,000 feet about 30 to 50 miles inland from the shore. Steep-sided valleys severely dissect the plateau. Brush and scattered areas of , small trees and grasses are the predominant cover of the plateau. Approaches?Offshore approaches to the north- ern third of the segment are clear while the re- maining two-thirds are severely obstructed by the islands, rocks, reefs, and shoals of the Isole Dah- lac. This archipelago, which has one principal ap- proach channel through it, is discussed in Coastal Segment [2] (FfouRE 22-71). From the northern border of the segment to Mersa Deresa, about 65 miles southeastward, the offshore approaches are generally clear; however, many scattered shoals and banks lie 5 to 12 n. miles offshore. The nearshore approaches are partly obstructed by fringing coral reefs which in places extend about 1 n. mile from the shore. Where charted, the 10-fathom curve lies 650 yards to 21/2 n. miles offshore. Between Mersa Deresa and Ras Dogon, at the southern end of the segment, the offshore ap- proaches are obstructed by the islands, rocks, reefs, and shoals of the Isole Dahlac and other scattered shoals. Approach channels to the main- land are limited to 1) the northern part of the Canale di Massaua, which lies parallel to the coast between the shore and the westernmost islands of the Isole Dahlac for a distance of about 108 n. miles, and 2) to a channel through the Isole Dahlac. The Canale di Massaua fairway varies from 21/2 to 14 n. miles in width, and is mainly from 10 to 70 fathoms deep with occasional shoal patches. The channel affords a safe and con- venient passage which may be navigated either NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NAVY-JUNE 1962 MILITARY GEOGRAPHY CONFIDENTIAL by day or night. In the nearshore approaches (western side of the Canale di Massaua), the prin- cipal obstruction is a discontinuous fringing reef. Between Mersa Deresa and Ras Dogon the 10- fathom curve extends from 500 yards to 4 n. miles offshore. An irregularly charted 6-fathom curve lies from 400 yards to 1% n. miles offshore. Ports and urban areas?There are no ports in the segment, and the very few villages on the bar- ren coastal plain are confined principally to widely separated areas of cultivation or salt works. Per- manent villages and towns are located in the highlands. The most important of these urban areas is Cheren, a local trading center and rail transit point, which lies about 70 miles west of Ras Dogon. The town has good road and rail connections with the town of Asmara and the port of Massaua. Routes of communication?The coastal plain is devoid of roads, the primary routes being coastal tracks which roughly parallel the shore 1 to 6 miles inland along the northern and southern parts of the plain. These tracks are joined by several other tracks leading inland across the plain and ultimately connecting with a north - south unsurfaced road. This road lies 18 to 66 miles inland and skirts the eastern edge of the plateau backing the plain. At its southern end, the road connects with a hard-surfaced all- weather road that passes through Cheren enroute westward from Massaua to the Sudan border. Marshy and swampy areas are the principal ob- stacles to movement inland from the shores. Al- though most of these areas are relatively short belts paralleling the shores, they extend up to 4 miles inland in many places and would hinder movement laterally along the coast (see FIGURES 22-15 and 22-16). At high water, many of the tidal marshes are unfordable. Sand dunes line sections of the shore and areas of shifting sand dunes and sand ridges are sporadic along the coastal plain (nouns 22-15 and 22-16). In some places, these sand dunes and ridges are of sufficient height and steepness to be obstacles to vehicular movement. Isolated, rocky hilly formations also dot the coastal plain, presenting obstacles that can be bypassed for the most part (FIGURES 22-14 and 22-17). The only other major obstacles encountered along the coastal plain are the nu- merous intermittent streams whose banks are sufficiently high and steep in, many places to block the passage of vehicles. During rainy periods, all movement is generally restricted because of floods, torrential streams, and sticky, slippery soils. The steep slopes of the hills and the mountainous plateau backing the coastal plain are a formidable CONFIDENTIAL barrier to movement. However, foot troops might be able to ascend some of the stream valleys through the highlands and reach relatively flat parts of the interior plateau. Helicopter landing areas?There are no classi- fied air facilities in the segment but an unclassi- fied airfield, approximately 2 miles south of major beach area (2), is suitable for helicopter land- ings. Level stretches of the coastal plain are also suitable as helicopter landing areas; however, loose sand and sand dunes may be a problem in places. There are also some relatively level areas suitable for landing on the plateau backing the plain. Exits from the helicopter landing areas on the plain or the plateau are primarily by cross- country movement to scattered tracks and trails, but movement over much of the plateau is severely limited by the steep-sided valleys and gorges which dissect the interior highlands. Coastal Segment [2], Isole Dahlae (approxi- mately 300 coastline miles; USHO Charts 2815, 2821,2822) Genera?The Isole Dahlac is an archipelago of over 100 large and small islands which extend for about 150 n. miles on a northwest - southeast axis off the northern part of the Eritrean coast (FIGuREs 22-19 through 22-21, and 22-71). The archipelago is separated from the mainland by the Canale di Massaua. The islands are prin- cipally low and sandy with scattered coral out- croppings and are fringed by reefs, rocks, shoals, and islets. These obstructions in the approaches make the islands generally unfavorable for am- phibious operations. Much of the Isole Dahlac has been only partially surveyed, and there are many indications of discrepancies on existing hy- drographic charts. There is one principal ap- proach channel leading through the archipelago to the port of Massaua (annotated on FIGURE 22-71), as well as some minor devious and diffi- cult channels leading to individual islands. Two potential fleet anchorages lie on the western side of Isola Dahlac Chebir, and open anchorage is available off some of the islands. There are no landing beaches or landing places in this segment; however, short stretches of sandy shores on many of the islands might be suitable for the landing of small parties. Most of the is- lands have areas suitable for helicopter landings, but loose sand and rocks may be a problem in places. Roads are lacking but the larger inhab- ited islands have tracks and trails. Except for sand ridges and hills, marshy or swampy areas, and isolated cliffs, cross-country movement is generally good. NO FOREIGN DISSEM Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 PAGE 22-29 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL NIS 55 ? NAVY-JUNE 1962 Isola Dahlac Chebir?The largest island of the Isole Dahlac is Isola Dahlac Chebir which is about 35 miles long and averages 11 miles in width (FIGURES 22-49 through 22-21). It is com- posed principally Of coral and is generally low with its northern and western sides deeply in- dented. The shore are predominantly sandy and fringed in most places by coral reefs, although along the norther mangrove areas fri mediately behind t sists of old beach r ern side of the isla tively flat and sand pings and small consists mainly o few palms, and streams whose w the ground in the ridges backing the S side of the island scattered ge the shore. The terrain 'm- e shores in many places con- dges, particularly On the west- d. Inland, the terrain is rela- with scattered coral outcrop- arshy areas. The vegetation scattered grassy patches, a rush along the intermittent ters normally sink beneath shifting sands of the beach pores. Cross-country m ? vernent is generally good. The major obstacles to inlaild movement are marshy areas scattered abo t the island and a cliffy area inland from the s utheastern shores of Gobbet Mus Nefit, a bay on the western coast. There are a numbe:r of small Coastal villages, most of which are located on the western side of the island. Tracks and trails connect these villages and are most numerous in the western half of the island. Approaches to sola Dahlac Chebir are ob- structed off its northern and eastern shores by rocks, reefs, shoals, and islands. On its southern side a discontinuoOs reef extends offshore about 1,000 yards at its s uthwestern end and lies up to 7 n. miles offshore t its southeastern end. Reefs, rocks, shoals, and i lands lie up to 10 n. miles off- shore along the we tern side of the island. Two large bays which indent the western coast of the island are chorages; deepwate Shoals and islets b Entatu, the north arated by a naviga of more than 6 fat onsidered potential fleet an- channels lead into the bays. rder the entrance to Gubbet esterly bay, but they are sep- le channel which has depths oms and a minimum width of about 700 yards. linside the bay, however, there is good anchorage in depths of 10 or more fathoms. Islands and reefsibstruct most of the entrance to Gobbet Mus Nest, the southwesterly bay, but there is a clear entrance channel having depths of 51/2 to 14 fathom S and a minimum width of 300 yards. This bay iS large and deep and affords anchorage area in epths Of 6 to 11 fathoms over a sandy bottom, here is a small landing pier and village on the outheastern shore of the bay. No data are availa le regarding protection from prevailing weather in either Gubbet Entatu or Gobbet Mus Nefit. PAGE 22-30 Isola Norah?Located about 7 n. miles north of Isola Dahlac Chebir, Isola Norah is the second largest island in the Isole Dahlac and averages about 6 miles long and 5 miles wide (FIGURES 22-19 and 22-20). The island is generally low, irregular, and deeply indented by several bights and bays. The shores are sandy and fringed by coral reefs, but in places there is a border of man- grove. The terrain behind the shores is low, mostly barren, and sandy with scattered coral outcrop- pings. In places the shore is backed by a zone of sandy beach ridges, in turn backed by exten- sive marshy areas which would impede cross- country movement. There are scattered habita- tions 'and tracks and trails on the island. Ap- proaches to the island are partly obstructed by the coral reefs, shoals, and smaller islets and is- lands surrounding it; however, several navigable passages thread through these obstructions. Isola Ma/run?Lying 11/2 n. miles east of Isola Norah, this island is low, mainly sandy, and about 3 miles in extent. The shores are sandy and completely fringed by coral reefs. A narrow belt of mangrove borders most of the southern side of the island and scattered places along the north- ern side. The terrain is flat, predominantly sandy, but partly marshy, and covered by patches of grass in many places. There is virtually no habitation except for a small cluster of huts on the western end of the island where there are a few tracks and trails. Isola Naheleg?Located 13/4 n. miles north- northwest of Isola Mahun, Isola Naheleg is a low, sand-and-coral island about 7 miles in length. The shores are probably sandy and fringed by coral reefs. Isola Ghabbi Hu?Situated about 33/4 n. miles northeast of Isola Naheleg, this island is about 1 mile wide and 3 miles long. It is a low, sand-and- coral island With a few bushes on it. Isola Entaentor?Located about 13/4 n. miles north of Isola Ghabbi Hu, this island is narrow and about 2 miles in length. It is low, composed of coral and sand, and is bordered by reefs which extend 1 n. mile off its eastern side. Isola Harmil?This island lies at the northeast- ern end of the approach channel through the Isole Dahlac (FIGURE 22-71) and is located about 10 n. miles northwest of Isola Entaentor. Isola Harmil, a coral island, is low, sandy, and irregular in shape, and averages about 3 miles in length and width. Reefs and rocks fringe the southern and eastern sides of the island, and the reef ex- tends as far as 1 n. mile southeastward from the southeastern extremity of the island. There is an almost landlocked bight on the northern side of the island. NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NAVY-JUNE 1962 MILITARY GEOGRAPHY Isola /sra-tu?Located 141/2 n. miles southwest of Isola Harmil, this island is irregular in shape, being deeply indented by two large mangrove- fringed inlets, and is about 3 miles in extent. The sandy shores are fringed by coral reefs and rocks. The terrain is mostly flat and sandy ex- cept off the southwestern side of the island where sandhills back the shore. These hills, ranging up to 100 feet high, are covered with grass and brush and extend across the island in isolated peaks. There are no tracks or trails indicative of habita- tion. Isola Difnein?This, the northwesternmost is- land of the Isole Dahlac and lying about 34 n. miles northwest of Isola Isra-tu, is about 1 mile in extent, and is indented by inlets. Difnein is one of several islands forming the perimeter of the seaward side of the northern part of Canale di Massaua. The other islands include Isola Entesile, Isola Harat, Isola Dul Baut, and Isola Dehel. Isola Difnein, reportedly about 30 feet high, is composed of coral and sand, and is partly covered with mangrove. Its fringing reefs are steep-to and narrow on the northern side, and about 1,000 yards wide on the southeast. Isola Entesile?Located 6 n. miles south of Isola Difnein, this small coral island is about 20 feet high, covered with dense brush, and bordered by a narrow reef. Isola Harat?Located about 22 n. miles south of Isola Entesile and 12 n. miles off the main- land, it is the largest island bordering the north- ern part of the Canale di Massaua. The island, about 71/2 miles long and 35 feet high, is rela- tively flat and is covered by scattered patches of grass and brush. The shores are sandy arid fringed by coral reefs and rocks, which are most extensive off the western side of the island. An extensive area of reefs also extends about 81/2 n. miles northward from the northern extremity of the island. A small village is located at the south- ern end of the island with a few tracks and trails in its vicinity. Isola Dehel?Located about 111/2 n. miles south- east of Isola Harat, this island is flat, about 20 feet high, and 21/4 miles in extent. The shores are sandy and fringed by a reef which extends as far as 1,000 yards offshore. Narrow fingers of marsh back the shores along the southern coast. Patches of grass and brush cover much of the is- land, and near the northwestern side is a village with a grove of palm trees in its vicinity. Isola Sciumma?Located about 4 n. miles south- ward of the southwestern extremity of Dahlac Chebir, this island is 50 feet high, 2% miles long, and is bordered by a reef extending as far as 1,000 yards offshore in places (FIGURE 22-21). CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL The island's shores are sandy and reef fringed and backed by relatively flat terrain mostly covered by grass and brush. Two streams, with partly marshy basins, drain the central part of the is- land. Some sources report a minor port within the small harbor on the southwestern side of Isola Sciumma but 1943 photography does not reveal any extant facilities. Except for fringing coral reefs, the approaches to the island within the nar- rows of Canale di Massaua are clear. Coastal Segment [3], Ras Dogon to Ras Sciaks (250 coastline miles; USHO Charts 2815, 2822) General?The coastal area consists of a flat-to- undulating sandy, sparsely vegetated plain av- eraging from 1 to 10 miles in width (FIGURES 22-22 through 22-24 and 22-71). The plain merges with a rugged mountainous interior except in the central part of the segment where a narrow dis- continuous belt, of hills and mountains backs the plain and is in turn backed by a large valley. Offshore approaches are generally clear; near- shore approaches are partly obstructed by islands and other obstructions. A potential fleet anchor- age is located in Golfo di Zula in an area about 7 by 10 n. miles with depths of 10 to 20 fathoms. Two minor beach areas, and two landing places are in this coastal segment. The Massaua area with its accessibility to excellent road and rail routes is the best suited for large-scale amphibious operations. In .general, the remainder of the coastal area is unfavorable for large-scale am- phibious operations, principally because of the lack of roads and the limited areas of flat terrain. Throughout most of the coastal area, movement is confined to a poor network of tracks and trails because of soft sand, hilly and mountainous areas, and deeply entrenched streambeds which form serious obstacles to extended cross-country move- ment. Inland, the mountains prevent easy egress from the coastal area, and movement is restricted to valleys and stream corridors which are diffi- cult to negotiate. Class 1 air facilities are located at Asmara and Gura, and a Class 2 facility at Massaua. In addition to these air facilities and one unclassified airfield northwest of minor beach 1, there are also scattered flat-to-undulating areas on the coastal plains that provide suitable heli- copter landing areas. Shore and coastal terrain ?The coast is very irregular and deeply indented by several large bays and numerous inlets and coves. The shores are predominantly sandy (minor beach areas 1 and 2, and 2 landing places; FIGURE 22-23), and bordered in places by marsh or mangrove. Be- NO FOREIGN DISSEM Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 PAGE 22-31 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL NIS 55 hind the sandy sh res are coastal plains of vari- able width, in tu4 backed for the most part by brush- and tree-co ered hills and mountains which in places interruptl the plains and extend to the water's edge (FroulaEs 22-23 and 22-24) . In the central part of the segment, the hills and moun- tains are much lqwer in elevation and form a narrow discontinuous barrier which separates the plain from a large inland valley. In the northwestern half of the segment from Ras Dogon to Mer a Fatma, scattered marshy or sandy areas bordek the sandy shores. Here, the coastal plains are arrowest and average from 1 to 7 miles in width At the heads of Baia d'Arch- ico, Golfo di Zula, and Baia di Hauachil, hilly-to- mountainous spur of the interior highlands ex- tend to or near t e water's edge. The coastal plains are broadest in the vicinity of Massaua and on both sides of GOlfo di Zula, particularly on the eastern side of the gulf; a large salt lake lies in the center of this pllain east of Golfo di Zula. Throughout the ment, the plains there are some iso The coastal plains tion but there ar which are most d northwestern half of the seg- re low and sandy, although ated hills and rocky outcrops. are mainly devoid of vegeta- patches of grass and brush nse along the banks of the many intermittent streams that cross the plains. The hills and mountains which back and flank the plains are partly covered by brush and trees and deeply cut by steep-sided stream valleys. From the Golfo di Zula westward, the mountainous interior is highest, reaching peak elevations from about 3,000 feet to over 10,000 feet. Southeast- ward from the head of Golfo di Zula the hills and mountains are lower. Narrow stream valleys and lowland corridors thread through this zone of coastal hills and mOuntains. In the southeastern half of the segment from Mersa Fatma southeastward, the sandy shores are interspersed with fringing mangrove which is quite dense in places, particularly in the inlets northeast of Mersa Fatma. The coastal plain is low and sandy and widens considerably between Mersa Fatma and the southeastern end of the segment, averaging about 10 miles in width. The hills and isolated mountain peaks that characterize the northwestern half of the segment are much less evi- dent although in a few places low hills lie close be- hind the shores. Here too, patches of grass and brush are intersperSed over the coastal plain, being most dense along th,e banks of the numerous inter- mittent streams. Ai discontinuous zone of hills and mountains, partly eovered by grass, brush, and trees, backs the coastal plains and reaches a peak elevation of over 4,000 feet. PAGE 22-32 NAVY - JUNE 1962 Between Mersa Fatma and Baia d'Anfile, about 30 miles east-southeastward, the hills and moun- tains are generally much lower in elevation and form a discontinuous barrier between the coastal plain and an extensive inland valley. The barrier, consisting mostly of high hills, is interspersed with elevations of slightly more than 1,000 feet and is traversed by a number of corridors. The corridors give access to the valley which is about 130 miles long and 30 to 40 miles wide. Much of its surface lies below sea level and consists of salt lakes and marshes ?which are fed by intermittent streams draining from the adjacent highlands. Elsewhere, the valley is mainly sandy or gravelly although there are areas of rocky volcanic outcrops. The valley is mostly barren although there are scattered patches of grass and brush. Numerous islands front the shores, with the ma- jority concentrated in Baia di Hauachil. The larg- est island, Isola di Hauachil, has sandy shores, is mostly low and sandy, and has coral outcrop- pings in its northern half; its southern half is hilly with volcanic peaks over 700 feet high. Isola Monte Baca, the second largest island, also has sandy shores, is predominantly hilly with heights over 400 feet, and is covered with brush and trees. The remainder of the islands in Baia di Hauachil are mostly low, sandy, and barren, and are fringed in places by mangrove. The second largest con- centration of islands is located in Baia d'Anfile, to the southeast. Isola Midiri, the largest island in this bay, consists of coral and is barren, but the sandy shores on the southern side of the island are thickly fringed with mangrove. On the re- maining islands of this group the shores and ter- rain are sandy, but are mangrove bordered in many places. The only other island of importance is Isola Dissei, which lies in the entrance to the Golfo di Zula. It has sandy shores backed in places by hills, partly covered by clumps of grass or brush. Approaches?Offshore approaches are in gen- eral clear; the southern part of the Canale di Massaua provides a deepwater channel between the southern islands of the Isole Dahlac and the mainland. Minor obstructions in the channel con- sist of several small islands and a few widely scat- tered reefs and shoals. Nearshore approaches are partly obstructed by fringing coral reefs, shoals, rocks, and by numerous islands that en- cumber the entrances to the several large bays which indent the coast. In the nearshore approaches, from Ras Dogon southeastward about 40 n. miles to Ras Lamma Tacaito, the principal obstruction is a discon- tinuous, narrow fringing coral reef surmounted by rocky areas and a few islets. Six-fathom NO FOnEIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NAVY-JUNE 1962 MILITARY GEOGRAPHY depths lie from 500 yards to 1,500 yards offshore except near Massaua and the eastern entrance point to Golfo di Zula where it lies up to 21/4 n. miles offshore. Unlike the northwestern part of the segment, most of the nearshore approaches from Ras Lamina Tacaito to the southern end of the seg- ment are obstructed by a more extensive coral reef combined with numerous rocks, shoals, and islands. In most places the fringing reef does not extend more than 1 n. mile offshore; however, there is a stretch of shore extending about 55 miles southeastward from Mersa Fatma where the reef completely fills several inlets and extends as much as 7 n. miles seaward, probably uncovering in places. In the outer part of Baia di Hauachil there are numerous obstructions consisting of islands, rocks, and shoals. Rocks, reefs, and shoal patches also lie close inshore throughout most of the bay; however, a channel with depths of 33/4 to 7 fath- oms threads in a southwesterly direction between the islands and other obstructions and leads into the inner part of the bay. A smaller group of reef-fringed islands similarly obstructs approaches to Baia d'Anfile near the southeastern end of the segment. Off this stretch of coast 6-fathom depths lie from 1,000 yards to 13 n. miles seaward, lying farthest off the head of Baia di Hauachil. Ports and urban areas?Massaua, the only prin- cipal port in Ethiopia, lies in this segment. The town is also the largest urban area on the coastal plain and has good road and railroad connections. An aerial tramway extends from Massaua to Asmara, about 41 miles southwestward, but it is not presently in use. Although specific data are lack- ing, there are piers at the minor ports of Archico, 6 miles south of Massaua, at Capo Malcatto on the west-central side of Golfo di Zula, and at Mersa Fatma. Elsewhere on the plain, population is limited to a few coastal fishing villages. The population and areas of cultivation are centered mostly around Massaua and in the valleys and on the plateaus that lie inland from that port. Asmara is the second most important town in Ethiopia as well as being the communications hub and eco- nomic center for Eritrea. Routes of communication?A hard-surfaced all- weather road leads inland from Massaua to As- mara, where it branches northwestward and south- ward into the interior regions. A narrow-gage (3'13/8") railroad roughly parallels the road from Massaua to Asmara and also follows the road ex- tending northwestward from Asmara to a ter- CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL minus point about 71 miles farther inland to the northwest. Access to this road and railroad from the shore, especially south of Massaua, is by cross-country movement for short distances to established tracks and trails. There is also a short stretch of surfaced road leading from Archico to Massaua. Formerly a short railroad extended from Mersa Fatma southward across the plain. Elsewhere throughout the segment, the coastal plain is poorly served by scattered tracks and trails. One of these coastal tracks traverses the length of the segment and lies from 100 yards to 10 miles inland; it lies closest to the shore along the Golfo di Zula, Baia di Hauachil, and Baia d'Anfile. The coastal terrain is unfavorable for extended cross-country movement, the prime obstacles be- ing soft sand, hilly and mountainous areas, and deeply entrenched stream beds. Movement in- land through the highlands is restricted to val- leys and steep-sided ravines, which at best are dif- ficult to traverse. Helicopter landing areas?There are several classified air facilities in the segment which can be used for helicopter landings. These include a Class 2 air facility at Massaua, and Class 1 air fa- cilities at Asmara and Gura, about 50 miles south- west of Massaua. There is also an unclassified airfield 9 miles northwest of minor beach area 1 suitable for landings. Elsewhere, flat-to-undulat- ing areas along the coastal plains and the larger islands adjacent to the coast are suitable for landings; however, loose sand may be a prob- lem in places. Exit from the helicopter landing areas on the plains would be primarily by cross- country movement to the coastal tracks and trails. The main inland roads and railroad are readily accessible from the air facilities. Coastal Segment [4], Ras Sciaks to the French Somaliland border (240 coastline miles; USHO Charts 2816, 2819, and 2821) General?The coastal area consists of a flat-to- undulating, sandy, sparsely vegetated plain of variable width, interrupted in many places by ex- tensive rocky outcrops and scattered hills and mountains (FIGURES 22-25 through 22-28B, 22-71, and 22-72). Backing the plain are rugged mountains and high mountainous plateaus, which in the northern half of the segment are backed by a large valley. Offshore approaches are in general clear except off several bays; near- shore approaches are partly obstructed by a fringing coral reef, islands, rocks, and shoals. A potential fleet anchorage is located in Baia di Beilul, a large open bay with depths of 7 to 13 fathoms in the anchorage. NO FOREIGN DISSEM Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 PAGE 22-33 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL N I S 5 5 NAVY - JUNE 1962 Two major beach areas, four minor beach areas, and seven landing places have been selected in this segment. In general, the segment is not favor- able for large-scale amphibious operations, prin- cipally because of poor approaches, lack of roads, and limited areas of flat terrain. However, the best area for large-scale amphibious operations is in the vicinity of the secondary port of Assab 1 where a series of anding places afford access to the port, the mai road network, and a nearby air facility. Aside from the roads emanating from Assab, the cbastal area is served only by a poor network of tracks and trails, and conditions for extended crosS-country movement are poor. A Class 3 air facili fled airfield behind suitable helicopter y at Maacaca and an unclassi- minor beach 5 would provide landing areas as could numer- ous level areas along the coast. Shore and coastal terrain?The shores are pre- dominantly sandy (major beach areas (3) and (4), minor beach areas 3 through 6, and 7 land- ing places; FIGURES 22-25 through 22-28B), al- though there are scattered rocky shores and muddy mangroveitordered stretches. Backing the shores is a stream-dissected plain of variable width, in turn baked by an almost continuous chain of rugged which in places in the water's edge. dotted with isola sandy areas, rock clay. In the northwes Ras Sciaks 60 mile area (4), the shor loose sandy areas volcanic hills and mountains, terrupt the plain and reach to The coastal plain, which is ed peaks, consists mainly of outcrops, and some areas of m part of the segment, from ? southeastward to major beach s are mostly sandy, backed by or sand dunes (major beach areas (3) and (4), minor beach areas 1 and 2; FIGURES 22-25 ai4d 22-26). Here, the coastal plain is widest ama extends inland from about 8 to 24 miles. The plain is broadest in the vicinity of major beach area (4) where it penetrates deeply backing most of the plain, and provides an inland to interruptthe southeast-trending moun- tains access route to a large inland valley (see Coastal Segment [3]). cross the coastal are marshy areas nods. At the no plain is mostly ba principally to the the plain extends area (4), scattere cover the plain as mountains behind high. Isolated h conical in shape, coastal mountains umerous intermittent streams lain, and near the shore there hich overflow during rainy pe- them end of the segment the ren, and vegetation is confined banks of streams; however, as outhward toward major beach patches of grass and brush well as the streambanks. The the plain are over 4,000 feet lls and peaks, predominantly interrupt the plain. These are steep sided and deeply dis- sected by many streams. PAGE 22-34 In the central part of the segment, from major beach area (4) about 75 miles southeastward to Baia di Beilul, the shores are mostly sandy (minor beach areas 3 through 6, and 2 landing places; FIGURE 22-27) and are interrupted by scattered rocky or muddy swamp-bordered stretches. Low plains covered with partly brush-covered dunes back most of the shores, although there are large areas of lava-rock outcroppings and low hills. There are high hills and low mountains as close as 5 miles inland in this area although the plain reaches a maximum width of about 20 miles in the area south of minor beach area 4. The coastal plain is backed by a plateau which reaches heights of almost 7,000 feet and is dissected by steep-sided stream valleys. At the heads of both Baia Bahar Assoli and Baia di Beilul hilly spin of the plateau lie close behind the shores. In the southeastern part of the segment, from Baia di Beilul about 80 miles southeastward to the French Somaliland border, the shores are pre- dominantly sandy (5 landing places; FIGURES 22-28A and 22-28B), although there are muddy mangrove-bordered stretches. A low, undulating coastal plain extends for about 2 to more than 15 miles behind the shores, having its greatest ex- panse in the area south of Assab. Scattered hills interrupt parts of the plain while hills and a pla- teau, having a peak elevation over 6,500 feet, back the plain. Brush, grass, and scattered trees cover most of the coastal area but there are many bar- ren sandy areas on the coastal plains and a large area .of saltpans south of Assab. Numerous scattered islands lie close offshore and are prevalent at the entrances to and within the bays. The major concentration of islands is in Baia d'Assab where the two largest islands are located. The largest, Isola Haleb, lies in the outer part of the bay, has sandy shores and is partly covered by brush and trees. Isola Fatmah, the second largest and outermost island of the group, lies in the middle of the bay entrance. The island, with a maximum height of 50 feet at its northeast- ern end, is also partly covered by brush and trees and has sandy shores. The remaining islands in Baia d'Assab are in general low, sandy, and brush- covered and fringed in places by mangrove. Approaches?Offshore approaches are generally clear except off Baia Bahar Assoli, Baia di Beilul, and Baia d'Assab, where numerous islands and rocks obstruct the entrances to these bays. Near- shore approaches are partly obstructed by fring- ing coral reefs, shoals, and rocks. In the sea approaches to the northwestern part of the segment from Ras Sciaks to major beach area (4), there are relatively few obstructions ex- cept for a wreck and several widely scattered NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NAVY-JUNE 1962 MILITARY GEOGRAPHY shoals and volcanic islets. Where charted, the 5-fathom curve lies from 1,000 yards to 2 n. miles offshore. The offshore approaches to the central part from major beach area (4) to Baia di Beilul are obstructed by islands and rocks. The principal nearshore obstruction is a discontinuous fringing coral reef, which is most extensive in the Baia Bahar Assoli area. The nearshore approaches to the inner part of Baia di Beilul are partly ob- structed by several shoals and rocks. A partially charted 6-fathom curve extends from about 500 yards offshore in Baia di Beilul to VA n. miles off Baia Bahar Assoli. The neatshore approaches to the southeastern part of the segment from Baia di Beilul to the French Somaliland border are obstructed by a fairly continuous fringing coral reef. This reef is most extensive at both the northern and cen- tral sections of this part of the segment; off the southeastern entrance point to Baia d'Assab it ex- tends up to 4 n. miles offshore and probably un- covers at low water. Off the southeastern part of the segment a 6-fathom curve lies from 500 yards to almost 6 n. miles offshore, lying farthest off the head of Baia d'Assab. Numerous reef-fringed islands, rocks, and shoals fill Baia d'Assab and obstruct both the inner and outer parts of the bay; however, there are several channels leading through these obstructions. The best channel leading into the southern part of the bay lies on the western side of Baia d'Assab and has depths of from 33 to 57 feet in the fairway. Another main channel, located in the northeast- ern part of the bay, has least depths of 19 feet but shoal patches, with depths of from 7 to 15 feet over them, render this channel intricate. Ports and urban areas?Assab is the only port in the segment and the only secondary port in Ethiopia. The port is also the largest urban area on the sparsely populated coastal plain and has good road connections. Elsewhere on the plain, population is limited to a few coastal fishing vil- lages, usually located at or near the large bays. There is little evidence of any cultivation, and a large area of saltpans south of Assab is the only prominent cultural feature on the plain. Villages are the most numerous on the inland plateaus in the southeastern part of the segment. Routes of cammunication?A hard-surfaced all- weather road extends inland southwest from Assab, connecting with the main Asmara ? Addis Ababa highway. In addition, an unsurfaced road trends northwestward from Assab, and passes be- hind minor beach area 5 and the landing places north of Assab. Elsewhere throughout the seg- ment, the coastal plain is poorly served by scat- CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL tered tracks and trails. One of these coastal tracks traverses the length of the segment and lies from 880 yards to 13 1/2 miles inland. The tracks and trails offer the best means of movement inland because the coastal terrain is unfavorable for extended cross-country move- ment. The primary obstacles are loose sand and sand dunes, extensive lava areas, hilly and moun- tainous areas, and deep streambeds. Movement inland across the steep-sided mountains and high plateaus is restricted to valley corridors and wide streambeds which afford the best access routes into the hinterland. Volcanic craters and rocky lava beds would be additional obstacles to move- ment on the plateaus. Helicopter landing areas?A Class 3 air facility at Maacaca, 7 miles northwest of Assab, and an unclassified airfield behind minor beach 5 can be used for helicopter landings. Elsewhere, flat-to- undulating areas along the coastal plain arid many relatively flat areas on the mountainous in- land plateau are also suitable for helicopter land- ing areas; however, loose sand and sand dunes on the plain may be a problem in places. Exit from the landing areas is primarily by cross-country movement to coastal tracks and trails. 2. Landing beaches , There are four major beach areas, (1) through (4); six minor beach areas, I through 6; and nine landing places in Sector 1. The major beaches are located near Massaua, Ras Nammeita, and Ras Gumudli. One minor beach is located south of Massaua, another on the south shore of Golfo di Zula, and the remainder in the southern part of this sector. The landing places are located on the south shore of Golfo di Zula and in the vicinity of Ras Gumudli and Assab. The coasts in this sector, in general, are unsuit- able for amphibious landings because of fringing reefs, rocks, steep cliffs, and mountainous terrain. Although no areas along these coasts are consid- ered ideal for amphibious landings, a few beaches and landing places have been selected in areas where approaches, beach characteristics, and exits to the inland terrain most nearly meet the requirements for amphibious landings. Major beach area (2) is considered the best suited for an amphibious landing. In general it has favorable approaches and physical character- istics. Exits are by cross-country movement to a coastal track. Lengths of the major beaches in this sector range from 11/2 to 31/4 miles. Widths at low water levels range from 40 to 150 yards and at high water levels from 10 to 35 yards. The beach gradients in the low water to high water zone range from gentle to NO FOREIGN DISSEM Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 PAGE 22-35 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL N S 5 5 mild; gradients in the high water zone are steep. The beaches are of and which is firm in the wetted area and soft where dry. The offshore a proaches to two beaches are clear; to the rem ining beaches the offshore ap- proaches are restr'cted to Canale di Massaua and channels between islands, reefs, rocks, and shoals. Nearshore approaches to most of the beaches are partly obstructed shore bottom mat beach the sand Nearshore bottom fiat. Spring tides of of the sector, and in the southern h currence of surf 4 y bars or seaweed. The near- rial is sand; however, off one s probably mixed with mud. slopes range from moderate to feet occur in the northern half diurnal tides of 21/2 feet occur alf. The expected average oc- feet or greater on the beaches NAVY ? JUNE 1962 ranges from infrequent to 12% of the time during October through April; it is infrequent in all other months. Backing the beaches are sandy plains which are drained by wadies and covered with scattered brush and grass and which extend inland to partly brush- and tree-covered hills rising to mountains. Villages are in the vicinity of nearly all the beaches. Exit from the beaches is by cross-coun- try movement to coastal tracks. A single-track narrow-gage railroad, a principal port (Massaua), a Class 2 airfield, and an unclassified airfield are in the vicinity of the two northern beaches. Lengths of the minor beaches range from 450 to 1,700 yards; however, one-half are 1,000 yards or less in length. The beaches are concave or straight and are composed of sand. Widths at FIGURE 22-6. MAJOR BEACH AREAS (Map reference: BEACH NUMBER AND LOCATION LENGTH AND USABLE LENGTH WIDTHS: AT L.W.; AT H.W. BEACH GRADIENTS: L.W. TO H.W. H.W. ZONE APPROACH (1) Centered 33% mi. S. of Ras Arb, coast of Ethiopia (Eritrea), between 15?46'N., 39?27'E. and 15?44'N., 39?27'E. (nu. 22-18A) (Reliability: FAIR) (2) Centered 9 mi. S of Ras Arb, at 15?41'N., 39?28'E. (Reliability: FAIR) (3) Centered 73i mi NW. of Ras Nam meita, at 14?24'N.; 41?20'E. (Reliability: FAIR) 34 mi.; concave; termi- nated to N. where backed by marsh and to S. by wadi mouth; all usable. 13.. mi.; concave; termi- nated to NW. by wadi mouth and to SE. by fringing reef; interrupted by wadies; all usable. 134 mi; concave; termi- minated by low sandy points; all usable. 80 to 100 yd. at L.W.; 15 to 30 yd. at H.W. 100 to 150 yd. at L.W.; 20 to 35 yd. at H.W. 40 to 100 yd. at L.W.; 10 to 20 yd. at H.W. 1 on 65 to 1 on 70, L.W. to H.W.; 1 on 10 or steeper in H.W. zone. 1 on 80 to 1 on 115, L.W. to H.W.; 1 on 10 or steeper in H.W. zone. 1 on 35 to 1 on 95, L.W. to H.W.; 1 on 10 or steeper to H.W. zone. Nearshore bottom slopes mild to fla shoreward of 18-ft. depth contour 600 to 1,000 yd. off H.W. line; dis- continuous 36-ft. depth contour 1,000 yd. to 13% n. mi. off H.W. line; offshore approach restricted to Canale di Massaua and to chan- nels between numerous islands, reefs, rocks, and submerged shoals; nearshore approach partly ob- structed by submerged bar with least depth of 4 ft., 700 yd. off center part and flanked to N. by point fronted by seaweed and to S. by drying bars; bottom sand and prob. mud. Nearshore bottom slopes mild to flat shoreward of 18-ft. depth contour 685 to 880 yd. off H.W. line; off- shore approach restricted to Canale di Massaua and to channels between numerous islands, reefs, rocks, and submerged shoals; nearshore ap- proach clear but flanked to SE. by fringing reef; bottom sand. Nearshore bottom slopes gentle to flat shoreward of 18-ft. depth contour 400 to 1,180 yd. off H.W. line; offshore approach clear; nearshore approach partly obstructed by sandbars near L.W. line; bottom sand. NOTE Beach lengthls and distances along the coast and inland are expressed in statute miles; distances across water are expressed in nautical npes except when referring to beach locations. Italicized words refer to terms defined in Subsection A, 4, d. PAGE 22-36 NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NAVY -- JUNE 1962 MILITARY GEOGRAPHY CONFIDENTIAL low water levels range from 20 to 110 yards and at high water levels from 5 to 20 yards. The near- shore bottom slopes range from moderate to mad. The offshore approaches to most of the minor beaches are restricted to channels, bays, or a gulf, two of which are partly obstructed by shoals. Nearshore approaches to most of the minor beaches are clear but flanked by rocks, reefs, islands, or points. The nearshore bottom mate- rial off the beaches is mostly sand. Fleet and local anchorages are in the vicinity of half of the beaches. In general, the beaches are backed by sandy, partly brush- and grass-covered plains extending inland to partly brush- and tree-covered hills rising to mountains. Villages are near half of the beaches. Exit from most of the beaches is by cross-country movement to coastal tracks. A sur- OF COASTAL SECTOR 1 FIGURES 22-11 and 22-72) faced road, a principal port (Massaua) , and a singletrack narrow-gage railroad are in the vicin- ity of minor beach 1. An unsurfaced road is lo- cated behind minor beach 5. A Class 2 airfield and/or an unclassified airfield are in the vicinity of half of the minor beaches. Approaches, terrain, and exits from the land- ing places are similar to those given for the major and minor beaches in the sector. Villages or build- ings are at or near some of the landing places. The five landing places at Assab provide one of the best areas in the sector for amphibious land- ings. Tabular descriptions for the major beaches are given in FIGURE 22-6 and for the minor beaches in FIGURE 22-7. Locations of the major and minor beaches and landing places are shown on the lo- cation maps, FIGURES 22-71 and 22-72. SURF AND TIDAL RANGE MATERIAL AND FIRMNESS TERRAIN IMMEDIATELY BEHIND BEACH EXITS AND COMMUNICATIONS INLAND Surf 4 ft. or greater can be ex- pected to occur 4% of the time Oct.?Apr. and infrequently in all other months; tidal range 3 ft., springs. Surf 4 ft. or greater infrequent in all months; tidal range 3 ft., springs. Surf 4 ft. or greater can be ex- pected to occur 12% of the time Oct.?Apr. and infre- quently in all other months; tidal range 2% ft., diurnal. CONFIDENTIAL Sand; firm in wet- ted area, soft where dry. Sand; firm in wet- ted area; soft where dry. Sand; firm in wet- ted area, soft where dry. Backed by sandy plain drained by wadies, containing marsh areas behind N. part, and extending inland to partly brush- and tree- covered hills rising to mts. 12 to 15 mi. behind beach; isolated sand- hills on plain; village close SW. of S. end; Massaua 7 mi. S. of S. end. Backed by sandy plain drained by wadies and extending inland to partly brush- and tree-covered hills rising to mts. 13 to 19 mi. behind beach; isolated sandhills on plain; Massaua 33 mi. S. of SE. end. Backed by sandy, partly brush- covered plain extending as far as 12% mi. inland to hills rising to mts. 20 mi. behind beach. NO FOREIGN DISSEM Exit cross-country as far as 33 mi. to coastal track; surfaced road and single-track narrow-gage RR. lead inland from Massaua; Class 2 airfield 7% mi. to S.; unclassified airfield 6 mi. to S.; principal port at Massaua. Exit cross-country as far as 3 mi. to coastal track; surfaced road and single-track narrow-gage RR. lead inland from Massaua; Class 2 airfield 4 mi. SW. of SE. end; un- classified airfield 2X, mi. S. of SE. end; principal port at Massaua. Exit cross-country 1,000 yd. to coastal track. Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 PAGE 22-37 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL N I S 5 5 NAVY - JUNE 1962 FIGURE 22-6. MAJOR BEACH BEACH NUMBER AND LOCATION LENGTH AND USABLE LENGTH WIDTHS: AT L.W.: AT H.W. BEACH GRADIENTS: L.W. TO 11W.; H.W. ZONE APPROACH (4) Ras Gumudli, W, at 13?56'N., 41?41'E. (FEG. 22-26) (Reliability: FAIR)! 1J4 mi.; concave; termi- 40 to 60 yd. at 1 on 35 to 1 on 55, Nearshore bottom slopes moderate to nated to N. by fringing L.W.; 10 to 15 L.W. to H.W. 1 mild shoreward of 6-ft. depth con- reef and to S. by rocky yd. at H.W. on 10 or steeper tour 75 to 350 yd. off 11.W. line; headland; all usable. in H.W. zone. 18-ft. depth contour 1,100 to 1,600 yd. off 11.W. line; offshore ap- proach clear; nearshore approach restricted to bay and partly ob- structed by seaweed off N. part and flanked to N. by rocks and to S. by rocky headland; bottom sand; anchorage in 27-ft. depth 1 n. mi. off beach, bottom prob. sand. NOTE Beach lenggs in nautical miles and distances along the coast and inland are expressed in statute miles; distances across water are expressed except when referring to beach locations. Italicized words refer to terms defined in Subsection A, 4, d. FIGURE 22-7. MINOR BEACH AREAS OF COASTAL SECTOR 1 (Map reference: FIGURES 22-71 and 22-72) NUMBER AND LOCATION REMARKS I. Centered n. mi. S coast of Ethiopia 15?31'N., 39?29'E. (Fru. 22-23) (Reliability: FIR) 2. Centered 1(1 mi Malcatto, at 15?05'N., 39?45' (Reliability: FAI 3. Centered 3% mi. Sceraier, at 13?49'N., 41?58' (Fro. 22-27) (Reliability: FAIR) 4. Centered 1 mi. Sceraier, at 13?46'N., 42?01'E. (FIG. 22-27) (Reliability: FAIR) 5. Centered 11J4 mi. Darma at 13?12'N., 42?23' (Reliability: POR)42- 6. Centered 2% mi. Darma, at 13?12'N., 42?31' (Reliability: PO 9R) of Massaua, (Eritrea), at S. of Capo . ) W. of Ras . W. of Ras W. of Ras . SW. of Ras . 1,700 yd.; concave; slopes mild; offshore and submerged shoals; rocks; bottom mud; beach backed by inland to partly brush- lage 3 mi. to NW.; leading NW. to surfaced surfaced road lead 9 mi. to NW.; principal 1,000 yd.; straight; sand; slopes gentle; offshore partly obstructed merged shoal and of 60 to 120 ft. in and extending 1J4 behind beach; village track; another track 900 yd.; straight; sand; slopes gentle; offshore point and to SE. by partly brush-covered and tree-covered exit cross-country 450 yd.; straight; sand; slopes mild; offshore headland and to W. by narrow area of extending inland to to coastal track. 1,500 yd.; slightly concave; shore bottom slopes by submerged shoals; to 78-ft. depths plain extending 1 cross-country 1 mi. at village. 1,500 yd.; concave; sand; slopes moderate to submerged shoals; fleet anchorage in depths 1 n. mi. off tending 600 yd. inland track; unsurfaced sand; 70 to 110 yd. wide at L.W. and 15 yd. at 11.W.; nearshore bottom approach restricted to channels between numerous islands, reefs, rocks, nearshore approach restricted to bay and clear but flanked to E. by anchorage in 39-ft. depth in N. part of bay, bottom prob. sand and mud; Sandy, partly brush-covered plain drained by wadies and extending 2 mi. and tree-covered hills rising to mts. as far as 10 mi. behind beach; vil- Massaua 7 mi. to N.; exit cross-country 100 to 150 yd. to coastal track road leading to Massaua; single-track narrow-gage RR. and another inland from Massaua; Class 2 airfield 8) mi. to NW.; unclassified airfield port at Massaua. . 40 to 50 yd. wide at L.W. and 10 to 15 yd. at H.W.; nearshore bottom approach restricted to Golfo di Zula and clear; nearshore approach by reef about 200 yd. off H.W. line and flanked to E. by reef and sub- to W. by rocks and reef; bottom sand; fleet anchorage with least depths Golfo di Zula, bottom mud; beach backed by sandy plain drained by wadies mi. inland to partly brush- and tree-covered hills rising to mts. 2 mi. close behind E. part; exit cross-country 900 to 1,000 yd. to coastal leads S. from village. 20 to 30 yd. wide at L.W. and 5 to 10 yd. at 11.W.; nearshore bottom approach clear; nearshore approach clear but flanked to NW. by rocky fringing reef; bottom sand; beach backed by low scarp; in turn backed by sand dunes extending as far as 600 yd. inland to sandy, partly brush- plain; all in turn backed by brush- and tree-covered hills rising to mts.; as far as 2 mi. to coastal track. 30 to 45 yd. wide at L.W. and 10 to 15 yd. at H.W.; nearshore bottom approach clear; nearshore approach clear but flanked to E. by rocky by fringing reef; bottom sand; beach backed by low scarp; in turn backed sand dunes; in turn backed by sandy, partly brush- and tree-covered plain brush- and tree-covered hills rising to nits.; exit cross-country 1.3 mi. sand; 75 to 90 yd. wide at L.W. and 15 to 20 yd. at H.W.; near- mild; offshore approach restricted to Baia di Beilul and partly obstructed nearshore approach clear; bottom sand and rocks; fleet anchorage in in Baia di Beilul, bottom prob. sand and rocks; beach backed by sandy mi, inland to wooded hills rising to rifts.; village close behind beach; exit to unsurfaced road; track leads inland from village; unclassified airfield 70 to 90 yd. wide at L.W. and 15 to 20 yd. at H.W.; nearshore bottom mild; offshore approach restricted to Baia di Beilul and partly obstructed by nearshore approach clear but flanked to W. by island; bottom sand; 42- to 78-ft. depths in Baia di Beilul and another anchorage in 48-ft. NE. end, bottoms prob. sand and rocks; beach backed by sandy plain ex- to wooded hills rising to mts.; exit cross-country 1 mi, to coastal road 5 mi. inland; unclassified airfield 9 mi. W. of beach. PAGE 22-38 NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NAVY ? JUNE 1962 MILITARY GEOGRAPHY CONFIDENTIAL AREAS, SECTOR 1 (Continued) SURF AND TIDAL RANGE MATERIAL AND FIRMNESS TERRAIN IMMEDIATELY BEHIND BEACH EXITS AND COMMUNICATIONS INLAND Surf 4 ft. or greater can be ex- pected to occur 4% of the time Oct.?Apr. and infrequently in all other months; tidal range DA ft., diurnal. Sand; firm in wet- Backed by sandy plain drained by Exit cross-country 800 to 1,000 yd. to ted area, soft wadies, containing scattered rock coastal track; other tracks lead in- where dry. outcrops, and extending about land from village. 5 mi. inland to partly brush-cov- ered hills rising to mts.; extensive lava area to S.; village close be- hind S. end. D. Sector 2: French Somaliland (12?42'N., 43?08'E., to 11?28'N., 43?16'E.) (FIGURE 22-72; USHO Charts 2819 and 3635) Sector 2 is about 195 coastline miles long and bor- ders on Bab el Mandeb (Strait of Mandeb), the Golfe de Tadjoura, and the Gulf of Aden. The shores of the northern part of the sector are pre- dominantly sandy; the southern part consists of sandy or muddy stretches of shore interrupted by cliffs and numerous intermittent streams. Along the Bab el Mandeb and Gulf of Aden coasts, the shores are primarily backed by flat-to- gently sloping, sandy coastal plains which extend as much as 30 miles inland and are covered with scattered clumps of grass and brush. Rugged hills and a dissected plateau with isolated moun- tain peaks back the coastal plains. Narrow pocket plains are scattered along the coast of the Golfe de Tadjoura, in turn backed and flanked by rugged, partly wooded hills and a mountainous, stream-dissected plateau. In many places, these highlands terminate in cliffs at the water's edge. Two minor beach areas and seven landing places have been selected; there are no major beach areas in -the sector. The minor beaches are ap- proximately 750 yards long and the landing places range up to almost 400 yards in length. The Djibouti area is considered the best suited for large-scale amphibious operations because it pos- sesses principal port facilities, road and rail clear- ances, a nearby Class 1 air facility, and large prox- imate areas of flat-to-undulating terrain. The re- mainder of the sector is generally unsuitable for large-scale amphibious operations because of poor nearshore approaches, lack of roads, or limited areas of flat terrain. Offshore approaches to the sector are relatively unobstructed while nearshore approaches are principally obstructed by a fringing reef extend- CONFIDENTIAL ing throughout most of the sector. There are no fleet anchorages. Sector 2 has only one principal and two minor ports. The principal port is at Djibouti, which is also the only significant urban area. Tadjoura and Obock, the minor ports, have little urban sig- nificance except that they are permanent settle- ments. Most of French Somaliland is inhabited by a nomadic population, and there are only a very few widely scattered villages on the coastal plain. The largest population density is centered at Djibouti. A Class 1 air facility and Class 7 sea- plane station are located here also. On the whole, land transportation routes are very poor and consist essentially of scattered tracks and trails. There is only one main hard- surfaced road in the sector which extends about 22 miles inland west-southwest from Djibouti and then continues as a track to the Ethiopian border (Coastal Segment [2]). In addition to this road, there is one principal coastal track which trav- erses the length of Coastal Segment [1] from 700 yards to 4 miles inland and serves the coastal plain in the northern part of the sector. Another coastal track serves the southern coastal plain and lies 500 yards to 1 mile inland between Dji- bouti and the Somali Republic. There is only one railroad in the sector, a single-track meter-gage (3'3%") line which runs southwest from Djibouti to Addis Ababa. Cross-country movement over the coastal plain is relatively unimpeded although clayey sands would make such movement difficult during rainy periods. Movement inland in the plateau regions backing the plains is for the most part extremely difficult because of the rugged terrain. A Class 1 air facility at Djibouti is suitable for helicopter landings. With the exception of the mountain regions, additional landing sites are readily available on the coastal plain and inland plateaus; however, loose sand and dust storms may be obstacles at times. NO FOREIGN DISSEM Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 PAGE 22-39 ApprOved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NAVY - JUNE 1962 CONFIDENTIAL N I S 5 5 Sector 2 has a mate. While the period of May th hottest, with me 95? F. to 105? F. sea breezes may p wind patterns at winds are prima during the period from the southw June through Au rection during the September. Along annual rainfall is much less than 10 inches; the rainfall probably does not exceed 20 inches in the highlands. In terms of ground operations, the most important weather phenomena are sporadic sandstorms and t1ie flash flooding of the streams following periods o rain. hot, dry monsoonal type of cli- area is hot the year round, the ough September is usually the n maximum temperatures of t Djibouti. Whereas land and edominate at times, the general e monsoonal in nature. The ly from the eastern quadrant October through April; winds stern quadrant prevail during rust. Winds are variable in di- transitional months of May and the coastal lowlands the mean 1. Coast Coastal Segment. [1], Ethiopia - French Somali- land border to Cap IC)bock (65 coastline miles; USHO Charts 2819 and 3 35) General?A low coastal plain extends through- out the segment nd is backed by a mountainous region with spur which interrupt the plain in several places (FI URES 22-29, 22-30, and 22-72). The shores are p edominantly sandy and broken only by seasonal streams and several inlets 0,nd coves. The plain is variable in width, virtually desert, and cover d with sparse vegetation. The mountain region las many intervening valleys and gullies; near the cast, the streams flowing in the valleys and gullie are shallow and subject to ex- tensive flooding curing the rains. Offshore ap- proaches are gen rally clear while nearshore ap- proaches are prin ipally obstructed by a fringing reef extending th oughout most of the segment. Anchorage is av4iiabie off Ile DoumeIra, Ras Siyan, and in a sitiall bay east of Cap Obock. In general, the oastal area is not favorable for amphibious operations because of the lack of landing beach arias; however, the three landing places selected can probably accommodate small amphibious landi gs. Cross-country movement over the plain is in general good except during rainy periods; m ement through the mountain region would be difficult or impossible due to steep-sided slopes nd deep gorges. A sparse net- work of widely sc ttered tracks and trails serves the coastal zone, 4nd there are no air facilities. Shore and coas al terrain?A low sandy plain extends througho t the coastal zone, in turn backed by a moun ainous region which also inter- rupts the plain in several places. The shores are predominantly sa4dy (three landing places) and are backed by a desert plain, variable in width, and sparsely covered with vegetation consisting of grass and brush which grow mainly along the sea- sonal streams. The mountain region consists mainly of lava beds which have been faulted and uplifted into mountain ranges and plateaus; val- leys and gullies dissect the mountain region. Ras Doumelra is a clifflike projection rising over 150 feet above the surrounding plain at the north- ern extremity of the segment. Ile Doumelra, a cliffy island whose highest summit is 262 feet, lies about 700 yards eastward of Ras Doumeira (FiouRE 22-29). The northern part of the plain extends 24 miles from Ras DoumeIra southeast- ward to Ras Siyan, a promontory connected with the mainland by a low, sandy narrow neck of land (FIGURE 22-30). The northern side of this prom- ontory is rocky and precipitous and rises to a red- dish volcanolike peak almost 500 feet high. Situ- ated from 21/2 to 71/2 n. miles off Ras Siyan on an east - west axis are a group of six rocky islets known as Djeziret Seba. On the largest and north- ernmost of the islets is a conspicuous peak 370 feet high. Between Ras Doumelra and Ras Siyan the shores of the plain are sandy and unbroken except for several intermittent streams. The shores are backed by small dunes up to 16 feet in height and are composed of a clayey sand which also forms the main surface of the plain. The plain reaches a maximum width of 15 miles before elevations of 600 feet or more are reached. However, the plain narrows down to about a 3-mile minimum west of Ras Siyan where outliers of the inland mountain range all but cut off the north- ern part of the plain from the central part. The central part of the plain lies between Ras Siyan and Godoria, about 18 miles to the south- east, and is almost hemmed in at its north and south boundaries by mountain spurs. Unlike the northern part of the plain which is sandy and al- most uninterrupted, the central part is interrupted throughout by outliers consisting of several large isolated tabular massifs with clifflike slopes rising to a maximum height of over 900 feet. The shores of the central plain are sandy but more irregular than in the north. There are two man- grove-bordered inlets, 4 and 8 miles south-south- east of Ras Siyan. These inlets are separated from the sea by sandy barrier bars and during the rainy season are subject to extensive flooding by the streams emptying into them. There are also several indentations for a distance of about 6 miles northwest of Godoria, and the shore is backed by flat-topped uplands and peaks rising to about 750 feet close to the shore. The central plain has a maximum width of about 12 miles but narrows again along its southern end where there are mountain peaks 8 miles west of Godoria. PAGE 22-40 NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NAVY JUNE 1962 MILITARY GEOGRAPHY CONFIDENTIAL Southward from Godoria to Cap Obock the coastal plain is unbroken and again widens to a maximum width of about 18 miles. About 3 miles south of Godoria a mangrove-filled inlet inter- rupts the otherwise regular shore. This inlet, like those on the central part of the coast, is sub- ject to flash flooding by the normally dry streams feeding into it. For about 10 miles south of Go- doria the coast remains low and sandy and then for a distance of 5 miles the land begins to rise and reaches its highest point at Ras Bir, a cliffy promontory about 100 feet high which also marks the northern entrance point to the Golfe de Tadjoura. The cliffed coast extends westward about 5 miles, almost to Cap Obock. A small bay just east of Cap Obock is bordered by the escarp- ment, which along the northern side of the bay reaches a maximum height of about 80 feet. On the western side of the bay, the escarpment is in- terrupted by a large seasonal river, which is con- fined to a gorgelike valley. Behind the escarp- ments, the coastal area is a flat plateau interrupted in places by seasonal streams. Approaches?The approaches to the segment are generally deep but in the strait of Bab el Man- deb they are confined to a channel that is about 10 n. miles wide between the French Somaliland mainland and Perim Island, located off the south- westernmost point of the Arabian Peninsula. Deep water lies relatively close to the shores of the coastal segment. An irregular 20-fathom curve lies 3 n. miles off the northern end, widens to 6 n. miles off the center part, and narrows to 2 n. miles near the southern end. Off Ras Bir, near the southern end of the segment, the in- crease in depth brings the 100-fathom curve to within 1 n. mile of the shore. The 5-fathom curve is situated about 500 yards off Cap Obock, but it is generally uncharted along the remainder of the segment. The offshore approaches are generally clear ex- cept off Ras Doumeira, Ras Siyan, and in the small bay at Cap Obock. About 700 yards east of Ras Doitmelra is Ile Doumeira, a small rocky islet surrounded by shoals, reefs, and above and below water rocks. From 21/2 to 71/2 n. miles east of Ras Siyan is Djeziret Seba, a group of six abrupt rocky islets. There are rocks around the islets and depths in the vicinity are irregular. Off Ras Siyan there are additional shoals and obstruc- tions which include a dangerous wreck about 13/4 n, miles north of the point. In the small bay east of Cap Obock shoals and drying reefs lie across the entrance, limiting passage into the bay to two channels. The channel at the western entrance is the only one which is suitable for use. CONFIDENTIAL The nearshore approaches to the segment are obstructed almost everywhere by a fringing reef that extends as far as 1 n. mile from the shore. Rocks are charted along the shore that extends about 8 miles north from Ras Bir, and it is pos- sible that rocks exist off other parts of the coast as well. The reef in the bay east of Cap Obock un- covers up to 1 foot. A lack of soundings elsewhere precludes an estimate of water depths near the shores, but it is probable the seaward edge of the reefs uncovers at low water. Ports and urban areas?There is a minor port at Opock, at the southern end of the segment, and urban areas are confined to a few small perma- nent settlements of which Obock is probably the largest. The inhabitants in the area are nomadic and their presence on the plain depends on the availability of water and pasture which varies from year to year. Routes of communications?The main transpor-. tation route on the plain is a coastal track that lies between 700 yards and 4 miles from the shore and traverses the length of the segment. An- other track extends northward from Obock through the mountains, and from it a branching route connects with the coastal track about 8 miles south of Ras Siyan. There are no railroads. Ex- cept for detached hills, which can be bypassed, cross-country movement on the plain is unimpeded; however, during the rainy periods, movement is severely restricted by the sandy clay soil, which becomes slippery, and by the flash flooding of the intermittent streams. Movement of vehicles in the mountainous hinterland is generally impossible because of the steep slopes and the many deep gorges. Movement of foot troops in the mountains is limited essentially to the intervening valleys and streambeds, except during the periods when flood- ing occurs. Helicopter landings?There are no classified air facilities, but many areas on the plains are suit- able for helicopter landings. Because of irregu- lar surfaces, there are no helicopter landing areas in the mountains. Coastal Segment [2], Cap Obock to French So- maliland Somali Republic border (130 coastline miles; USHO Chart 3635) General?The coastal zone consists mostly of a coastal plain which is discontinuous throughout most of the segment except in the southeastern part along the Gulf of Aden where it widens con- siderably and extends into the Somali Republic (FIGURES 22-31 through 22-33 and 22-72). A high plateau and mountain region back or inter- rupt the plain, and in many places the uplands rise from the sea or from immediately behind the shores. Offshore approaches are in general clear, NO FOREIGN DISSEM Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 PAGE 22-41 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL N I S 5 5 whereas nearshol approaches are obstructed throughout by a fringing reef. There are nurner- ous anchorages s attered throughout the seg- ment, the majorit of which are only suitable for small craft. Although two m nor beach areas and four land- ing places have be n selected in' the segment, the coastal area is not generally suitable for amphibi- ous operations due principally to limited areas of flat terrain, inadequate transportation routes, and poor nearsho tions are probably bouti, a principal road and railroad c Cross-country stretches of flat t ern coastal plain i through the sever tainous regions is work, which is poc passable during r cility and a Class Djibouti. Shore and coo sandy (minor bea places; FIGURES 2 interrupted by cl Backing the shore pocket plains, in rugged hills and e approaches. Landing condi- best on a minor beach at Dji- port from which there is good earance. movement over the limited rrain and the broad southeast- mostly unimpeded; movement ely dissected, hilly and moun- poor. The transportation net- ^ during the dry season, is im- iny periods. A Class 1 air fa- seaplane station are located at stal terrain?The shores are h areas 7 and 8, and 4 landing -31 through 22-33) or muddy, ifs and intermittent streahis. for the most part are narrow turn backed and flanked by mountainous plateau, which in Places reach to the water's edge. Southeast of Djibouti, however, the mountains are fronted by a broad plain. On the norther4 side of the Golfe de Tadjoura, from Cap Obock 55 miles southwest to the en- trance of Ghubbe Kharab, an almost completely landlocked bay at the head of the gulf, there are sandy or muddy tretches of shore interspersed by cliffs and esca pments. The sandy stretches front on small po kets of low terrain located at the mouths of st earns flowing from the maim- tains. Escarpments closely back the narrow plains and extend west-southwestward from pap Obock along the miles to the vicini carpments the ter with heights of 1, oast for a distance of about 30 y of Ras Ali. Behind these es- ain rises in a series of plateaus 00 to 2,200 feet located 3 to 5 miles inland, respectively. Farther inland, nioim- tains rise from the plateau and reach heights of over 4,000 feet. West of Ras Ali, the sandy shores (three land- ing places; FIGUI4 22-31) are backed by a low, brush-covered coastal plain which extends about 20 miles to the southwest. This plain is partly wooded and has a maximum width of 3 miles at a small village about 9 miles west of Ras Ali. Back- ing the plain is a 1iigh tableland capped by moun- PAGE 22-42 NAVY - JUNE 1962 tains with heights up to 5,600 feet. These high- lands are deeply incised by intermittent streams into narrow, twisting valleys with many tributary ravines and gullies. The western flanks of the highlands are particularly rugged and broken and extremely arid with little vegetation apart from brush. The lower east-facing slopes are well wooded although the trees are widely spaced, while on the higher slopes the Vegetation becomes quite dense, and there is a fair amount of under- growth. Near the entrance to Ghubbet Kharab the sandy shores are closely backed by barren cliffs. Ghubbet Kharab has a circumference of about 33 miles with a narrow entrance divided by a small island. The bay is irregular in shape, hav- ing several indentations with sandy stretches of shore, and is almost surrounded by steep cliffs at or close to the water's edge. From Ghubbet Kharab for about 30 miles east- ward to Djibouti, sandy shores, mostly formed by the outwashes of intermittent streams, alternate with cliffy sections of coast. These cliffs, which form most of the coast, are very steep and rocky and rise either from sandy shores or from the water's edge to as much as 500 feet high. At Pointe des Boutres, just east of the southern en- trance point of Ghubbet Kharab, there is a small bight with a sand-and-gravel beach (minor beach area 7; FIGURE 22-32) fringing a small, partly sandy and partly brush-covered valley. Backing the val- ley are brush-covered steep-sided hills and high sheer cliffs rising to a broken plateau over 1,000 feet high. The dissected high plateau and mountains which back the coast gradually descend to high hills toward the east. At Ras Eiro, a narrow, high rocky point 10 miles east of Ghubbet Kharab, the mountains reach their maximum height of almost 2,500 feet, 5 miles inland. Nine miles farther east- ward, however, hills about 750 feet high lie 3 miles inland. East of this point, the escarpment backing the shores recedes inland and peters out in the low terrain which forms the northern ex- tension of a large coastal plain lying southeast of Djibouti. Along the northern extension of the plain the shores are muddy and partly covered with mangrove; the most extensive belt of man- grove fringes the deltalike outwash of a large sea- sonal river 11/2 miles west of Djibouti. Inland of the plain, high& terrain is formed by a series of terraces. Behind the mountain region backing the southern coast of the Golfe de Tadjoura are scattered interior sandy plains surrounded by higher plateaus and mountains. On the eastern side of the hook-shaped penin.- sula on which Djibouti is located, there are sandy shores (minor beach area 8; FIGURE 22-33), backed NO FOREIGN DiSSEM CONFIDENTIAL ApprOved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NAVY JUNE 1962 MILITARY GEOGRAPHY CONFIDENTIAL by a densely populated, flat sandy isthmus. West and southeast of Djibouti large saltpans are the most prominent cultural feature of the low ter- rain. From Djibouti about 12 miles southeast to Loyada, at the southern end of the segment, the shores are mostly sandy, but in places become muddy and covered with mangrove. Behind the shores the coastal plain, about 4 miles wide at Djibouti, broadens to a maximum width of 30 miles at Loyada. This small village is situated near the center of a sandy bight (one landing place). The plain, which extends into the Somali Republic (Subsector 3-A), is generally undu- lating but has many isolated hills and level stretches. Wide expanses of sandy and stony des- ert are incised by numerous intermittent streams. The plain is backed by a high plateau with isolated peaks reaching heights of over 4,000 feet. The largest islands in the Golfe de Tadjoura are the Iles Moucha, centered about 9 n. miles north- east of Djibouti, at the entrance to the gulf. This group of coral islands and islets, lie on a reef and attain a height of about 40 feet. Ile Ouaramos Is a small escarpment-encircled islet lying on the coastal reef 3 n. miles southeast of Djibouti. Approaches?The coastal segment borders prin- cipally on the Golfe de Tadjoura with a small por- tion in the southeastern part fronting the Gulf of Aden. Deep water lies relatively close offshore except for the part southeast of Djibouti where the 10-fathom curve lies up to 4 n. miles offshore and an irregularly charted 5-fathom curve lies as far as 2 n. miles offshore. A group of coral islands, Iles Moucha, lie in the offshore approaches to the Golfe de Tadjoura and also obstruct the approaches to Djibouti. These islands are completely surrounded by rocks, reefs, and a large shoal area with least depths of 1/4 to 21/2 fathoms extending from 1 to 2 n. miles off- shore. Additional shoals and reefs between Iles Moucha and Djibouti further obstruct the ap- proaches to the latter. One passage to the port passes northward of Iles Moucha and is over 7 n. miles wide and clear of dangers while the other passage lies southward of these islands and is at least 31/2 h. miles wide in its narrowest part. Ap- proaches to the inner parts of the gulf are in gen- eral clear. Offshore approaches to the most southern part of the segment, between Djibouti and Loyada, are encumbered by several drying reefs located from 2 to 4 n. miles offshore. Approaches from the southeast are also obstructed by islands, reefs, and shoals. Approaches to Ghubbet Kharab are obstructed by a rocky islet, which divides the entrance into two passages. Only the northern passage is navi- CONFIDENTIAL gable. Once inside the bay, the approaches are generally clear. In the nearshore approaches the principal ob- struction is a discontinuous fringing reef. This reef, with as little as 1/4 fathom over it in many places, is narrow throughout most of the seg- ment; however, southeast of Djibouti, it extends as far as 13/4 n. miles off the coast and continues with few interruptions beyond the southern end of the segment. Elsewhere, including the bay of Ghubbet Kharab, numerous rocks and shoals lie in the nearshore approaches. In the Djibouti area there are extensive mudflats and reefs with foul, rocky ground which uncover up to 5 feet and extend from I/2 to 11/2 n. miles offshore. Ports and urban areas?Djibouti, the capital of French Somaliland, is the only principal port, and Tadjoura the only minor port in the segment. Djibouti is strategically situated on an impor- tant shipping lane and handles the greater part of Ethiopia's maritime- commerce, a very impor- tant factor in the port's activity. The port has good road and railroad clearances. Djibouti is also the only important urban area in French Somali- land. The minor port of Tadjoura has local impor- tance as a trading and communications center, and as a provincial capital, is one of the few per- manent settlements on the northern side of the Golfe de Tadjoura in an otherwise nomadic area. Routes of communication?The only main hard- surfaced road in French Somaliland leads inland west-southwest for about 22 miles from Djibouti; thereafter it becomes a loose-surfaced track ex- tending to the Ethiopian border. This track is passable only to vehicles with special equipment due to deep sand and is impassable when wet. An earthen track also extends along the coast south- east from Djibouti, from 500 yards to 1 mile in- land, across a tidal mudflat to Loyada and con- tinues to the minor port of Zeila in the Somali Republic; however, the track is impassable .at high tides and during heavy rains. Elsewhere, the segment is poorly served by a sparse network of tracks and trails. The only railroad in the seg- ment, as well as within the sector, is a single- track meter-gage railroad which links Djibouti with Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital and princi- pal city. Cross-country movement throughout much of the segment is severely limited by the hills and mountains backing most of the shores. Exits from the shores and through the mountains, par- ticularly on the northern side of the Golfe de Tadjoura, are restricted to scattered tracks and trails. Movement on the coastal plain south of Djibouti and the flat portions of the inland pla- NO FOREIGN DISSEM Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 PAGE 22-43 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL NIS 55 NAVY-JUNE 1962 FIGURE 22-8. MINOR BEACH AREAS OF COASTAL SECTOR 2 (Map reference: FIGURE 22-67) NUMBER AND LOQATION REMARKS 7. Centered 1 mi. SE. cf Pointe des Boutres, coast of French Somaliland, at 11?33'N., 42?42'E (Reliability: POO 8. E. side of tombola at Djibouti, at 11?36'N., 43?09'E. (FIG. 22-33) (Reliability: POO 780 yd.; concave; sand and gravel; 50 yd. wide at L.W. and 15 yd. at H.W.; nearshore bottom slopes steep; offshore approach clear but restricted to Golfe de Tadjoura; nearshore approach clear but flanked to E. by reef-fringed islands; bottom sand; anchorage with least depths of 90 to 102 ft., 650 yd. off H.W. line, bottom sand; beach backed by partly sandy and partly brush-covered valley extending 700 yd. inland; valley in turn backed and flanked by brush- covered steep-sided hills and high, sheer cliffs rising to dissected plateau; exit cross-country 70 yd. to coastal trail leading E.; surfaced road 16 mi. to E. 750 yd.; concave; sand; 200 to 500 yd. wide at L.W. and 50 yd. at H.W.; nearshore bottom slopes flat; offshore approach clear; nearshore approach restricted to 500-yd.-wide channel through fringing reef and clear; bottom sand and mud; anchorage in 24-ft. depth 93 n. mi. SE., bottom prob. sand and mud; beach on flat sandy strip of tombola 200 to 300 yd. wide and partly covered with trees; RR. embankment 75 yd. behind beach; Djibouti 100 yd. inland; numerous building a on tombolo; exit cross-country to tracks or trails leading 50 to 80 yd. to single-track meter-gage RR. and 200 to 400 yd. to surfaced road; Class 1 airfield close S. of Djibouti; Class 7 seaplane station in bay behind beach; principal port at Djibouti. tea u is relatively lunimpeded during dry weather although duststor s are a frequent hazard. Dur- ing rainy periods itnovement is difficult due to soft sand and clay sur aces which become slippery, Helicopter landi g areas?A Class 1 air facility at Djibouti is su table for helicopter landings. Additional landin sites are readily available on the coastal plains and on parts of the plateaus. Loose sand and uststorms may be temporary obstacles. Exits firom the landing areas are pri- marily by cross-C untry movement or by tracks and trails; howev r, along the southern coaStal plain the road a d railroad running southwest from Djibouti an the coastal track extending southeast from t at port are readily accessible. 2. Landing beae es There are no ajar beach areas in Sector 2; however, there are two minor beach areas and seven landing ph ces. One minor beach is lo- cated in a bight ear the head of the Golfe de Tadjoura and the uther on the east side of a sandy tombolo at Djibo ti. The landing places are lo- cated in the vicin y of the villages of Obock and Tadjoura on the n rth shore of Golfe de Tadjoura and near the French Somaliland - Somali Repub- lic border. The coasts in t is sector, in general, are un- suitable for amphi ious landings because of fring- ing steep cliffs and mountainous terrain. Al- though no areas long these coasts are consid- ered ideal for a phibious landings, the minor beaches and landi g places selected are in areas where approache , beach characteristics, a,nd exits to the inland terrain most nearly meet the requirements for amphibious landings. Minor beach 8 iconsidered the best suited for an amphibious lan4ling because of its favorable ap- proaches and phys'cal characteristics, and the ex- PAGE 22-44 cellent routes of communication from the beach area. The beach material of the minor beaches and the landing places consists of sand or sand mixed with gravel. The approaches are clear and an- chorages are in the vicinity of these landing areas. Exits are by cross-country movement to tracks or trails and surfaced roads. Minor ports are near the landing places at Obock and Tadjoura. Diurnal tides range from 4 to 51/2 feet in this sector. The expected average occurrence of surf 4 feet or greater is infrequent during all months in this sector. Tabular descriptions for the minor beaches are given in FIGURE 2278. Location of the minor beaches and landing places are shown on the lo- cation map, FIGURE 22-72. E. Sector 3: Somali Republic and Socotra and adjacent islands 11?28'N., 43?16'E. to 1?40'S., 41?34'E. (FiaurtEs 22-72 through 22-75; USHO Charts 1586, 3881, 3882 and BA5660) Sector 3 consists of about 2,155 coastline miles and includes the mainland of the Somali Republic as well as Socotra and the adjacent islands, which are a part of the Aden Protectorate. The Somalia coast is fronted by the Gulf of Aden on the north and by the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean on the east. Socotra and the adjacent islands lie in the Arabian Sea near the eastern end of the Gulf of Aden. The mainland and island shores are composed mostly of sand, though there is some rock and mud, the latter occurring mostly along the south- westernmost part of the sector. The shores are separated and are in most places backed by rocky slopes, cliffs, and bluffs which range from heights of about 400 feet to low wave-cut scarps and sand dunes. In the sector there are 16 major beach NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NAVY - JUNE 1962 MILITARY GEOGRAPHY CONFIDENTIAL areas, 8 minor beach areas, and 15 landing places on the mainland and 3 major beach areas and 3 landing places on Socotra and the adjacent islands. In general, the beach areas are widely scattered, with the largest concentrations on the eastern part of the north coast and the south- western part of the east coast. The major beach areas on the mainland vary from 11/4 to 40 miles and the minor beach areas range from 400 to 1,720 yards in length. Most of the beach areas are backed by barren sandy ground on which there are towns, villages, and settlements. The most suitable areas on the mainland for large-scale amphibious operations are at Berbera and Bender Cassim on the north coast and at Itala on the east coast. Heavy breakers will limit use of the east coast area during the southwest monsoon and transition periods. Bluffs, cliffs, ob- structed approaches, lack of roads, or limited areas of flat terrain make the remaining beach areas generally unfavorable for large-scale amphibious operations. Socotra and the adjacent islands have limited areas of coastal plains and are gen- erally hilly and mountainous, making large-scale amphibious operations generally infeasible, but the best area is a short stretch along the central part of the north coast. The coast on the north and northeasternmost part of the mainland is a series of generally nar- row plains, separated by hilly-to-mountainous spurs and ridges that extend to the sea from the highly dissected rugged hills and mountains of the hinterland. Along the east coast there is an ex- tensive plateau that slopes from elevations of 200 to 400 feet in the north to a gently inclined plain that is little above the general level of the sea in the south. The northern part of this plain is con- fined by mountains to general widths of 5 to 25 miles, but it progressively broadens to over 100 miles before elevations of 1,000 feet are reached. Detached hills and low mountains are scattered over the plains and close inland of the bluffs and cliffs on the northern and central part of the east coast are long, generally narrow, rocky and sandy terraces that are backed by high, steep es- carpments. Sandhills lie between the terraces and generally extend in long lines close behind the shores bordering the southern part of the sector. The plains on the north and northeast coasts are intersected by many intermittent streams, most of which are deeply entrenched in their lower reaches. A broad region on the cen- tral part of the east coast is almost entirely de- void of streams. On the southern part of the east coast there are two long perennial rivers, the Uebi Scebeli and Fiume Giuba, and a number of small streams, most of which are intermittent. The tebi Scebeli is subject to seasonal flooding, some- times devastating large areas. The perennial riv- ers are bordered by areas of marsh and swamp and several places along the southernmost part of the coast are covered with mangrove. On the southern part of the plain there is considerable vegetation with broad areas of pastureland and some cultivation. Elsewhere in the sector the plains are virtually desert, although a broad area on the westernmost part of the north coast is inundated by flooding streams during the rainy period. Broad areas are barren sand and rock; however, the greater part of the plains are sparsely covered with scattered clumps of grass and brush which generally increase in density toward the interior. Socotra and the adjacent islands are mainly hilly to mountainous with only limited areas of coastal plains. Cliffs rise directly from the sea or close behind sandy shores along most of the coastal areas. Only on Socotra are there plains areas behind some of the sandy shores. Except for scattered islets, rocks, shoals, and reefs near the shores, the seaward approaches to the coast are in general deep and unobstructed. The obstructions extend as far as 22 n. miles from the westernmost part of the north coast, and along the southernmost part of the east coast ob- structions are within the 6-fathom curve that ranges up to 5 n. miles offshore. Between these two obstructed areas the dangers are mostly within 1 n. mile of the shores; however, unob- structed deep water fronts the coasts in many places. Anchorages are scattered along the coasts of the mainland, but most of them are exposed to the monsoon winds. On the north coast, Zeila and Berbera have partial protection. The only protected anchorage on the east coast is at Chisi- maio. The only classified ports are the ten minor ports, which are equally distributed along the north and east coasts of the sector. There are also several places where cargoes are handled over the shores. The ports are generally at the loca- tions of the largest urban areas; Mogadiscio, the capital, is the most important. In the interven- ing areas between the ports there are scattered villages and settlements, the populations of which are seasonally increased by the pastoral nomads, the principal inhabitants of the country. In general, land transportation in the sector is poor. The principal routes are surfaced and un- surfaced roads which link most of the ports and large urban areas. The best roads are located on the southern part of the east coast where com- mercial activity is largely concentrated. Aug- menting the sparse network of roads are tracks CONFIDENTIAL NO FOREIGN DISSEM Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 PAGE 22-45 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFXDENTIAL N I S 5 5 NAVY - JUNE 1962 which closely parallel the greater part of the shore and link m near the shores a Giuba, one of the em part of the e shallow-draft craft Vehicles can. move coastal plains, an as great a handic tainous hinterlan country movemen st of the wells and waterholes d in the interior. The Fiume perennial rivers on the south- st coast, can be navigated by as far as 300 miles upstream. cross-country over much of the the lack of roads there is not p as it is in the hilly-to-moun- . Major barriers to cross- t on the plains are scattered dunes, escarpment, hills, low mountains, swamps, marshes, and deeply entrenched streams. Six classified aii facilities are in the sector and are equally distri uted on the north and east coasts. Several a'rfields are also located in the interior. There are no classified seaplane $ta- tions; however, se plane landing areas are located at Berbera,. BendOr Cassim, Dante, Brava, Chisi- maio, and Mogad'scio. In addition to the classi- fied air facilities, there are large areas on the plains which are suitable for helicopter landings. A hot, dry monsoonal type of climate prevails over all of Sector 13 but there are slight seasonal differences between the Gulf of Aden coast and Indian Ocean coast. Mean daily maximum tem- peratures of 85? to 1100 prevail over the Gulf of Aden coast, with I May through September being the hottest months. Slightly cooler tempera- tures occur along the Indian Ocean coast. While land and sea breezes may predominate at times, the genera wind patterns are monsoonal in nature. Along the gulf of Aden coast, winds are primarily froltn the east and northeast dur- ing October thro gh April, while winds from the southwestern qua rant predominate during June through August. Winds are variable in direction during the transi ional months of May and Sep- tember. Along tI4e Indian Ocean coast, winds are generally from tie northeast and north during November through March, while winds are pre- dominantly from he southwest and south during May through September. April and October are transitional with variable wind directions. A mean annu 1 rainfall of 10 inches or less occurs over the lo lands of all of the Gulf of Aden coast and the no them half of the Indian Ocean coast. Greater r infall prevails along the south- ern half of the ndian Ocean coast and the lit- toral highlands t roughout the sector. In terms of ground operati ns, the most important weather phenomena are tie sporadic sandstorms and the flash flooding of treams following periods of rain. Climatic data Were lacking for Socotra and adja- cent islands, but presumably the climate for these islands would approximate that of the adjacent mainland coast. PAGE 22-46 1. Subsector 3-A: French Somaliland - Somali Republic border to Capo Guardafui 11?28'N., 43?16'E. to 11?50'N., 51?17'E. (FiouREs 22-72 and 22-73) USHO Chart 1586) Subsector 3-A extends about 625 coastline miles from the French Somaliland - Somali Re- public border to Capo Guardafui, the northeast- ern extremity of the "Horn of Africa." The shores are predominantly sand and are almost everywhere backed by bluffs and cliffs which are mostly between 12 and 25 feet high. Seven major beach areas, six minor beach areas, and seven landing places have been selected in places where the terrain grades gently inland from the shores. The terrain behind the shores consists of gener- ally narrow arid plains which are separated by spurs ?and ridges that extend to the sea from rugged highly dissected hills and mountains of the hinterland. The plains, intersected by many in- termittent streams, range from narrow margins up to about 25 miles in width and are interspersed with detached hills and mountains. The inter- mittent streams in the westernmost part of the subsector are shallow, and many of the larger ones flow into lagoons, tidal inlets, and swampy areas that fringe and back the shore. During rainy periods, these streams overflow and inun- date broad areas. Elsewhere, the lower limits of the main streams are in general deeply en- trenched; however, some streams disappear in the porous sandy ground before they reach the sea. The dominant vegetation on the plains is clump grass and brush, widely scattered in most places, but increasing in density along the courses of the larger streams. The subsector is generally unfavorable for large- scale amphibious landings primarily because of difficult terrain and poor transportation routes. The areas most suitable for large-scale amphibious operations are in the vicinity of Berbera and Ben- der Cassim where there are broad coastal plains and roads and tracks lead over the hills and moun- tains into the interior. Air and minor port facili- ties are also available at these areas. The sea approaches to the coast are clear, ex- cept for islets, reefs, and shoals near the coast. The obstructions are most extensive in the west- ernmost part of the subsector where they lie as far as 21 n. miles offshore. Elsewhere they are widely scattered and lie mostly within 1 n. mile of the shore. There are many anchorages in the subsector, but only those at Zeila and Berbera have partial protection. The minor ports of Zeila, Berbera, Bender Cas- sim, Candala, and Alula are the most important coastal urban areas of the widely scattered small NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NAVY-JUNE 1962 MILITARY GEOGRAPHY CONFIDENTIAL towns, villages, and settlements. There is perma- nent habitation in most of the urban areas that seasonally is augmented by nomads which are the principal inhabitants in the subsector. Communication routes in the subsector consist of a sparse network of roads and tracks. The main routes both parallel the shores and extend southward over the hills and mountains, princi- pally from the minor ports. Cross-country move- ment over the plains is good in some areas, but in most places it is .impeded either by hills, moun- tains, and sand dunes, or by entrenched steep- sided intermittent streams. Close behind the shore in the westernmost part of the subsector movement is also impeded by swamps, inlets, and lagoons. Class 2 air facilities are at Bender Cassim and Alula and a Class 4 airfield is located at Berbera. There are also unclassified seaplane stations at Berbera and Bender Cassim. Two Class 2, one Class 3, and one Class 4 facilities are located in the interior between 57 and 120 miles from the shores. In addition to the airfields, there are large areas on the plains where helicopters can land. a. Coast Coastal Segment [1], French Somaliland - So- mali Republic border to Ras Khanzira (215 coast- line miles; USHO Chart 2816) General?The coastal area is a comparatively flat plain about 5 to 23 miles wide and fronted in most places by low bluffs which rise from narrow shores that are composed mostly of sand (FIGURES 22-34 through 22-39 and 22-72). The plain is in- tersected by intermittent streams that terminate in lagoons, marshes, swamps, and sand-blocked inlets which are most numerous on the western part of the segment. Barren sandy areas, some of which are surmounted by dunes, back the shore in places, and detached hills and mountains rise from the central and eastern part of the plain. Sea approaches to the western shore are almost entirely obstructed, to the eastern shore they are partly obstructed, and along central part they are mostly clear. A roadstead at Zeila and a har- bor ?at Berbera, both minor ports, afford partly protected anchorages. Three major beach areas and two minor beaches are in the segment. In general, the coastal area is not favorable for amphibious landings, primarily because of obstructions in the sea approaches and poor exits into the interior. The best area for landing is in the vicinity of Berbera where there is a minor port and an airfield, and where sur- faced roads extend southward into the interior. Except for these roads and an unsurfaced road connecting with Zeila, there is only a sparse net- work of tracks. , Movement across the plain is only fair, primarily because of loose sand and de- tached hills and mountains. Movement into the interior is poor because of the mountains backing the plain. A Class 4 airfield and an unclassified seaplane facility are located at Berbera, and a Class 2 airfield is located about 90 miles south- westward at Hargeisa. Shore and coastal terrain?The shores are in general sandy (major beach area (5) through (7) and minor beach areas 9 and 10; FIGURES 22-36 through 22-38), but there are some stretches of mud. The muddy shores border and flank the lagoons and inlets that are most numerous along the western part, widely separated on the central part, and almost entirely absent along the eastern end of the segment. Sandspits project from the western and central parts of the shore, and sev- eral rocky and cliffy points are along the eastern end. The shore, extending about 50 miles southeast- ward from the French Somaliland border to Lander (FIGuREs 22-34 and 22-35), is backed by low bluffs and gently sloping ground. The inland terrain is a sandy, partly dune-covered plain about 10 to 15 miles wide in most places. Marshy and swampy areas, as well as lagoons and inlets, are along the seaward margin of the plain mark- ing the terminals of the many intermittent streams that intersect the coast. During rainy periods the streams overflow and inundate broad areas. When the floodwaters recede, large areas of salt-crusted mud and sand are exposed, seasonal ponds form near the shore, and small sand-blocked inlets develop at the mouths of the drying streams. Generally rugged hilly terrain that rises to mountains lies about 30 miles from the shore. Scattered grass tussocks, thorny brush, and trees which are most dense along the water- courses are the principal forms of vegetation on the plain. The low slopes of the hills and moun- tains are also partly covered by grass and brush with some scattered trees. The greater part of the shores extending from Lander to Ras Khanzira are backed by bluffs that in most places range in height from 12 to 25 feet, however, Ras Hamra, 8 miles southwest of Ras Khanzira, is about 235 feet high. Berbera, about 60 miles southwest of Ras Khanzira, is flanked to the north and to the west by narrow swamps. The swamps west of Berbera are linked to the town by a short stretch of sand (minor beach area 9; FIGURE 22-36), the central part of which is closely backed by a small shallow lagoon. The swamps to the north of Berbera extend about 650 yards northward from the minor port facilities to a partly inundated spit that extends about 11/2 CONFIDENTIAL NO FOREIGN DISSEM Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 PAGE 22-47 CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NIS 55 miles westward from the mainland. Extending eastward from the babe of the spit on its seaward side is a stretch of Sandy coast about 41/2 miles long (major beach area (5); FIGURE 22-36). The sandy shore is succeeded to the east by an almost continuous line of bluffs rising from or near the water's edge and extending about 221/2 miles far- ther eastward where he bluffs become low and al- ternate with gentle s apes that grade away from the sandy shore at iajor beach areas (6) and ('7) (FiGuR:Es 22-37 a d 22-38). A low rocky point separates these beac es, and there are several steep sloping points within the limits of major beach (6). - There are also gen le slopes behind the sandy shore near Ras Hamra (minor beach area 10). A plain extends. from 1 to 20 miles inland behind the shores and is a c ntinuation of the generally flat plain of the we tern part of the segment. Closely backing the s ores are broad sandy areas on which there are rarrow irregular belts of low dunes. Detached hi 1s and mountains are scat- tered over the plain, and several of those south- west of Ras Khanzira terminate in rocky points along the shore. The plain is intersected by shal- low intermittent streams which are most widely separated in the eaStern part of the segment. The mountains backi end of the segment The foothills lie abo and about 41/2 miles mountains continue irregular-trending ri are mostly between 5 (FIGURE 22-39). The mountains generally range between 2,000 and 3,000 feet in elevation, but there are outstanding peaks over 5,000 feet high. There is some cultivation around Berbera, but the domi- nant vegetation on t e plain is sparse stands of grass tussocks, thor y brush, and trees which increase in densit along the intermittent streams. Broad ares are barren sand. Approaches?The o shore approaches are deep and clear, except off the western quarter where they are encumbered by islets, rocks, reefs, and shoals which extend into the nearshore zone. The nearshore appro ches to the central half of the segment are generally clear, and along the eastern quarter they are partly obstructed. The obstructions td the western quarter of the segment lie mostly wi hin 11 n. miles of the shore; however, a shoal abut 23/4 n. miles long with depths 4 to 6 fathom over it is located about 10 n. miles farther seatward. Except for the off- lying shoal, most of the obstructions are con- g the plain at the western ontinue eastward in an arc. t 11/2 miles west of Berbera southeast of the town. The astward to Ras Khanzira in ges, the foothills of which and 23 miles from the shore tamed within the 10 as far as 11 n. mile tions are generally lo PAGE 22-48 fathom curve which ranges from shore. The obstruc- islets and partly uncover- NAVY - JUNE 1962 ing shoals and reefs on which there are patches of rock. There are some deep and generally un- obstructed channels, but most of the channels separating the obstructions are shallow. Depths of 6 to 7 fathoms lie close to the shore along the central half of the segment. Except for sandbars near the shore, there are no known ob- structions in the nearshore approaches; however, approaches are not well charted. Along the eastern quarter of the segment there are narrow sandbars, scattered rocks, shoals, and reefs that lie as far as 1 n. mile from the shore. Depths of 100-fathoms range from 1 to 61/2 n. miles off this part of the coast. Ports and urban areas?Berbera and Zeila are the principal urban areas on the coast which is occupied primarily by nomads. The two towns are the only minor ports; however, cargo is also handled at Bulhar near the center of the seg- ment. Berbera, close southwestward of major beach area (5), is built on flat terrain and consists of a number of masonry buildings and many huts. The number of huts decreases during the sum- mer and increases in the winter when the nomads bring livestock and hides to Berbera for shipment to Aden. Berbera is also the principal transporta- tion center On the north coast of the Somali Re- public. Zeila stands on a sandy spit and consists of about 50 stone houses and 600 huts, mostly in a dilapidated condition. Generally poor quality transportation routes link Zeila with other coastal towns and with the interior. Routes of communication?The shore between Zeila and Berbera is paralleled by an unsurfaced road; tracks continue to the northwest and to the northeast along the coast. The road and tracks closely parallel the shore and in places are impassable at high tide. Two surfaced roads ex- tend southward into the interior from Berbera, and a number of tracks extend inland from the coastal road and tracks. When the streams flood, parts of the roads and tracks are impassable and broad areas on the western part of the plain are inundated. Cross-country movement is impeded by swamps, marshes, loose sand, detached hills and mountains, and deeply entrenched streams. With these exceptions cross-country movement over the plain during the dry period is generally good. Egress into the interior, however, is gener- ally difficult because of the rugged hills and moun- tainous terrain. Helicopter landings?A Class 4 air facility at Berbera is available for the landing of helicopters. Suitable landing areas are also available the length of the coastal plain; however, loose sand NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NAVY-JUNE 1962 MILITARY GEOGRAPHY CONFIDENTIAL and stones will be encountered in many places. The central and eastern part of the plain affords the most desirable areas for landings though de- tached hills and mountains in these areas would in places limit the size of the helicopter landing areas. The western part of the plain is less de- sirable because of lagoons, marshes, and swamps. Exits from the helicopter landing areas would be primarily by cross-country movement to the coastal tracks. Coastal Segment [2], Ras Khanzira to Ras Adado (220 coastline miles; USHO Chart 1586) General?The coastal plain of this segment is about 1 to 16 miles. wide and bordered seaward in most places by bluffs and cliffs 12 to 25 feet high which rise from sandy shores (FIGURES 22-40A, 22-72, and 22-73). Detached hills, low moun- tains, ridges, and spurs extend across the plain from the mountainous interior. The surface of the plain is scarred by the courses of many inter- mittent streams, a considerable number of which are deeply entrenched in their lower reaches. Low brush and clump grass are scattered on the coastal area, but broad stretches are barren and consist partly of sandhills and dunes. Only widely separated obstructions lie in the seaward ap- proaches. There are no ports and only open an- chorages are available. Four major beach areas, one minor beach area, and three landing places have been selected in the segment. In general, the coastal area is not fa- vorable for amphibious landings, primarily be- cause of the poor exits into the interior. The best landing areas are at major beach areas (10) and (11). These beaches are backed by an earth road that junctions with a similar route that extends southward across the mountains into the interior. In addition to these roads, there is a sparse net- work of tracks. Loose sand, spurs and ridges, and detached hills and mountains will impede cross- country movement, but the primary obstructions are the deeply entrenched streams. The plain is backed by mountains that would prevent easy egress into the interior. There are no airfields, but helicopter landings could be made on the gen- erally level plain. Shore and coastal terrain?The coast is bor- dered by sandy shores (major beach areas (8) through (11), minor beach area 11, and 3 landing places; FIGURE 22-40A) , separated by relatively short stretches of bluffs and cliffs. The shores are generally narrow and are interrupted by the out- lets of several small lagoons and many intermit- tent streams. Behind the shores stretch almost continuous lines of bluffs and cliffs which range mostly from about 12 to 25 feet in height. The bluffs and cliffs are eroded in places and behind CONFIDENTIAL the major and minor beach areas and landing places, give way to gently sloping ground. The terrain inland is composed of a generally level or undulating plain about 1 to 16 miles wide that is backed by the foothills, of mountains. Several spurs and ridges extend across the plain which is also interspersed with detached hills and low mountains (FIGURE 22-40A). In places sandhills or dunes lie close behind the bluffs and cliffs bordering the shores. The plain is crossed by the many intermittent streams and their numerous branches. Some of the main stream courses are only a little below the general level of the surrounding ground, but most streams flow in steep-sided beds that are deeply entrenched in their lower reaches. Some of the main streams disappear into the porous ground close to the shore, but most have scoured out deep gorges in the bluffs and cliffs and flow to the sea. During most of the year, the outlets of the streams crossing the shore are closed by wide bars of dry sand, some of which enclose small water-filled inlets. The western part of the plain is backed by irregular low mountains that are penetrated by generally narrow steep-sided val- leys. Behind the eastern part there is a precipi- tous limestone ridge about 6,000 to 7,000 feet high with a summit 7,898 feet high, located about 20 miles inland near the western end of the ridge. The vegetation on the plain is sparse, and broad areas are entirely barren. There are some scrub trees and grass tussocks but the dominant vegeta- tion is a low brush, widely scattered in most places but increasing in. density along many of the inter- mittent streams. The inland hills and moun- tains are partly covered with brush and trees, but the spurs and ridges and the detached hills and mountains on the plain are generally bare. Approaches?Mait Island lies in the offshore ap- proaches and is located about 6 n. miles from the shore, about 11 n. miles west northwestward of minor beach area 11. The island is a bare rock 430 feet high with a spit extending 200 yards from its western end. The 5-fathom curve is un- charted but the 20-fathom curve ranges from less than 1,000 yards to about 4 n. miles from the shore. Heis Island, a rocky islet 170 feet high, is located in the nearshore zone about 1 n. mile from the shore, 6 miles southwest of Cape Jilbo. The islet is connected to a high bluff on the mainland by a causeway that dries about 2 feet. Within the nearshore zone are widely scattered reefs, shoals, and sandbars, most of which are within 700 yards of the shore. Urban. areas?The coastal area is sparsely popu- lated, mostly by nomads, though there is perma- nent habitation in most of the small villages and settlements that surround widely separated wells NO FOREIGN DISSEM Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 PAGE 22-49 CONFIDENTIAL ApprOved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NIS 55 and waterholes. So rine centers are uninhabited except when seasonal y frequented by the nomads. Routes of comm nications?A track, closely paralleling the shored extends eastward from Has Khanzira to the sm 11 settlement of Mait, about 6 miles northeast of Cape Jilbo, and an earth road closely parallels Ras Adado. An eartl- southeastward from pass to the village with other roads in mall Republic. Ther ing southward acro coastal routes. the shore between Mait and road extends about 30 miles Mait through a mountain Erigavo where it connects he northern part of the So- are also several tracks lead- s the mountains from the Cross-country movement is generally good but is impeded by the many entrenched steep-sided streams. The rugged, stream-dissected slopes of hills and mountains are generally impassable bar- riers. Movement inland over the mountains is generally confined to the earth road and the tracks. Helicopter landina areas?Helicopter landing areas are available on the generally level coastal plain; however, the Spurs and ridges extending from the mountainons interior and the detached hills and mountains Will limit the size of some of the landing areas Steep-sided entrenched streams, loose sand, and stones would be encoun- tered on most of the landing areas. Exits from the helicopter landing areas would be primarily cross-country to the coastal roads and tracks. Coastal Segment [3], Has Adado to Capo Guardafui (190 coastl ne miles; USHO Chart 1586) General?The coas al area is composed of gen- erally level plains th t vary from extremely nar- row margins to zone about 16 miles wide (FIG- URES 22-40B throu 22-43 and 22-73). The plains are bordered lmost everywhere by bluffs and cliffs that rise from mostly sandy shores. The plains, separate by eroded ridges and inter- spersed with sand d nes, detached hills, and low mountains, are gene ally barren. Their surfaces are scarred by the c urses of many intermittent streams, most of which are deeply entrenched in their lower reaches. isome obstructions lie within' 2 n. miles of the sho e, but the sea approaches to the coastal area are predominantly clear. Open anchorages are avai able, and there are three minor ports. Three minor beach areas and four landing places are in the segnjient. In general, the coastal area is not favorable or amphibious landings, pri- marily because of th rugged hills and mountains' surrounding the plai s and the poor exits into the interior. The best a ea for landing is at Bender Cassini on the westeri part of the coast where the terrain grades gently from the shore to one of the PAGE 22-50 NAVY-JUNE 1962 largest plains in the segment. A minor port and an airfield are available in the landing area and roads lead west and southward into the interior. Transportation routes are sparse on the re- mainder of the coast, though the greater extent of the shore is closely paralleled by roads or tracks. Loose sand, entrenched streams, and de- tached hills and mountains will impede cross- country movement on the plains. Movement across the ridges surrounding the plains would be difficult in most places. Class 2 air facilities are located at Bender Cassim and Alula. There is also an unclassified seaplane station at Bender Cassim. A Class 2 airfield is located at Scusciuban about 120 miles south of Alula, a Class 3 facility is available about 120 miles south of Bender Cassim at Gardo, and a Class 4 facility is located in the vicinity of Darin about 55 miles southeast of Bender Cassim. Helicopter landing areas are available on the plains. Shore and coastal terrain?The coastal area is bordered by generally sandy shores (minor beach areas 12 through 14; and 4 landing places; FIG- URES 22-40B and 22-43) that are separated by bluffs and cliffs. The bluffs and cliffs form an al- most continuous line along the middle part of the segment between the Uadi Tog Ueni and the vil- lage of Durbo, but elsewhere they form relatively short stretches. The shores are generally narrow and are intersected by many intermittent streams, the mouths of which are generally closed by wide bars of sand most of the year. The shores along the eastern part of the segment are also separated by the outlets of two fairly large shal- low lagoons. Except for the minor beach areas and the landing places, the shores are generally backed by low bluffs and cliffs. Level plains that vary from narrow margins to widths up to 16 miles back the shores. One of the most extensive areas of generally level ground lies at the western end of the seg- ment between Has Adado and Ras al Hamar, about 44 miles eastward. The area is backed and inter- spersed with hills and low mountains, several of which come close to the shore and trend south- eastward from Ras Adado and southwestward from Ras al Hamar. Ras al Hamar, a rocky prom- ontory 300 feet high, is the northwestern ex- tremity of a hilly ridge about 650 feet in elevation. The ridge extends inland to the rugged and pre- cipitous foothills of a high mountainous area. Ex- tending about 48 miles eastward from Has al Hamar to the Uadi Tog Ueni is a narrow margin of generally level ground (FIGURE 22-41) that is interrupted by several high hilly ridges. The ridges project from the rugged foothills of the mountainous area rising inland of Ras al Hamar and reaching a peak elevation of 7,218 feet. NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NAVY-JUNE 1962 MILITARY GEOGRAPHY Except for several small valleys close eastward of the Uadi Tog Ueni, the coast extending about 28 miles eastward to the village of Durbo, is a mass of eroded hills and low mountains that drop almost vertically to the sea in cliffs. The hills and mountains recede inland east of Durbo and give place to a margin of level and gently sloping ground (FIGuRE 22-42) that broadens to a width of several miles and extends to Ras Filuch about 33 miles northeastward. Ras Filuch is 1,020 feet high and is the northwestern extremity of an eroding ridge of hills and low mountains. About 61/4 miles southwest of Ras Filuch is the northern end of a narrow marshy lagoon about 8 miles long. The lagoon is separated from the sea by a narrow stretch of low ground that is broken by a narrow outlet near the southern end. Close east of Ras Filuch the mountains recede over 16 miles inland and are replaced by a plain that extends about 18 miles eastward to a slightly rounded prom- ontory that rises from the sea. Seven miles east of Ras Filuch is the western end of a lagoon about 4 miles long that extends about 2 miles southward. The lagoon, reported to be almost dry at low tide, is separated from the sea by low nar- row spits. The coast that extends about 10 miles eastward from the slightly rounded promontory is a nar- row margin of low ground behind which are rugged mountains that recede inland; Bereda is situated on the lowland. A narrow sandy shore extends eastward from a rocky point close east of Bereda. The steep mountains that back the shore for about 7 miles from the rocky point abruptly turn southeastward behind a narrow slightly un- dulating plain on which the village of Damo is lo- cated. The coast east of Damo again becomes bold as it rises to Capo Guardafui, which is a rocky and precipitous headland about 837 feet high. Interspersed over the plains throughout the segment are rocky outcrops and sand dunes, the latter being most extensive between Ras Filuch and Capo Guardafui. Many of the streams inter- secting the shores flow across the plains through generally steep-sided courses. Some streams dis- appear into the porous rock and soil near the bluff- and cliff-backed shores. Extensive areas are scarred by the many branching streams, the beds of which are generally only a little below the general level of the surrounding ground. The hills and mountains are generally rugged and are incised by the intermittent streams and their nu- merous branches. Vegetation on the plains is generally sparse. Except for the marshy and swampy lagoons and several small grassy areas, the dominant vegeta- tion is spiny desert brush. The brush is widely scattered but increases in density along most of CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL the intermittent streams. The hills and low mountains on the coast are generally barren, but the high mountains farther inland are in many places covered with brush and scrub trees. Approaches?Widely separated rocks, reefs, and shoals lie near the coast, and in several places shallow depths extend as far as 1 n. mile from the shore; however, the approaches to the coast are deep and in most places unobstructed. The 5- fathom curve is uncharted, but the 20-fathom curve ranges from several hundred yards to about 5 n. miles offshore with depths increasing rapidly to 100 fathoms close seaward. Ports and urban areas?Bender Cassim, about 35 miles east of Ras Adado, Candala, near the mid- dle of the segment, and Alula (FIGURE 22-43), about 7 miles east of Ras Filuch, are minor ports. The coast is sparsely populated, and inhabited centers are widely scattered. Bender Cassim is the largest community with about 3,000 to 5,000 inhabitants, depending on the season (FIGURE 22-40B). There are stone buildings in most of the inhabited centers; however, the dominant struc- tures are poorly constructed huts, which increase and decrease in number with the movement of the nomads, the principal inhabitants along the coast. Routes of communications?The shore between Ras Adado and Bender Cassim is closely paral- leled by an earth road that extends eastward from the village of Mait in Coastal Segment [2]. This route continues as a track eastward from Bender Cassim to Candala. There are no roads or tracks within the coastal area between Candala and Durbo about 33 miles eastward. A dry- weather unsurfaced road extends -a short distance eastward from Durbo where it joins a track that closely parallels the shore to Alula. An earth road, paralleling the shore from 1 to 6 miles in- land, extends eastward from Alula across the rugged hills and mountains to the village of Toh.en about 8 miles south of Capo Guardafui. The coastal roads and tracks are linked by earth roads leading inland from Bender Cassim and Candala and by tracks elsewhere. Cross-country movement on the plains is good except for the many entrenched streams, sand dunes, and detached hills and mountains. The rugged stream-dissected hills and mountains in- tersecting and rising from the plains would be dif- ficult to cross. Movement inland over the moun- tains is generally confined to the few dry-weather unsurfaced roads. Helicopter landing areas?Class 2 air facilities at Bender Cassim and Alula can be used for heli- copter landings. Landing areas are also available on the generally level plains; however, their ex- tent will be limited by the ridges and the de- NO FOREIGN DISSEM Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 PAGE 22-51 CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NIS 55 tached hills and mcbuntains. Loose sand and stones will be encouniered on most of the landing areas. Exits from tie landing areas would be cross-country to the Sparse network of roads and tracks. b. Landing beach s There are seven ma or beach areas, (5) through (1,1); six minor beach areas, 9 through 14; and seven landing places in Subsector 3?A. The major beaches are located Iroughly along the central part of the coast. The minor beaches are un- evenly distributed along the coast. The landing places are concentrated in the central and east- ern parts of this subse tor. Long stretches of he coast in this subsector west of Berbera and ender Cassim and west and east of Alula, in gen ral, are unsuitable for am- phibious landings b cause of such features as reefs, banks, bars, r cky headlands, dunes, and hills. Although the remainder of these coasts are not ideal for a iphibious landings, beaches and landing places ave been selected in areas where approaches, be ch characteristics, and exits to the inland terrai most nearly meet the re- quirements for amphi ? ious landings. NAVY ? JUNE 1962 Major beach area (5) and minor beach 12 are considered best suited for amphibious landings be- cause of generally favorable approaches and physi- cal characteristics. Exits are by cross-country movement to coastal tracks, surfaced and unsur- faced roads. Except for one beach which is 40 miles long, lengths of the major beaches range from 1/2 to 151/4 miles. Major beach area (9) is separated by wide wadi mouths. The beach width at low water level for major beach area (5) is unknown; widths of the remaining beaches at low water levels range from 50 to 110 yards. Widths at high water levels range from 5 to 20 yards. The beach gradient in the low water to high water zone for major beach area (5) is unknown; gradients for the remaining beaches range from moderate to gentle. Beach gradients in the high water zone are steep. The primary beach material is sand which is firm in the wetted area and soft where dry. The offshore approaches are clear; the near- shore approaches to most of the beaches are partly obstructed by sandbanks or sandbars. The nearshore bottom material off the beaches con- sists of sand or sand mixed with shells. Bottom FIGURE 22-9. MAJOR BEACH AREAS, (Map references: BEACH NUMBER AND LOCATION LENGTH AND USABLE LENGTH WIDTHS: AT L.W. AT II.W. BEACH GRADIENTS: L.W. TO H.W.; H.W. ZONE APPROACH (5) Centered 2X mi. NE. of Berbera on N. coast of Somali Republic, between 10?27'N,, 45?01'E. and 10?29' N , 45?04'E. (FIG. 22-36) (Reliability: FAIR) (6) Ras Walhun, E. and W., between 10?40'N., 45?22'E. and 10?44'N., 45?34'E. (FIG. 22-37) (Reliability: FAIR) 4 mi.; slightly concave; Unknown at L. W. ; terminated to SW. at 10 to 20 yd. at base of low sandy spit H.W. n d to NE. where fronted by shoal; all nsable. 15 4 mi.; irregular; termi- 80 to 100 yd. at ated to SW. by sandy L.W.; 15 to 20 joint and to NE. where yd. at H.W. tacked by cliffs; inter- upted by wadies; all iisable. NOTE Beach lengths an in nautical miles e PAGE 22-52 Unknown L.W. to Nearshore bottom slopes prob. steep ? H.W.; 1 on 10 no depths charted in nearshore or steeper in area; 66- to 102-ft. soundings 1,185 II.W. zone. to 1,420 yd. off H.W. line; offshore approach clear; nearshore approach partly obstructed by sandbars near L.W. line and flanked by shoals; bottom sand and shells; anchorage in 30- to 60-ft. depths in harbor IX mi. to SW., bottom prob. sand and mud. 1 on 40 to 1 on 50, Nearshore bottom slopes moderate to L.W. to H.W.; flat shoreward of 18-ft. depth con- 1 on 10 or tour 235 to 1,895 yd. off H.W. line; steeper in H.W. 30-ft. depth contour 1,660 yd. to zone. 2X n. mi. off H.W. line; offshore approach clear; nearshore approach clear, however, a bank with least depth of 18 ft. fronts entire beach; bottom sand and shells; anchorages in 36- to 48-ft. depths IX n. mi. N. of NE. part, bottom prob. sand and shells. distances along the coast and inland are expressed in statute miles; distances across water are expressed cept when referring to beach locations. Italicized words refer to terms defined in Subsection A, 4, d. NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NAVY?JUNE 1962 MILITARY GEOGRAPHY slopes in the nearshore area range from steep to fiat. Anchorages are in the vicinity of most of the beaches. Diurnal tides of 5 feet occur in this subsector. The expected average occurrence of surf 4 feet or greater on the beaches ranges from 5% to 15% of the time October through April, infrequent to 4% in May; it is infrequent in all other months. In general, the beaches are backed by sandy plains partly covered with scattered grass, brush, and trees. The plains are drained by wadies and extend inland to partly brush- and tree-covered hills rising to mountains. Villages are in the vi- cinity of all the beaches. Exits from the beaches are by cross-country movement to an unsurfaced coastal road and coastal tracks. Surfaced roads lead inland south of southwest end of major beach area (5). A Class 4 airfield, an unclassified seaplane station, and a minor port are in the vi- cinity of beach (5). Lengths of the minor beaches range from 400 to 1,720 yards. The beach material is sand. Beach widths at low water levels range from 50 to 210 yards and at high water levels from 10 to 40 yards. The nearshore bottom slopes range from moderate to fiat. The offshore and near- OF COASTAL SUBSECTOR 3?A FIGURES 22-72 and 22-73) CONFIDENTIAL shore approaches to most of the beaches are clear. The nearshore bottom material is sand or sand mixed with mud, shells, rocks, or coral. Anchor- ages are in the vicinity of most beaches. In general, the terrain behind the minor beaches is similar to that of the major beaches. Villages are in the vicinity of nearly all of the beaches. Exits from the minor beaches are by cross-country movement to coastal tracks or trails; however, surfaced or unsurfaced roads are immediately behind or in the vicinity of a few of the beaches. Airfields are in the vicinity of half of the beaches; minor ports are at minor beaches 9,12, and 13. In general, the approaches to the landing places are similar to those of the major and minor beaches given in this subsector. Narrow sandy plains or steep slopes back most of the landing places. Exits are by cross-country movement to coastal tracks or unsurfaced roads. Tabular descriptions for the major beaches are given in FIGURE 22-9 and for the minor beaches in FIGURE 22-10. Locations of the major and minor beaches and landing places are shown on the loca- tion maps, FIGURES 22-72 and 22-73. SURF AND TIDAL RANGE ? MATERIAL AND FIRMNESS TERRAIN IMMEDIATELY BEHIND BEACH EXITS AND COMMUNICATIONS INLAND Surf 4 ft. or greater can be ex- pected to occur 10% of the ted area, time Oct.?Apr. and infrequently where dry. in all other months; tidal range 5 ft., diurnal Sand; firm in wet- Beach immediately backed by scarp soft and low bank in places; in turn backed by low sandy plain partly covered with grass, cultivation, brush, and trees, and containing dunes; plain, drained by wadies, ex- tends 43- to 61A mi. inland to partly brush- and tree-covered hills rising to mts.; village 2 mi. E. of NE. end; Berbera 1,450 yd. S. of SW. end. Surf 4 ft. or greater can be ex- pected to occur 5% of the time ted area, Oct.?Apr. and infrequently in where dry. all other months; tidal range 5 ft., diurnal. Sand; firm in wet- Backed by scarps and sand dunes soft partly covered with brush; in turn backed by sandy plain partly cov- ered with grass and brush, contain- ing scattered dunes; plain, drained by wadies, extends as far as 23 mi. inland to partly brush- and tree- covered hills rising to mts.; village close behind NE. part. CONFIDENTIAL NO FOREIGN DISSEM Exit cross-country as far as 1,700 yd. to coastal track; surfaced roads and tracks lead inland from Berbera; Class 4 airfield 2 mi. S. of SW. end; unclassified seaplane station in harbor at Berbera; minor port at Berbera. Exit cross-country 1 to 1% mi. to coastal track; movement farther inland cross-country. Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 PAGE 22-53 CONFIDENT IAL ApprOved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NIS 55 NAVY ? JUNE 1962 FIGURE 22-9. MAJOR BEACH AREAS, BEACH NUMBER AND LOCATION LENGTH AND USABLE LENGTH WIDTHS: AT L.W.; AT H.W. BEACH GRADIENTS: L.W. TO H.W. H.W. ZONE APPROACH (7) Ras Sudda, SW., at 10?45'N., 4?35'E. (no. 22-38) (Reliability: FAIR) (8) Centered 193,i mi. SE. of Ras Khanzira, between 10?47'N., 45?58'E. and 10?46'N., 4.6?10'E. (Reliability: FAIR) (9) Centered 36% mi. SW. of Cape Jilbo, between 10?47'N., 46?15'E. and 10?49'N., 46?47'E. (Reliability: FAIR) (10) Centered 44 mi. SE. of Cape Sura, between 11?09'N., 47?32'E. and 11?07'N., 47?35'E. (Reliability: FAIR) (11) Centered 13% mi. SE. of Cape Sura, between 11?05'N., 47?40'E. and 11?05'N., 47?42'E. (Reliability: FAIR) J. 2 mi.; concave; termi- nated to SW. by cuffed headland and to NE. by rocky point fringed by reef; all usable. 1 mi.; irregular; termi- nated by wadi mouths; interrupted by wadies; all usable. 4P mi.; irregular; termi- nated to W. by sandy point and to E. by wadi mouth; separated near W. end and center parts by wadi mouths; inter- rupted by numerous wadies; nearly all usable. 4 2 mi.; straight; termi- nated to NW. by wadi mouth and to SE. by sandy point; interrupted by wadies; all usable. 2 mi.; irregular; termi- nated by wadi mouths; all usable. 75 to 90 yd. L.W.; 10 to yd. at H.W. 70 to 110 yd. L.W.; 10 to yd. at H.W. 60 to 110 yd. L.W.; [0 to yd. at H.W. 50 to 90 yd. L.W.; 5 to yd. at H.W. 50 to 70 yd. L.W.; 10 to yd. at H.W. at 1 on 40 to 1 on 45, 15 L.W. to II.W.; 1 on 10 or steeper in H.W. zone. at 1 on 35 to 1 on 55, 15 L.W. to H.W.; 1 on 10 or steeper in H.W. zone. at 1 on 30 to 1 on 55, 15 L.W. to H.W.; 1 on 10 or steeper in H.W. zone. at 1 on 25 to 1 on 45, 15 LW. to II.W.; 1 on 10 or steeper in H.W. zone. at 1 on 25 to 1 on 30, 20 LW. to H.W.; L on 10 or steeper in H.W. zone. Nearshore bottom slopes prob. steep ? no depths charted in nearshore area; 120-ft. sounding 1 n. mi. off H.W. line; offshore approach clear; nearshore approach clear but flanked to E. by reef; bottom sand and shells; anchorages in 36- to 48-ft. depths 2 n. mi. SW of SW. end, bottom prob. sand and shells. Nearshore bottom slopes mild to flat shoreward of 24- to 42-ft. sound- ings 1,260 to 1,575 yd. off H.W. line; offshore approach clear; near- shore approach partly obstructed by sandbars near L.W. line and flanked to E. by reef; bottom prob. sand; ? anchorage in 42-fl. depth 1,200 yd. N. of E. part, bottom sand and coral. Nearshore bottom slopes mild shore- ward of 24- to 42-ft. soundings 945 to 1,575 yd. off H.W. line; offshore approach clear; nearshore approach partly obstructed by sandbars as far as 200 yd. off H.W. line bottom sand; anchorage in 42-ft. depth 1 n. mi. N. of E. part, bottom prob. sand; another anchorage reported in 78-ft. depth about 23% n. mi. NW. of E. end, bottom unknown. Nearshore bottom slopes gentle to flat shoreward of 18-ft. depth con- tour 315 to 1,575 yd. off HW. line; offshore approach clear; nearshore approach partly obstructed by sandbars near L.W. line; bottom sand. Nearshore bottom slopes flat shore- ward of 18-ft. depth contour 945 to 1,575 yd. off H.W. line; offshore approach clear; nearshore approach partly obstructed by sandbars near L.W. line; bottom sand. NOTE Beach lengths an in nautical miles PAGE 22-54 distances along the coast and inland are expressed in statute miles; distances across water are expressed xcept when referring to beach locations. Italicized words refer to terms defined in Subsection A, 4, d. NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NAVY?JUNE 1962 SUBSECTOR 3?A (Continued) MILITARY GEOGRAPHY CONFIDENTIAL SURF AND TIDAL RANGE Surf 4 ft. or greater can be ex- pected to occur 5% of the time Oct.?Apr. and infrequently in all other months; tidal range 5 ft., diurnal. Surf 4 ft. or greater can be ex- pected to occur 19% of the time Oct.?Apr., 4% in May and infrequently in all other months; tidal range 5 ft., diurnal. Surf 4 ft. or greater can be ex- pected to occur 14% of the time Oct.?Apr., 4% in May and infrequently in all other months; tidal range 5 ft., diurnal. Surf 4 ft. or greater can be ex- pected to occur 15% of the time Oct.?Apr., 4% in May and infrequently in all other months; tidal range 5 ft., diurnal. Surf 4 ft. or greater can be ex- pected to occur 14% of the time Oct.?Apr., 4% in May, and infrequently in all other months; tidal range 5 ft., diurnal. MATERIAL AND FIRMNESS TERRAIN IMMEDIATELY BEHIND EACH EXITS AND COMMUNICATIONS INLAND Sand; firm in wet- Backed by low sandy plain partly cov-Exit cross-country as far as ted area, where dry. soft ered with brush and scattered trees, mi. to coastal track; movement containing isolated hills, drained by farther inland cross-country. wadi, and extending as far as 6 mi. inland to partly brush- and tree- covered hills rising to nits.; village 1 mi. S. of SW. end. Sand; firm in wet- Backed by low sandy plain partly ted area, soft covered with grass and brush, con- where dry. taming isolated hills, drained by several wadies, and extending as far as 9M mi. inland to partly brush- and tree-covered hills rising to mts.; village behind E. part; other villages 1 mi. E. of E. end and 13i mi. SW. of W. end. Sand; firm in wet- Backed by low sandy plain partly cov- ted area, soft ered with grass, brush, and trees, where dry. containing isolated ridges, drained by several wadies, and extending as far as 10 mi. inhind to partly brush- and tree-covered hills rising to ruts.; villages close behind beach. Sand; firm in wet- Beach backed by dunes; in turn backed ted area, soft by low sandy plain, partly covered where dry. with brush, drained by several wadies, and extending 3 to 58% mi. inland to partly brush- and tree-cov- ered hills rising to mts.; village be- hind SE. part. Sand; firm in wet- Beach backed by partly brush-covered ted area, soft dunes; in turn backed by low sandy where dry. plain partly covered with brush and trees, drained by wadies, and ex- tending as far as 3 mi. inland to partly brush- and tree-covered hills rising to mts.; village 13 mi. SW. of W. end. Exit cross-country as far as 3 mi. to coastal track; movement far- ther inland cross-country and by track. Exit cross-country 495 yd. to 3 mi. to coastal track; movement far- ther inland cross-country and by track leading inland from village behind center part. Exit cross-country as far as 13% mi. to unsurfaced road; movement farther inland cross-country. Exit cross-country 165 yd. to un- surfaced road; movement far- ther inland cross-country. CONFIDENTIAL NO FOREIGN DISSEM Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 PAGE 22-55 Apprved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL N I S 5 5 NAVY - JuisrE 1962 FlIGURE 22-10. MINOR BEACH AREAS OF COASTAL SUBSECTOR 3--A (Map references: FIGURES 22-72 and 22-73) NUMBER AND LOCAT 9. Berbera, on N. coast o Republic at 1.0?27'N., 45?00'E. (Fro. 22-36) (Reliability: GOOD) W. Centered 6 mi. NE. Sudda, at 10?47'N., 45?40'E. (Reliability: FAIR) 11. Centered 53 mi. W. Sura, at 11?10'N., 47?25'E. (Reliability: FAIR) 12. Bender Cassim, at 11?18'N., 49?11'E. (FIG. 22-40B) (Reliability: FAIR) 13. Alula, at 11?58'N., 50?44'E. (Fm, 22-43) (Reliability; FAIR) 1.4. Centered 3 mi. W. Guardafui, at 11?50'N. 51?14'E. (Reliability: POOR) REMARKS Somali 400 yd.; concave; sand: 100 to 210 yd. wide at L.W. and 20 to 30 yd. at H.W.; nearshore bottom slopes moderate to gentle; offshore approach restricted to harbor channel and clear but flanked to N. by sandy spit fringed by sandbanks, rocks, and coral heads and to S. by sand- banks and coral heads; nearshore approach clear but flanked by piers; bottom sand and mud; anchorage in 30- to 60-ft. depths in harbor, bottom prob. sand and mud; beach backed by sandy plain partly covered with grass, cultivation, brush, and trees, containing dunes and ridges; plain, drained by wadies, extends as far as 53' mi. inland to brush- and tree-covered hills rising to mts.; tidal lagoon close behind center part; Berbera close behind beach; exit cross-country 50 to 200 yd. to surfaced road; surfaced roads and tracks lead inland from Berbera; Class 4 airfield approx. 1 mi. S. of Berbera; unclassified seaplane station in harbor at Berbera; minor port at Berbera. of Ras 480 yd.; straight; sand; 60 to 80 yd. wide at L.W. and 10 to 15 yd. at H.W.; nearshore bottom slopes gentle; offshore approach clear; nearshore approach partly obstructed by sandbars near L.W. line; bottom sand and shells; beach backed by sandy, partly grass-covered plain containing dunes and extending 43 mi. inland to partly brush- and tree-covered hills rising to mts.; exit cross-country as far as 2 mi. to coastal track; movement farther inland cross- country and by track. 480 yd.; straight; sand; 50 to 80 yd. wide at L.W. and 10 to 15 yd. at H.W.; nearshore bottom slopes mild; offshore approach clear; nearshore approach partly obstructed by sandbars near L.W. line and by reported bank 880 yd. off H.W. line and flanked to W. by fringing reef; bottom sand; beach backed by low sandy plain partly covered with brush, containing ridges and extending as far as 5 mi. inland to partly brush- and tree-covered hills rising to mts.; village behind E. end; exit cross-country 1 mi. to coastal track; movement farther inland cross- country to unsurfaced road. 800 yd.; concave; sand; 50 to 180 yd. wide at L.W. and 15 to 30 yd. at H.W.; nearshore bottom slopes gentle to flat; offshore approach clear; nearshore approach restricted to channel 350 yd. wide between reefs as far as 500 yd. off H.W. line and flanked to E. by pier; bottom sand and coral; anchorage in 24-ft. depth about 900 yd. off H.W. line, bottom sand; beach backed by valley partly covered with brush and extending about 10 mi, inland to brush- and tree- covered hills rising to mts.; Bender Cassim close behind beach; exit cross-country to Bender Cassim; unsurfaced road leads W.; track and another unsurfaced road leads inland from Bender Cassim; Class 2 airfield about 2 mi. W. of Bender Cassim; unclassified seaplane station at Bender Cassim. 1,200 yd.; straight; sand; 60 to 150 yd. wide at L.W. and 15 to 30 yd. at H.W.; nearshore bottom slopes gentle to mild; offshore approach clear; nearshore approach clear but flanked by rocks; bottom sand, shells, and rocks; anchorages in 39- to 117-ft. depths 700 to 1,300 yd. off H.W. line, bottom sand and shells; beach backed by sandy plain partly covered with brush and extending 16 mi. inland to brush-covered hills rising to mts.; plain flanked to E. by wadi and lagoon; Alula close behind beach; exit cross-country 135 yd. to coastal track leading SW. from Alula and to unsurfaced road leading SE.; another track leads inland; Class 2 airfield about 1 mi. SW. of Alula; minor port at Alula. 1,720 yd.; slightly concave; sand; 80 to 100 yd. wide at L.W. and 20 to 40 yd. at H.W.; near- shore bottom slopes gentle; approaches clear; bottom sand; anchorage with least depths of 48- to 54-ft., 1,200 yd. off T.W, line, bottom sand; beach backed by sandy plain extending 4 mi. inland to hills rising to mts.; village close behind E. part; exit cross-country 1 mi. to coastal trail; movement farther inland cross-country to unsurfaced road as far as 4 mi. behind beach. of Cape f Capo 2. Subsector 3-B: (12?45'N. to 12? (FiGuRE 22-73; Charts 1586 and ocotra and adjacent islands 5'N., 52?00'E. to 54?35'E.) 275 coastline miles, USHO A5660) a. Coast Genera/--Subsector 3-B consists of the island of Socotra (Suqutra), about 83 miles long,' and the smaller off-lying i lands of 'Abd al Kari, Sam- Darsa, and Sabu iyah (FIGURES 22-44 through 22-47, and 22-73).* * Socotra and adjac Section because of t public. They are p tectorate (NIS 32). PAGE 22-56 nt islands are treated in this eir proximity to the Somali Re- litically a part of the Aden Pro- Socotra, located about 130 n. miles east-north- east of Capo Guardafui and about 190 n. miles off the Arabian Peninsula, lies in the path of impor- tant Middle East and East African trade routes. The island consists primarily of a mountainous, cliff-fringed plateau with only limited areas of coastal plain. Three major beach areas, and one landing place, all located along the northern and western coasts of the island, have been selected. The remaining islands are mainly rocky and hilly to mountainous; there are two landing places along the northern coast of 'Abd al Kari, the largest of the off-lying islands. NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NAVY-JUNE 1962 MILITARY GEOGRAPHY CONFIDENTIAL The islands are in general unfavorable for large- scale amphibious operations because of the preva- lence of high sea cliffs or high cliffs close behind the shores, rugged inland terrain, and the general lack of roads and tracks. The area most suitable for amphibious operations is located on the north- central part of Socotra where a coastal plain ex- tends up to 5 miles inland. Socotra has coastal plains on its northern and southern sides, which are separated by a rugged mountainous plateau. The shores are predomi- nantly sandy, interrupted in many places by ma- rine cliffs and streams. The coastal plains are narrow and covered with brush. Rugged, brush- covered mountains, which are dissected by many steep-sided valleys and gorges, rise from the plateau. Cross-country movement over the coastal plains is unimpeded; the plateau, however, is an insurmountable obstacle, and penetration through the interior mountains is similarly impossible ex- cept via narrow steep-sided valleys and gorges. Socotra is very inadequately served by a poor net- work of tracks and trails. Offshore approaches to Socotra are generally clear except from the west and southwest, while the nearshore approaches are principally obstructed by rocks and coral reefs. Suitable seasonal an- chorages are located off most of the coast, espe- cially in the large bays. The hilly-to-mountainous islands adjacent to Socotra lack roads and tracks. The approaches to them are mainly clear but obstructed in places by islets, rocks, or reefs. There are no air facilities in the subsector. Socotra has several villages but the remaining is- lands are uninhabited. Shore and coastal terrain?The shores of So- cotra are predominantly composed of sand (major beach areas (12) through (14) and 1 landing place; FIGURE 22-44), although in several places there are gravel, cobbles, or boulders. These shores are separated in many places by high, rugged marine cliffs (FIGURE 22-45) and inter- rupted by numerous intermittent streams. The coast is irregular and broken by numerous bays, inlets, and capes. The terrain consists primarily of a northern and southern coastal plain (FIGuRE 22-46), sep- arated inland by a deeply dissected mountainous plateau, 1,000 to 2,000 feet high, which extends the whole length of the island. Rugged moun- tains rise from the eastern half of the plateau and reach a height of almost 5,000 feet. The western half of the plateau is capped by low dome- shaped mountains more than 2,000 feet high which surround a large interior basin (FIGURE 22-47). CONFIDENTIAL On the northern side of the island, extending 80 miles westward from Ra's Erisal, the eastern tip of Socotra, to Ra's Bashuri, in the northwest corner, the shores consist mostly of sand (major beach areas (12) and (13), and 1 landing place), although gravel, cobbles, or boulders are present in places. The sandy shores are backed by dis- continuous stretches of coastal plain. These stretches average 2 to 3 miles in width and are flanked by hilly-to-mountainous spurs extend- ing from the interior highland to the shores. The plain is most extensive behind major beach area (12); here also are found a mangrove-fringed salt water lagoon and marshy patches (FIGURE 22-44). In this area, the plain extends inland for varying distances up to 5 miles before reaching the pla- teau. The plain is predominantly sandy and sup- ports not only brush but numerous date palm groves. Inland, the hills and valleys are chiefly covered by brush although there are scattered areas of trees. Sandhills are particularly prominent along the northeastern part of the plain on its seaward side. The plain is pinched off at both ends by high cliffs, with heights up to 2,000 feet, which rise steeply from the water's edge or close behind the shores. Along the western side of the island from Ra's Bashuri (FIGURE 22-45) to Ra's Shu'ab, 20 miles to the southwest, the coast is bordered by sea cliffs and alternating stretches of sandy and gravelly shores which are most extensive at the head of Ghubbat Shu'ab (major beach area (14)). A lagoon bordered by mangrove backs the cen- tral part of this beach area. The sandy shores are mostly backed by narrow pockets and belts of sandy plain which give way close inland to steep escarpments of the interior plateau. On the southern side of the island extending 96 miles eastward from Ra's Shu'ab to Ra's Erisal, the southern coastal plain is fringed by sandy shores, and terminated at both ends by escarp- ments and sea cliffs up to 1,500 feet in height (FIGURE 22-46). The sandy brush-covered plain, which is less dissected by streams than the north- ern plain, has a maximum width of about 3 miles and is covered extensively with dunes. The mountainous brush- and tree-covered in- terior of the island consists of a broad, undulating plateau which is severely dissected by steep-sided valleys and gorges drained by intermittent streams. The gorges are deep and narrow and during rainy periods would be extremely dangerous because of flooding. On the western side of the island the mountains have less elevation and wider separa- tion and there is a large interior basinlike depres- sion (FIGURE 22-47). This basin drains out on the northern coastal plain behind or at the flanks of major beach area (12) and in places the floor of NO FOREIGN DISSEM PAGE 22-57 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL N I S 5 5 NAVY - JUNE 1962 the basin is wide and flat. On the eastern side of the island, deep, fingerlike valleys penetrate into the mountainous interior. The shores of the 6ff-1ying islands are predomi- nantly rocky except for sandy stretches (two landing places) on tie northern coast of 'Abd al Karl, the largest isl d. 'Abd al Kari is about 21 miles long and 3 mi es wide and lies about 57 n. miles southwest of S cotra. The inland terrain of the island is mostly ocky and mountainous. The northern coast of t e island has sandy shores with a few rocky poi ts; its southern coast is com- posed of abrupt cli s with mostly rocky shores. Mountains in the ea tern part of the island have two main summits, lmost 1,900 and over 2,400 feet high; the hills i the western part attain an elevation of almost 90 feet. Samllah, 7 miles long and 3 miles wide, lies about 36 n. miles eastward of 'Abd al Kari and 25 n. miles southwestward of Socotra. It has rocky shores, with the so thern coast fringed by pre- cipitous bluffs. The 'sland rises to a table moun- tain over 2,500 feet high whose summit is near the middle of the island. Darsa, albout 4 miles long and 2 miles wide, lies 9 n. miles east of S bah, and has rocky shores backed by cliffs. Inh nd, a table summit rises to about 1,300 feet an extends nearly the whole length of the island. Sabuniyah, locate about 10 n. miles off the western tip of Socotr , is a small rocky islet reach- ing a peak elevation o about 225 feet. Approaches?Offsh ire approaches to Socotra are clear except from th southwest and west. Here, the islands of 'Abd 1 Kari, Samliah, Darsa, and Sabuniyah lie in the approaches from 10 to 57 n. miles off Socotra, bu are easily circumvented in the deep waters s rrounding them. The 20- fathom curve is fart est off the southern side of Socotra where it lies 4bout 18 n. miles seaward but closes to about 2 n. miles off the northern and western sides. The principal obstructions in the nearshore ap- proaches to Socotra which extend from 5 many parts of the c areas lie close to th An irregularly chart lies less than 1,000 several embayments miles seaward. Approaches to the eral clear, the major re the rocks and coral reefs, 0 to 1,000 yards offshore off ast. In many places rocky shore below the waterline. d 5-fathom curve generally ards offshore, but there are here it lies as far as 11/3 fl. off-lying islands are in gen- exception being the north- em coast of 'Abd al .Karl. Two rocky islets with peaks over 250 feet lie about 12 n. miles northwest of the island. A 3 1/4-fathom shoal also lies 8 n. PAGE 22-58 miles off the northwest corner of the island, and a 3-fathom shoal about 2 n. miles off the northeast corner; rocks lie close inshore in places. The near- shore approaches of Samllah and Darsa are partly obstructed by scattered fringing reefs but seaward of them approaches are clear. Ports and urban areas?There are no ports or urban areas on Socotra or its associated islands. The principal village is Tamrida, the capital of Socotra, about 8 miles east of major beach area (13). Most of the main villages are scattered along the northern side of the island. The popu- lation is mostly pastoral in the inland regions and centered in fishing villages on the coast. The islands off Socotra are uninhabited, but 'Abd al Kari is visited occasionally by itinerant fisher- men. Routes of communication?There are no roads on Socotra or the off-lying islands. During World War II a motorable track was constructed from Ghubbat Qualansiyah at the western end of Socotra to a now abandoned airfield at Raps Qur- mah on the northeastern side of Ghubbat Qurmah, but the track has fallen into disrepair. It still, however, remains the principal coastal track across the northern side of the island. A branch of this track, also in disrepair, extends inland from behind major beach area (12) to major beach area (14) on the western side of Socotra. Else- where, there are only trails, mostly suitable for pack animals, which link the main villages. Ve- hicular movement across the plains would be re- stricted chiefly to lateral movement due to the impenetrability of the mountains backing the plains. Movement over the mountains between the northern and southern coasts is difficult since there are no motorable routes linking the north- ern and southern plains. Foot troops could gain access to the interior by means of the valleys or dry streambeds dissecting the plateau; however, during rainy periods, raging torrents race through these valleys, barring any movement. There are only a few scattered trails on the off- lying islands. Helicopter landing areasThe abandoned air- Meld at Ra's Qurmah is most suitable for heli- copter landings. Flat expanses on the plains and the flat floor of part of the interior basin of the inland plateau provide additional landing sites. There are many small, relatively flat and clear areas on the interior plateau that might be suit- able for helicopter landing areas. Loose sand and rocks may be a problem in places. Exits from landing areas are essentially by cross-country movement to widely scattered tracks and trails. NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NAVY-JUNE 1962 MILITARY GEOGRAPHY CONFIDENTIAL b. Landing beaches There are three major beach areas (12) through (14), and three landing places in Subsector 3-B. No minor beaches have been selected in this sub- sector. The major beach areas are on the north and west coasts of Socotra; one landing place is on the north Coast of SOcotra, and two are on the north coast of 'Abd al Karl. The coasts in this subsector, in general, are un- suited for amphibious landings because of such features as rocks, banks, reefs, and escarpments. Although no areas along these coasts are con- sidered ideal for amphibious landings, a few beaches and landing places have been selected where ap- proaches, beach characteristics, and exits to the inland terrain most nearly meet the requirements for amphibious landings. The southeastern 5-mile section of major beach area (12) is considered the best suited for an am- phibious landing. This section of the beach has generally favorable approaches and physical char- acteristics, and exit is cross-country to a track leading inland. One major beach is 17 miles long, and the other two are 1 and 13/4 miles in length. Major beach area (12) contains an unusable section where backed by a salt water lagoon. Beach widths at low water levels range from 40 to 90 yards and at high water levels from 5 to 20 yards. The beach gradients in the low water to high water zone range from moderate to gentle; gradients in the high water zone are steep. The beach ma- terials are sand which is firm in the wetted area and soft where dry, or sand and gravel which is probably loose. The approaches to the major beaches are, in general, clear. The nearshore bottom material consists of sand or sand mixed with rocks, coral, and mud. Nearshore bottom slopes range from steep to mild. Anchorages are located in the vi- cinity of all the beaches. Diurnal tides of about 51/2 feet occur in this sub- sector. The expected average occurrence of surf 4 feet or greater is infrequent during all months on major beach area (14). The average occur- rence of surf 4 feet or greater on the remaining beaches ranges from 7% to 14% of the time dur- ing October through April; it is 4% in May and infrequent during all other months. In general, the beaches are backed by sandy plains or a valley partly covered with brush, drained by wadies, and extending inland to a pla- teau covered with brush and trees. Villages are located in the vicinity of most of the beaches. Exits are by cross-country movement. Tracks are located in the vicinity of all beaches. An un- classified airfield is near two beaches. CONFIDENTIAL In general the approaches to the landing places are clear. The landing places are backed by nar- row sandy plains or steep cliffs rising to a plateau. Exits are by cross-country movement or 133 track. Tabular descriptions for the major beaches are given in FIGURE 22-11. Location of the major beaches and landing places are shown on the lo- cation map, FIGURE 22-73. 3. Subsector 3-C: Capo Guardafui to Somali Re- public - Kenya border 11?50'N., 51?17'E. to 1?40'S., 41?34'E. (FIGURES 22-73 through 22-75; USHO Charts 1586, 3882, and 1606) Subsector 3-C extends about 1,255 coastline miles southwestward from Capo Guardafui to the Somali Republic - Kenya border. The shores are mostly sandy but there are some prominent rocky stretches in the center of the subsector and some muddy stretches at the southwestern end. Most of the shores are backed by steep rocky slopes, cliffs, and bluffs that range up to several hundred feet in height in the northeastern half of the subsector but are generally only several feet high in the southwestern half. Nine major beach areas, two minor beach areas, and eight landing places have been selected in this sub- sector. The coastal terrain in the northeast is mainly a plateau with some separated coastal plains; in the southwest there are broad coastal plains. In the northeast the plateau is about 250 to 400 feet above sea level and ranges from about 5 to 25 miles in width in most places. Progressing south- ward the plateau decreases in elevation, gradually becoming a coastal plain that is generally little above the level of the sea and slopes gently in- land from 80 to 120 miles before elevations of 1,000 feet are attained. The northeastern part of the subsector is intersected by several large deeply entrenched streams, and broad areas are fur- rowed by many small seasonal watercourses. The southwestern part of the subsector is intersected principally by the Uebi Scebeli and Fiume Giuba, the only perennial rivers in the NIS Area. The dominant vegetation in the northern and central parts of the subsector is scattered clump grass and low desert brush which increases in density toward the interior where there is some cultiva- tion and large areas of pastureland. On the south- ern part of the plain, the vegetation is more dense and there are areas of marsh and swamp, some of which border the shore. The greater part of the subsector is generally unfavorable for large-scale amphibious landings primarily because of obstructed approaches, steep escarpments, and poor transportation routes. NO FOREIGN DISSEM PAGE 22-59 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL N I S 5 5 NAVY ? JUNE 1962 FIGURE 22-11. MAJOR BEACH AREAS (Map reference: BEACH NUMBER AND LOCATION LENGTH AND USABLE LENGTH WIDTHS: AT Lw.; AT H.W. BEACH GRADIENTS: L.W. TO H.W. H.W. ZONE APPROACH (12) Ra's Kadarina SE. on N. coast of Socotra, between 12?43'N., 53?38'E. and 12?37'N., 53?51'E. (Flo. 22-44) (Reliability: FAIR) (13) Centered 18% mi. E. of Ra's Ka- darma on N. coast of Socotra, at 12?39'N., 53?54'E. (Reliability: FAIR) (14) Centered 4%' mi. S. of Ra's Baduwa on W. coast of Socotra, at 12?35'N., 53?24'E. (Reliability: FAIR) 17 mi.; slightly concave; terminated to NW. by point and to SE. where fronted by rocks and reefs; unusable section in SE. part where backed by salt water lagoon; nearly all us- able. 1 mi.; concave; terminated by rock- and reef-fringed shores; all usable. 1,% mi.; concave; termi- nated to N. where backed by cliff and to S. by steep escarpment; all usable. 40 to 80 yd. at 1 on 15 to 1 on 35, L.W.; 10 to 20 L.W. to H.W.; 1 yd. at H.W. on 10 or steeper in II.W. zone. 55 to 90 yd. at 1 on 25 to 1 on 40, L.W.; 5 to 15 L.W. to H.W.; 1 yd. at H.W. on 10 or steeper in 11.W. zone. 50 to 85 yd. at LW.; 10 to 15 yd. at H.W. 1 on 20 to 1 on 40, L.W. to H.W.; 1 on 10 or steeper in H.W. zone. Nearshore bottom slopes moderate to mild shoreward of discontinuous 18-ft. depth contour 135 to 945 yd. off H.W. line of SE. and center parts and unknown off remainder; discontinuous 30-ft. depth contour 360 to 1,350 yd. off HW. line; offshore approach restricted to bay and clear; nearshore approach partly obstructed in SE. part by shifting bars with least depth of 12 ft. as far as 400 yd. off ]LW. line and flanked to E. by rocks and reef- fringed shore; bottom sand, rocks, and coral; anchorage in 30. to 36-ft. depths 1,300 yd. off NW. end, bot- tom sand. Nearshore bottom slopes gentle shore- ward of 18-ft. depth contour 270 to 450 yd. off H.W. line; 304 t. depth contour 540 to 810 yd. off H.W. line; offshore approach clear; nearshore approach clear but flanked by rocks and reefs; bottom sand, rocks, and prob. mud; an- chorage in 30- to 36-ft. depths n. mi. SW. of W. end, bottom sand. Nearshore bottom slopes steep to gentle shoreward of 18-ft. depth contour 90 to 370 yd. off E.W. line; 30-ft. depth contour 450 to 1,000 yd. off H.W. line; offshore approach restricted to bay and clear; near- shore approach clear; bottom sand; anchorage in 60-ft. depth 1,400 yd. off N. part, bottom sand. NOTE Beach lengths and distances along the coast and inland are expressed in statute miles; distances across water are expressed in nautical miles except when referring to beach locations. Italicized words refer to terms defined in Subsection A, 4, d. However, the area h the vicinity of Itala in the southwestern part f the subsector affords the most suitable condit ons for amphibious landings in the NIS Area. In this area the terrain is gen- erally flat, cross-country movement is good, and there are surfaced and unsurf aced roads that connect with the t sI eletal network of roads and tracks which serve th country. The offshore apprOaches to the coast are clear in most places, but he nearshore approaches are partly obstructed blY islets, rocks, shoals, and reefs; a chain of small reef-fringed islands ex- tend from Chisimaio to the Kenya border. A number of anchoraOes are available along the coast but the only prOtected anchorage is in a har- bor at Chisimaio. Minor ports are lo ated at Dante, Merca, Brava, Mogadiscio, and C isimaio; however, there are also several places w1iere cargoes are handled over PAGE 22-60 the shores. The most important of the ports are Mogadiscio, the capital and largest city in the Somali Republic, and Chisimaio, which is the lo- cation of the only natural harbor in the subsector. Outside the port areas, nomads and seminomads are the principal inhabitants in the subsector, al- though there is permanent habitation in the ag- ricultural areas on the southwestern part of the plain. A sparse network of surfaced and unsurf aced roads is augmented by a network of tracks and trails. Except for a short narrow-gage railway in the vicinity of the minor port of Dante, there are no railroads in the subsector. The Fiume Giuba, on the southwestern part of the plain, can be navigated by shallow-draft craft for a distance of about 300 miles. NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NAVY ? JUNE 1962 OF COASTAL SUBSECTOR 3?B FIGURE 22-73) MILITARY GEOGRAPHY CONFIDENTIAL SURF AND TIDAL RANGE MATERIAL AND FIRMNESS TERRAIN IMMEDIATELY BEHIND BEACH EXITS AND COMMUNICATIONS INLAND Surf 4 ft. or greater can be ex- Sand; firm in wet- pected to occur 14% of the ted area, soft Segment of SE. part backed by man-Exit cross-country as far as 7 mi. grove-fringed salt water lagoon; re-to coastal track; another track time Oct.?Apr., 4% in May, where dry. and infrequently in all other mainder of beach and lagoon backed leads by sandy plain partly covered with part; inland from behind SE. unclassified airfield mi. months; tidal range 53-' ft., diurnal. brush, drained by numerous wadies, E. of and extending as far as 4 mi. inland to escarpment rising to plateau; plateau dissected by valleys covered with brush and trees; scattered huts on plain behind SE. part; village 4 mi. NE. of SE. end. SE. end. Surf 4 ft. or greater can be ex- Sand; firm in pected to occur 7% of the time ted area, Oct.?Apr., 4% in May, and in- where dry. frequently in all other months; tidal range 5 ft., diurnal. Surf 4 ft. or greater infrequent in all months; tidal range ft., diurnal. wet- soft Backed by sandy plain partly covered with brush, drained by wadies, and extending as far as 5 mi. inland to escarpment rising to plateau; plateau dissected by valleys covered with brush and trees; village close behind beach. Exit cross-country as far as 2 mi. to coastal track; unclassified air- field 3 mi. S. of beach. Sand and gravel; Backed by partly brush-covered valley Exit cross-country or by track prob. loose. drained by wadies and extending 1 leading inland from S. part. mi. inland to foothills; valley flanked by escarpments to plateau; plateau dissected by valleys covered with brush and trees; lagoon, bordered by mangroves, close behind center part. A Class 2 airfield is located at Mogadiscio, a Class 4 facility is at Chisimaio, and there is a Class 4 fa- cility at Gelib, about 60 miles north of Chisimaio. Several airfields are also maintained in the hinter- land. There are no classified seaplane stations; however, landing areas are available in the vicinity of Dante, Brava, Chisimaio, and Mogadiscio. Be- sides the airfields, there are broad areas on the coastal plain suitable for the landing of helicop- ters. a. Coast Coastal Segment [1], Capo Guardafui to the western end of major beach area (17) (185 coast- line miles; USHO Chart 1586) General?The segment has a partly irregular coast and at the southern end there is a pen- insula composed of a hilly promontory that is linked to the mainland by a long, low, narrow isthmus (FIGURES 22-48 through 22-54, and FIG- URE 22-73) . Except for the hilly promontory and CONFIDENTIAL a small sandy area south of Capo Guardafui, the coastal area is composed of two comparatively narrow flat plains that are separated by a steep- sided tableland near the center of the segment. Sandy shores which are backed in places by low cliffs, bluffs, and beach scarps border the plains; mountains and plateaus rise from their inland mar- gins. The plains are either rocky or sandy and are intersected by several large and many small intermittent streams, which are deeply entrenched in places. Although most of the coastal areas are barren, there are scattered clumps of grass and brush. Although three major beach areas and one land- ing place have been selected in this segment, it is not favorable for amphibious landings, primarily because of confined lateral movement and poor egress into the interior. The best landing area is major beach area (1,7) which is partly backed by a broad coastal plain. NO FOREIGN DISSEM Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 PAGE 22-61 Apprdved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL N 1 S 5 5 Cross-country movement is fair over the coastal plains but very poor in the interior mountains and plateaus. The sparse network of tracks serve the coastal segment. There are no air facilities on the plains, but Class 2 air facilities are located at Alula (Subsector 0-A), about 38 miles west of Capo Guardafui, and at Scusciuban, about 47 miles west of major beach area (17). A seaplane land- ing area is in the vicinity of major beach area (17). The plain inland from major beach area (15) is the best su4ed area for helicopter land- ing, but there are potential landing areas else- where on the plains or tablelands. Shore and coastal terrain?The greater part of the segment is borde ed by generally sandy shores (major beach areas (15) through (17) and 1 land- ing place; FIGURES 2-48 through 22-54). There are, however, severa sections of rocky cliffs and sandy bluffs, the northernmost stretch of which extends about 15 m' es southward from the pre- cipitous headland cf Capo Guardafui to Ras Shenaghef, the steep eastern end of a tableland over 2,000 feet high. About 20 miles south of RaS Shenaghef, a large lroded detached hill (FIGURE 22-48) backs a narr w rocky steep-sided terrace which borders the s a. Rocky cliff-bound shores are also found arou d Ras Binnah, near the cen- ter of the segment, 4nd around Ras Hafun, near the southern end f the segment. Scattered ponds, swamps, and 1 goons closely back the shores along the central and southern parts of the seg- ment. The intervening terrain between Capo Guarda- fui and Ras Shenag ef is a relatively small, ele- vated, undulating ba ren sandy area. The south- ern part of the are is intersected by an inter- mittent stream near he mouth of which is a land- ing place. The coastal terrai south of Ras Shenaghef to the end of the segm nt is composed of two plains separated near the enter by a narrow stream- cut tableland. Th s tableland terminates in 400-foot cliffs at Ras Binnah (FIGURES 22-49 and li 22-50) and extends about 28 miles south-south- westward of the poii t. The plain lying between Ras Shenaghef and Ras Binnah is bordered by sandy shores; along the southern part is major beach area (15). Thre plain, narrow in the north, progressively broadens to a width of about 10 miles west of Ras Binnah tinues farther south tableland. A sandy shore (m 22-49 and 22-50) e Binnah along the s of the end of the ta westward from Ras to over 10 miles a . This northern plain con- ward inland of the narrow PAGE 22-62 j or beach area (16); FIGURES tends southward from Ras thern coastal plain. South leland which extends south- Binnah, the plain broadens d extends to the southern NAVY?JUNE 1962 limit of the segment (FIGURE 22-51). An isthmus about 15 miles long and between 1,000 yards and 2 miles wide extends eastward from the south- ern end of the broad plain. It is composed of sand, shells, and mud, and along the southern side there is a sandy shore (major beach area (17); FIGURES 22-51, 22-52, and 22-54) that extends westward to cliffs that form the southern limit of the seg- ment. The hilly promontory at the end of the peninsula is about 14 miles long, between 4 and 10 miles wide, and ranges from 400 to 600 feet in height. Its eastern section is perfectly flat, and the interior is composed of hills and ravines (FIGURE 22-53). Throughout the segment, the plains are inter- sected by several broad intermittent streams and a number of small seasonally dry streams, many of which are entrenched in their lower reaches. During the dry periods the mouths of the streams are closed by sandbars, creating many water- filled inlets. There is a large seasonal lagoon close west of Ras Binnah (FIGURE 22-49), and swamps, ponds, and lagoons are scattered along the narrow low areas behind the shores. Rock outcrops and sandy areas, principally drifting dunes, characterize most of the coastal plains (FIGURE 22-51). There are some relatively thick stands of low brush; however, the greater part of the plains are either barren or are covered with scattered grass and brush. The terrain inland of the coastal plains is com- posed of high steep escarpments and generally rugged slopes that rise to tablelands and low mountains. Approaches?The offshore approaches to the segment are in general deep and clear. Scattered rocks, shoals, and sandbars are near the coast, and a wreck is located near the shore about 71/2 n. miles southwest of Ras Shenaghef. The 5- fathom- curve is not charted as deep water closely approaches the shores; however, depths are gen- erally shoal in the embayments north and south of major beach area (17). In the large embay- ment on the northern side of the isthmus there are charted depths of less than 11/2 fathoms over sand and rocks, and the entrance is reported to be slowly filling up with sand. Ports and urban areas?The coastal area is sparsely populated. There are several small set- tlements and villages, but most of the habitations are centered around a very large saltworks in the southern part of the segment. The salt refineries are located in the vicinity of Hordio, situated along the embayment on the north side of the isthmus. The town is small and has about 1,200 inhabitants. By means of an overhead trans- porter, salt is brought from Hordio across the em- bayment to warehouses thence by an overhead NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NAVY-JUNE 1962 MILITARY GEOGRAPHY CONFIDENTIAL conveyor to an offshore loading point near the eastern end of major beach area (17). Dante is a minor port (FIGURE 22-53) and is the only port in the segment. Most of the inhabitants support- ing the loading of salt live in huts scattered over the eastern end of the isthmus behind the beach. The present status of the loading facilities is not known. Cargoes are also handled over the shore at Bargal north of major beach area (15). Routes of communication?Transportation routes are sparse and consist principally of a coastal track with several branches extending westward into the interior. The coastal route, ranging as far as 7 miles inland, passes west of the large detached hill on the plain south of Ras Shenaghef, and then extends through a narrow gorge intersecting the tableland which trends southwestward from Ras Binnah. The village of Tohen in the valley between Capo Guardafui and Ras Shenaghef is joined to Alula (Subsector 3-A) by an unsurfaced road. A short railroad, prob- ably narrow gage, extends northward from Dante along the southwestern side of the hilly promon- tory. Cross-country movement over the plains is un- obstructed in many places; however, near the shores it is impeded by entrenched streams, swamps, ponds, and lagoons. Rock outcrops may obstruct movement in places, and the sand dunes are generally impassable. Because of escarp- ments and rugged terrain, egress into the in- terior from the coastal plains is generally con- fined to the tracks or the one unsurf aced road extending westward from the coastal route. Helicopter landing areas?Broad areas on the plain north of Ras Binnah are available for heli- copter landings. The sand dunes limit the ex- tent of landing areas on the plain south of Has Binnah. The principal hazards in the landing areas are entrenched streams, swamps, lagoons, outcroppings of rock, and loose sand. Exits from the helicopter landing areas are cross- country and are good in localized areas, but move- ment to adjacent areas and into the interior is ob- structed by steep escarpments and the rugged mountain slopes. Helicopter landings are also feasible on many parts of the tablelands backing the coastal lowlands (see FIGURE 22-48) ; however, movement here is seriously impeded by the nu- merous deep ravines and valleys. Coastal Segment [2], Major Beach Area (17) to El Meghet (580 coastline miles; USHO Charts 3881 and 3882) General?The coastal area is a gently sloping plateau or elevated plain about 5 to 25 miles wide in the north and progressively broadening to over 100 miles in the south (FrouREs 22-54 through CONFIDENTIAL 22-56, and 22-.73 and 22-74). The coast is bor- dered by rocky slopes, cliffs, and bluffs, which are mostly fringed by rocky or gravel shores, but there are some scattered sandy stretches. Off- shore approaches are relatively clear, but the nearshore approaches are partly obstructed by rocks, shoals, and reefs. There are no ports, and only exposed anchorages are available. The coastal segment is not favorable for am- phibious landings primarily because there are only three available landing places, and these are hemmed in between the steep slopes, cliffs, and bluffs bordering the coast; however, the most fa- vored landing place is at Obbia where an unsur- faced road provides movement northward along the coast, and a surfaced road leads inland. In the north the plateau is generally rugged and is furrowed by many intermittent streams which make cross-country movement difficult. The broad southern part of the plateau is lower and less dissected, and cross-country movement is generally impeded only by sarklhills, dunes, and scattered detached hills. A Class 2 air facility is located about 47 miles west of major beach area (17) and a Class 3 fa- cility is at Gardo about 95 miles farther south- west. There is also a Class 4 airfield at Rocca Littorio about 125 miles northwest of Obbia. In addition to the air facilities, large areas on the broad southern part of the plateau are suitable for the landing of helicopters. Shore and coastal terrain?The coastal terrain is bordered by a generally unbroken line of rocky slopes, cliffs, and bluffs (FrouREs 22-54 through 22-56), which are highest in the north and become progressively lower toward the south. The coast is steep and is fringed by either gravel or rocky shores; however, there are short stretches of sandy shores (three landing places) at the mouths of stream valleys and along the heads of the numerous coves. The shores of the northern part of the segment between major beach area (17) and El Fosc, a watering hole about 50 miles south of Baia del Negro, are backed by cliffs and bluffs ranging from 250 to 400 feet in elevation. Between El Fosc and El Meghet the cliffs and bluffs, in general, range downward to less than 50 feet, although in places heights are considerably greater. Many of the latter stretches of the bluffs and cliffs rise to long, narrow rocky and sandy terraces backed by high steep rocky escarp- ments. The terrain inland behind the cliffs and bluffs is an undulating plateau or ' elevated plain that gently rises inland and decreases in height from north to south. In the northern part of the seg- ment the plateau reaches inland from 5 to 25 NO FOREIGN DISSEM Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 PAGE 22-63 Apprdved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL N I S 5 5 miles to mountains Which are penetrated by val- leys, the largest of Oiich extends about 65 mi1e4 northwestward from he shore at Baia del Negro; The plateau decrease in height southward where it becomes only a sli htly elevated plain and pro- gressively broadens t over 100 miles wide west of the town of Obbia. Detached hills are scattered over the plain, and isolated low mountain lieS about 22 miles west cf Obbia. High sandhills are scattered over the el vated plain and form long continuous lines neaif the shores. There are also many broad areas of generally barren sand partly covered with shifting dunes. In the coastal area between major beach area (17) and Baia del Negro, several large intermittent streams have cut broad steep-sided gorges into the plateau, and the terrain adjacent o the cliffs and rocky slopes along the coast is f rrowed by many short sea- sonally dry streams. There is an almost complete absence of streams (See FIGURE 22-56) on the sea- ward side of the plateau between Baia del Negro and El :Meghet; how ver, the Uebi Scebeli lies far inland at the south? end of the segment and in- termittent streams i tersect small areas in the interior. The vegetation in the northern part of the seg- ment is composed o generally sparse stands of grass and low dese t brush interspersed with broad areas of barren sand and rock. The greater part of the terrain bordering the sea between Garad, a small village del Negro, and El M though there is som Progressing westwar sity of the vegetati ports nomadic .stockr livelihood of the nati about 70 miles south of Baia. ghet is generally barren al- scattered grass and brush, into the interior, the den- ti the grass sup- ising which is the principal es. Broad fields of grass are enclosed by thickets and hedges set on founda- tions of raised earth. There is also some subsist- ence cultivation. Approaches?The Offshore approaches are gen- erally clear, although there are widely separated rocks, shoals, and ree s lying as far as 51/2 n. miles from shore. Deep ater closely borders long stretches of the coas between major beach area (17) and Obbia, else here the 6-fathom curve iS charted and lies mo tly within 1 n. mile of the shore but ranges as ar as 2% n. miles offshore From Obbia southwa d to El Meghet the 6-fathom curve ranges as fa as 3 n. miles seaward, al- though the greater p rt of the curve lies less than 11/2 n. miles offshore. Within the 6-fathom curve are scattered shoals nd rocks, and parts of the shores are bordered 1y reefs. In general, the sea approach area is ina equately charted. Charted data should be used vith caution, and there may be uncharted dangers. PAGE 22-64 NAVY - JUNE 1962 Ports and urban areas?There are no classified ports; however, cargoes ,are handled at Bender Beila, about 56 miles south of major beach area (1,7), and at Obbia. The town of Obbia, with about 2,000 inhabitants, is the largest of several permanently inhabited centers on the coast. South of Baia del Negro there are many wells and waterholes, around which are the portable huts of nomads and seminomads, the principal inhabit- ants on the plain. Routes of communication?The shores are closely paralleled by a track, and a network of tracks link many wells and waterholes in the cen- tral and southern parts of the segment. Sur- faced roads extend into the interior from Bender Bella and from Obbia. Also, an unsurfaced road extends about 134 miles northward from Obbia to the town of El Hamurre. About 65 miles south- west of Obbia, another unsurfaced road, ranging from several hundred yards to about 12 miles in- land, extends to Itala, about 43 miles southwest of El Meghet. Cross-country movement on the plateau be- tween major beach area (17) and Garad is impeded by rugged terrain near the shore that is furrowed by the many intermittent streams. On the plain between Garad and El Meghet cross-country move- ment is unimpeded over broad areas. The major obstructions are sandhills and dunes; however, the vegetation in the interior is an obstacle, par- ticularLy where thickets enclose cultivated areas and pastureland. Helicopter landing areas?Because of the rugged terrain between major beach area (VI) and Garad, helicopter landing areas are available only in scattered places. Between Garad and El Meghet there are extensive landing areas on which the major hazards are sandhills and broad areas of loose sand with dunes. Exits from the helicopter landing areas are generally cross- country. Coastal Segment [3], El Meghet to Somali Re- public ? Kenya border (490 coastline miles; USHO Charts 1606 and 3881) General?The coastal area consists of a broad, gently inclined, flat-to-rolling plain which extends far inland and is mainly covered with brush, al- though grass and cultivation become prominent in the southwestern half of the segment (FIG- URES 22-57 through 22-62C, 22-74 and 22-75). A low interrupted escarpment fronts the plain in the northeastern half of the segment. The shores throughout the segment are predominantly sandy and are backed in most places by sandhills and dunes. Six major beach areas, two minor beach areas, and four landing places have been selected along this coast. NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NAVY-JUNE 1962 MILITARY GEOGRAPHY CONFIDENTIAL In general, the segment is one of the most suit- able in the NIS Area for amphibious operations, al- though heavy breakers occur on the shores dur- ing part of the year, especially during the south- west monsoon. The area best suited for large- scale operations is in the vicinity of Itala. Suit- able nearshore bottom slopes, and the availability of roads and tracks, and extensive, relatively flat terrain makes this area most suitable. Offshore approaches are in general clear; near- shore approaches are partly obstructed by reefs, shoals, islands, and islets. There are a number of open anchorages, but the harbor at Chisimaio af- fords the only protected anchorage. A skeletal network of roads and tracks, prob- ably the densest net of the NIS Area, serves the coastal region. Throughout most of the coastal area, cross-country movement is unrestricted ex- cept for local obstacles most of which can be easily bypassed. Movement inland for long dis- tances over flat-to-rolling terrain is mostly unim- peded. Classified air facilities, suitable also for helicopter landing areas, include a Class 2 airfield at Mogadiscio and Class 4 facilities at Chisimaio and Gelib. Unclassified seaplane stations are lo- cated at Mogadiscio, Brava, and Chisimaio. Shore and coastal terrain?The predominantly sandy shores (six major beach areas, two minor beach areas, and four landing places; FIGURES 22-57, and 22-59A through 22-62C) are fringed in scattered areas by drying coral reefs and inter- rupted in places by rocky stretches and marine cliffs which rise from the water's edge. Near the southern extremity of the segment there are scat- tered areas of fringing mangrove. Immediately backing most of the shores are fairly continuous lines of sandhills and dunes which parallel the shores at short distances inland. Behind these hills and dunes lies a large, relatively flat-to- rolling plain which slopes gently and almost im- perceptibly upward to elevations of 1,000 feet about 80 to 120 miles behind the shores. In the northeastern half of the segment from El Meghet about 240 miles southwest to Brava, fairly regular sandy shores are sporadically inter- rupted by low cliffy points fringed by rocks. The shores are backed almost throughout by a low escarpment, but in places where the escarpment disappears the sandy shores are backed by low sandy terrain. A break in the escarpment occurs in the vicinity of Itala, a town about 45 miles southwest of El Meghet, where sandy shores (ma- jor beach areas (18) through (20); FIGURE 22-57) are backed by low terrain. Between Itala and Mogadiscio, about 85 miles farther southwest, the escarpment again appears and the shores are al- ternately rocky and sandy (one landing place). CONFIDENTIAL Seawalls and embankments front the seaward side of Mogadiscio (FrauRE 22-58), but southwest of the town there is a low sandy stretch (minor beach area 15; FIGURES 22-59A and 22-59B). The low escarpment extends from Mogadiscio 45 miles southwest to Merca where there are sandy shores (minor beach area 16; FIGURE 22-60). For the re- maining 65-mile stretch of coast from Merca to Brava, the escarpment becomes less prominent and the sandy shores (one landing place) are in- terrupted by rocky and cliffy patches. Sandy shores again front the coast north and south of Brava (major beach areas (21) and (22), and 2 landing places; FIGURES 22-61 through 22-62B). Behind the virtually unbroken escarpment stretching from El Meghet southwestward to the vicinity of Brava are long lines of sandhills and dunes, which in places lie at or close behind the shores and interrupt the otherwise flat expanse of the plain. Behind the hills and dunes, how- ever, the partly brush-covered sandy plain extends for considerable distances inland and varies from flat to undulating; rolling terrain is created by the scattered sandhills that dot the plain. Desert and semidesert-type vegetation covers the plain and consists mainly of thorny brush interspersed with large areas of barren sand. Cultivation is limited to small areas immediately surrounding the towns and is restricted to subsistence needs. The part of the plain from El Meghet to Brava is principally dissected by the perennial river, the Uebi Scebeli. Northwest of Mogadiscio this river flows generally parallel to the coast, then divides into two tributaries at Merca, and southwest of Brava reunites into one main channel. In its lower reaches, the river dissipates in the intermit- tent marshes and seasonal swamps that flank the river without reaching the sea. Low areas adja- cent to the river are subject to inundation during rainy periods and severe flooding is not uncom- mon. In the valley of the Uebi Scebeli, immedi- ately fringing the riverbanks, there is extensive tree growth and marsh vegetation, and the sur- rounding plain is cultivated. In the southwestern half of the segment (from Brava about 250 miles southwestward to the Kenya border) the coastline is very regular be- tween Brava and Chisimaio, about 145 miles to the southwest, but beyond Chisimaio it becomes quite irregular and is broken by numerous cliffs, rivers, and intermittent streams. Between Brava and Chisimaio there is an almost uninterrupted stretch of sandy shore backed by narrow belts of sand dunes and occasional sandhills. At Chisi- maio the shores are sandy (major beach area (23) ; FIGURE 22-62C) but to the southwest, rocky shores fringe the cliffs and elsewhere, the shores are alternately sandy or muddy and fringed by NO FOREIGN DISSEM Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 PAGE 22-65 CONFIDENTIAL Apprcved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NIS 55 NAVY-JUNE 1962 partly drying coral reefs. Most conspicuous in the southwestern half of the segment is the ab- sence of the low esearpment backing the shore that characterizes half. In its place, w appearance to stretc be mistaken for an mangrove-studded la most of the fringing creeks and inlets n segment. uch of the northeastern ve-cut dunes give a blufflike es of the coast, which may carpment. There is a large oon north of Chisimaio, but mangrove is confined to the ar the southern end of the Behind? the coastal sand dunes is a flat-to- undulating plain extending over 100 miles inland with little change in elevation. The section of the plain from Brava to the Kenya border is more dis- sected by intermittent streams than the north- eastern half and is principally drained by the Fiume Giuba, the largest perennial river in the Somali Republic. This river flows from the north, passes close to the terminating marshes and swamps of the Uebi Scebeli, and empties into the Indian Ocean about 10 miles northeast of Chisi- maio. Its valley, ilk cultivated. The veg from the desert and northeastern half i and brush with a va banks of the intermit A chain of .island mainland and exten miles southwest to t that of the Uebi Scebeli, is tation on the plain changes semidesert-type found in the to broad areas of grassland iety of tree growth along the eat streams. lies 2 to 3 n. miles off the s from Chisimaio over 100 e Kenya border. The large islands have sandy shores fringed by reef and cov- ered for the most part by sand dunes and hills. Many of the smaller islands, however, are rocky and barren. Approaches?In the northeastern half of the segment the offshore approaches are clear. The principal obstruction is an almost contin from 1 to 2 n. miles cover at low water. shore in many plac in the nearshore approaches ous fringing reef extending offshore, parts of which un- socks and shoals lie close in- s and there are a few scat- tered islets. Where charted, the 6-fathom curve ranges from 500 yards to almost 2 n. miles off- shore. In the southwestern half of the segment off- shore approaches are also clear. There are rocks, reefs, and shoals in the vicinity of Brava, but otherwise, nearshore approaches are relatively clear as far southwe tward as the vicinity of Chi- simaio. From Chis* aio to the Kenya border, a broad fringing reef is the principal obstruction, to- gether with the chaih of islands which lie mostly within the 6-fathom curve. The approaches to these islands are Obstructed by rocks, shoal patches, and connecting reefs. The 6-fathom curve ranges from 1,500 yards to 5 n. miles off- shore. Ports and urban areas?Mogadiscio, Merca, Brava, and Chisimaio are all minor ports. Mo- gadiscio, also the capital of the Somali Republic, has the largest population density and is the larg- est urban area in Sector 3. The remaining areas of permanent population are centered in the small agricultural villages scattered throughout the coastal area. Large segments Of population, how- ever, are cattle-raising nomads. Routes of communication?The coastal zone is served by a track which traverses the length of the segment from 100 yards to about 2 miles in- land from El Meghet southwestward to Chisi- maio; it lies much farther inland for most of the stretch southwest of Chisimaio. An unsurf aced road roughly parallels the coastal track at varia- ble distances inland throughout most of the seg- ment and serves as a connecting link with the larger towns. Two all-weather surfaced roads ex- tend into the hinterland from Mogadiscio, and a short stretch of surfaced road serves the town of Merca. Elsewhere, numerous tracks branch from the principal coastal track into the hinter- land. There are no railroad facilities in the seg- ment. Another route of inland communication is the Fiume Giuba, the only navigable river in the NIS Area. The entrance to the river is limited by an extensive sandbar which is subject to seasonal as well as yearly change and is variously reported to have a least depth of 3 to 6 feet at high water. Inside the entrance bar, depths range from 7 to 20 feet for several miles upstream, and an esti- mated average depth of 4 feet prevails for an ad- ditional 300 miles or so upstream. The river is perennially navigable by shallow-draft craft for about 23 miles upstream while during the period of March or April through November, craft draw- ing up to 3 feet can navigate more than 300 miles upstream to Bardera (2?20'N., 42?17'E). Throughout its length, however, navigation is dif- ficult at all times due to shifting channels and sandbars and the tortuous course of the river. Cross-country movement is generally good and unrestricted for long distances across the almost level plain. Local obstacles to vehicular move- ment are steep sandhills and dunes, widely spaced streams, marshes, and swamps, and the more dense areas of brush, most of which are located chiefly in the southwestern half of the segment. These obstacles can be bypassed for the most part. Helicopter landing areas?There are several classified air facilities in the segment which can be used for helicopter landings. These include a Class 2 air facility at Mogadiscio, and Class 4 fa- PAGE 22-66 NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NAVY-JUNE 1962 MILITARY GEOGRAPHY cilities at Chisimaio and Gelib, about 60 miles northwest of Chisimaio. Elsewhere, there are nu- merous areas on the almost flat plain which are suitable as additional landing sites. Exits from the airfields and landing sites are generally easy via cross-country movement or by means of roads and tracks. b. Landing beaches There are nine major beach areas, (15) through (23); two minor beach areas, 15 and 16; and eight landing places in Subsector 3-C. The major beaches are located in the vicinity of the large vil- lages of Bargal and Dante in the northern part of this subsector and near Itala, Brava, and Chi- simaio in the south part. The minor beaches front Mogadiscio and Merca. The landing places are unevenly distributed along the coast through- out the subsector. The coasts in this subsector, in general, are un- suited for amphibious landings because of such features as fringing reefs, rocks, banks, cliffs, and dunes. Although no areas along this coast are ideal for amphibious landings, a few beaches and landing places have been selected in areas where approaches, exits, and beach characteris- tics most nearly meet the requirements for am- phibious landings. Major beach area (18) is considered best suited for amphibious landings in spite of minor ob- structing features in the nearshore approaches. The beach has moderate to gentle bottom slopes and good exits to unsurfaced roads. One major beach is 27 miles long, and the re- maining beaches range from 11/4 to 8 miles in length. A few beaches have interruptions. The beach widths at low water levels range from 30 to 300 yards; widths at high water range from 10 to 30 yards. The beach gradients in the low water to high water zone range from steep to flat, and in the high water zone the gradients are steep. The beach material is sand which is firm in the wetted area and soft where dry. The offshore approaches to nearly all of the beaches are clear. The nearshore approaches to about half of the beaches are clear; the remaining beaches are partly obstructed. The nearshore bot- tom material off the beaches consists of sand or sand mixed with rocks, shells, coral, or mud. Nearshore bottom slopes range from moderate to fiat. Anchorages are in the vicinity of nearly all of the beaches. CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL Spring tides range from 51/2 to 9 feet in this subsector. The expected average occurrence of surf 4 feet or greater on the beaches ranges from 4% to 20% of the time during November through March, 9% to 47% April and May, 12% to 76% June through August, and 9% to 56% September and October. In general, the beaches are backed by dunes on wide, sandy, partly brush-covered plains which extend inland to plateaus partly covered with brush. The east half of major beach (17) lies on a narrow isthmus. There are villages in the vicinity of all of the beaches. Exit from the beaches is by cross-country movement to coastal tracks. Un- surf aced roads lead inland from t a few of the beaches. A mining railroad leads inland behind major beach area (17). A Class 4 airfield is in the vicinity of major beach (23). There are unclassi- fied seaplane stations near approximately half the beaches. Minor ports are located at or near one- third of the beaches. The minor beaches are 500 and 1,100 yards in length. These sandy beaches range from 50 to 110 yards at low water and at high water levels from 15 to 25 yards. The nearshore bottom slopes are gentle and mild. The offshore approaches are clear, and the nearshore approaches are partly obstructed by a reef or shoals. The nearshore bot- tom material is sand and probably coral. An- chorage is available off minor beach 16. The minor beaches are backed by sandy, partly brush-covered plains containing dunes and ex- tending inland to plateaus partly covered with brush. There are villages in the vicinity of the beaches. Exit from the minor beaches is by cross- country movement to a coastal track and sur- faced roads. A Class 2 airfield and an unclassi- fied seaplane station are at beach 15. Minor ports are located at both of the beaches. In general, the approaches to the landing places are clear. The landing places are backed by steep slopes or narrow sandy plains. Exits are by cross- country movement to coastal tracks or unsur- faced roads. Villages or buildings are in the vi- cinity of a few of the landing places. An unclas- sified airfield and an unclassified seaplane station are located near the landing place at Obbia. Tabular descriptions for the major beaches are given in FIGURE 22-12 and for the minor beaches in FIGURE 22-13. Locations of the major and minor beaches and landing places are shown on the location maps, FIGURES 22-73 through 22-75. NO FOREIGN DISSEM PAGE 22-67 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NIS 55 NAVY ? JUNE 1962 FIGURE 22-12. MAJOR BEACH AREAS (Map references: BEACH NUMBER AND LOCATION LENGTH AND USABLE LENGTH WIDTHS: AT L.W.; AT H.W. BEACH GRADIENTS: L.W. TO H.W.; H.W. ZONE APPROACH (15) Centered 7 mi. 8 mi.; concave; termi-75 to 100 yd. at NW. of Ras Binnah nated to N. by wadi L.W.; 15 to 20 1 on 30 to 1 on 45, L.W. to H.W.; Nearshore bottom slopes gentle to flat shoreward of discontinuous on E. coast of Somali mouth and to S. where yd. at LI.W. 1 on 10 or 18-ft. depth contour 315 to 1,260 Republic, between backed by lagoon; in- steeper in 11.W. yd. off H.W. line; offshore approach 11?16'N., 51?04'E. terrupted by wadies; all and sable. 11?10'N., 51?06'E. (FIGS. 22-49 and 22-50) zone. clear; nearshore approach clear but flanked by submerged sandbars; bottom sand; anchorage la 39-ft. depth 1 n. mi. NE. of N. end, bottom sand. (Reliability: FAIR) (16) Centered 153. mi. 7 i.; straight; terminated 70 to 300 yd. at 1 on 25 to 1 on Nearshore bottom slopes mild to fiat S. of Ras Binnah, y wadi mouths; inter-L.W.; 20 to 30 between upted by several yd. at 11.W. 145, L.W. to H.W.; 1 on 10 shoreward of 18-ft. depth contour 630 to 1,575 yd. off 11.W. line; 10?59'N., 51?06'E. wadies; all usable. and or steeper in H.W. zone. approaches clear; bottom sand. 10?53'N., 51?06'E. (FIGS. 22-49 and 22-50). (Reliability: FAIR) (17) Centered 23 mi. W. of Ras Hafun, between 10?25'N., 51?15'E. and 10?18'N., 50?53'E. (FIG. 22-52) (Reliability: FAIR) (18) Centered 63% mi. NE. of Ras Mailable, between 2?48'N., 46?23'E. and 2?46'N., 46?21'E. (FIG. 22-57) (Reliability: FAIR) 27 mi.; concave; termi- slated to E. by groin and to W. where backed by rocky shore; inter- 6ipted by wadi mouth; 1,11 usable. 33 mi. slightly concave; / erminated to NE. by ocks and to SW. by reef; 11 usable. 50 to 100 yd. at 1 on 20 to 1 on 40, L.W.; 20 to 30 L.W. to II.W.; yd. at H.W. 1 on 10 or steeper in H.W. zone. 80 to 120 yd. at 1 on 30 to ion 45, L.W.; 20 to 25 L.W. to H.W.; yd. at 11W. 1 on 10 or steeper in 11.W. zone. Nearshore bottom slopes mild to flat shoreward of 6-ft. depth contour 200 to 600 yd. off H.W. line of E. part, and moderate to flat shore- ward of discontinuous 36-ft. depth contour 350 yd. to 23 n. mi. off 11.W. line; offshore approach re- stricted to bay and clear; nearshore approach partly obstructed by aerial conveyor towers off E. part and flanked to E. by shoal area; bottom sand, rocks, mud, and shells; anchorage in 31- to 40-ft. depths about 13/ n. mi. off H.W. line of E. end, bottom sand, mud, and shells. Nearshore bottom slopes moderate to gentle shoreward of discontinuous 6-ft. depth contour 80 to 200 yd. off H.W. line; 18-ft. depth contour 800 yd. to 13% n. mi. off H.W. line; 36-ft. depth contour 13% to n. mi. off H.W. line; offshore approach clear; nearshore approach partly obstructed by shoal with least depth of 18 ft., 18% n. mi. off center part and by reef 1,700 yd. off SW. part and flanked by rocks and reef; bottom sand and mud; anchorage in 22- to 27-ft. depths 1,500 yd. off SW. part, bottom sand and coral. NOTE Beach lengths and distances along the coast and Inland are expressed in statute miles; distances across water are expressed in nautical miles eXcept when referring to beach locations. Italicized words refer to terms defined in Subsection A, 4, d. PAGE 22-68 NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NAVY?JUNE 1962 OF COASTAL SUBSECTOR 3?C FIGURES 22-73 through 22-75) MILITARY GEOGRAPHY CONFIDENTIAL SURF AND TIDAL RANGE MATERIAL AND FIRMNESS TERRAIN IMMEDIATELY BEHIND BEACH EXITS AND COMMUNICATIONS INLAND Surf 4 ft. or greater can be ex- Sand; firm in wet- pected to occur 20% of the ted area, soft time Nov.?Mar., 9% Apr.? where dry. May, 12% June?Aug., and 9% Sept.?Oct.; tidal range 53 ft., springs. Backed by sandy, partly brush-covered plain drained by wadies and extend- ing as far as 9 mi. inland to escarp- ment rising to partly brush-covered plateau dissected by valleys; Bargal 1,320 yd. N. of N. end; village dose behind S. part. Exit cross-country as far as 33-i mi. to coastal track; another track leads inland from near N. end. Surf 4 ft. or greater can be ex-Sand; firm in wet- Backed by sandy, partly brush-covered Exit cross-country as far as 13' mi. pected to occur 19% of the ted area, time Nov.?Mar., 9% Apr.?where dry. May, 12% June?Aug., and 9% Sept.?Oct.; tidal range 5% ft., springs. soft plain drained by several wadies and eNtending as far as 2% mi. inland to escarpment rising to partly brush- covered plateau dissected by valleys. to coastal track. Surf 4 ft. or greater can be ex-Sand; firm in wet- E. half on sandy, partly brush-covered Exit cross-country 165 to 990 yd. pected to occur 4% of the time ted area, Nov.?Mar., 21% Apr.?May, where dry. 38% June?Aug., and 38% soft isthmus 1 to 2 mi. wide; W. half of beach backed by sandy, partly brush-covered plain drained by to coastal track; other tracks lead inland behind W. part; mining RR. at Dante; unclassi- Sept.?Oct.; tidal range 5% ft., springs. wadies and extending as far as 14 mi. inland to escarpment rising to partly brush-covered plateau dissected by valleys; Dante close behind E. part; village close behind W. part. fied seaplane station in bay off Dante; minor port at Dante. Surf 4 ft. or greater can be ex- Sand; firm in wet- Backed by extensive sandy plain partly Exit cross-country as far as 650 yd. pected to occur 10% of the time ted area, soft covered with brush, containing dunes to coastal track; unsurfaced roads Nov.?Mar., 28% Apr.?May, 49% June?Aug., and 38% Sept.?Oct.; tidal range 6 ft., springs. where dry. and isolated hills, and extending up to 100 mi. inland to brush-covered plateau; Itala 900 yd. SW. of SW. end. lead NE. and inland from Itala. CONFIDENTIAL NO FOREIGN DISSEM Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 PAGE 22-69 Approved For Release 1999/09/24 : CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL N I S 5 5 NAVY ? JUNE 1962 FIGURE 22-12. MAJOR BEACH AREAS, BEACH NUMBER AND LOCATION LENGTH AND USABLE LENGTH WIDTHS: AT L.W. AT 11.W. BEACH GRADIENTS: L.W. TO H.W.; H.W. ZONE APPROACH (19) Centered 33 mi. NE. of Has Mailable, at 2?45'N., 46"20'E. (FIG. 22-57) (Reliability: FAIR) (20) Centered 28% mi. SW. of Ras Mailable, between 2?42'N., 46?18'E. and 2?40'N., 46?15'E. (FIG. 22-57) (Reliability: FAIR) (21) Centered 28% mi. SW. of Has Dai, be- tween 1?10'N., 44?08'E. and 1?08'N., 44?05'E. (FIG. 22-61) (Reliability: FAIR) (22) Centered 11% mi. SW. of Has Dai, be- tween 1?05'N., 44?02'E. and 1?04'N., 44?00'E. (FIG. 22-62B) (Reliability: FAIR) (23) Chisimaio, at 0?22'S., 42?33'E. (FIG. 22-62C) (Reliability : FAIR) 13'2 mi.; slightly concave; terminated to NE. by sandy point fronted by reef and to SW. by Ifringing reef; all usable. 3 mi.; straight; termi- ated to NE. by fring- ng reef and to SW. here fronted by rocks; 11 usable. 4 mi.; straight; terminated to NE. by rocky point nd to SW. where beach narrows; all usable. 2 *.; straight; terminated o NE. by reef-fringed oint and to SW. where f onted by rocks; all sable. 1141 mi.; concave; termi- nated to E. by pier and t?. by fringing reef; i4iterrupted near E. end by pier; all usable. 100 to 150 yd. at 1 on 40 to 1 on 60, L.W.; 15 to 25 L.W. to H.W.; yd. at H.W. 1 on 10 or steeper in H.W. zone. 75 to 100 yd. at 1 on 25 to 1 on 35, L.W.; 20 to 30 L.W. to H.W.; yd. at H.W. 1 on 10 or steeper in H.W. zone. 30 to 200 yd. at 1 on 10 to 1 on 70, L.W.; 10 to 30 L.W. to H.W.; yd. at H.W. 1 on 10 or steeper in H.W. zone. 60 to 100 yd. at 1 on 20 to 1 on 30, L.W.; 15 to 30 L.W. to H.W.; yd. at H.W. 1 on 10 or steeper in H.W. zone. 35 to 110 yd. at 1 on 10 to 1 on 30, L.W.; 10 to 20 L.W. to H.W.; yd. at H.W. 1 on 10 or steeper in H.W. zone. Nearshore bottom slopes moderate to flat shoreward of 6-ft. depth con- tour 65 to 550 yd. off H.W. line; 18-ft. depth contour 875 to 1,450 yd. off H.W. line; offshore approach clear; nearshore approach partly obstructed by reef about 1 n. mi. off NE. part and flanked by rocks and reefs; bottom sand, rooks, and coral; anchorage in 22-ft. depth 1,500 yd. off center part and an- other anchorage in 30-ft. depth about 13' n. mi. SE. of SW. end; bottoms sand. Nearshore bottom slopes flat shore- ward of 36-ft. depth contour 1,950 yd. to lh n. mi. off H.W. line; offshore approach clear; nearshore approach clear but flanked to NE. by fringing reef and to SW. by rocks; bottom sand and coral; anchorage in 30-ft. depths 3 n. mi. NE. of NE. end, bottom sand. Nearshore bottom slopes flat shore- ward of 36-ft. depth contour 13 n. mi. off H.W. line; offshore ap- proach clear; nearshore approach partly obstructed by exposed rocks 1,000 to 1,700 yd. off H.W. line of NE. and SW. parts, respectively, and flanked to NE. by rocky point; bottom sand and prob. rocks; anchorage in bay about 13 n. mi. to NE., depth and bottom unknown. Nearshore bottom slopes mild shore- ward of 18-ft. depth contour 500 to 700 yd. off L.W. line of NE. part and unknown off remainder; offshore approach clear; nearshore approach clear but flanked to SW. by rocks and to NE. by reef-fringed point and reef-fringed islet; bottom sand; anchorage in 60 ft. depth 1 n. mi. NE. of NE. end, bottom sand and shells. Nearshore bottom slopes moderate to flat shoreward of 6-ft. depth con- tour 35 to 400 yd. off L.W. line; 18-ft. depth contour 1,000 yd. to 1 n. mi. off L.W. line; offshore ap- proach restricted to passages through barrier reef and partly obstructed by scattered shoals and reef patches as far as 6 n. mi. off L.W. line; nearshore approach re- stricted to bay and partly ob- structed by pier near E. end, and by wrecks and submerged and ex- posed rocks, flanked to E. by reef- fringed island and rocks and to W. by rocks; bottom sand and rocks; anchorage in 20- to 30-ft. depths in bay, bottom prob. sand. NOTE Beach lengths and in nautical miles ex PAGE 22-70 istances along the coast and inland are expressed in statute miles; distances across water are expressed ept when referring to beach locations. Italicized words refer to terms defined in Subsection A, 4, d. NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL ApprOved For Release 1999109124: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NAVY?JUNE 1962 SUBSECTOR 3?C (Continued) MILITARY GEOGRAPHY CONFIDENTIAL SURF AND TIDAL RANGE MATERIAL AND FIRMNESS TERRAIN IMMEDIATELY BEHIND BEACH EXITS AND COMMUNICATIONS INLAND Surf 4 ft. or greater can be ex- pected to occur 15% of the time Nov.?Mar., 28% Apr.?May, 49% June?Aug., and 38% Sept.?Oct.; tidal range 6 ft., springs. Surf 4 ft. or greater can be ex- pected to occur 15% of the time Nov.?Mar., 28% Apr.?May, 49% June?Aug., and 38% Sept.?Oct.; tidal range 6 ft., springs. Surf 4 ft. or greater can be ex- pected to occur 17% of the time Nov.?Mar., 47% Apr.?May, 76% June?Aug., and 56% Sept.?Oct.; tidal range 7 ft., springs. Surf 4 ft. or greater can be ex- pected to occur 17% of the time Nov.?Mar., 47% Apr.?May, 76% June?Aug., and 56% Sept.?Oct.; tidal range 7 ft., springs. Surf 4 ft. or greater can be ex- pected to occur 7% of the time Nov.?Mar., 45% Apr.?May, 76% June?Aug., and 55% Sept.?Oct.; tidal range 7.5 ft., springs. Sand; firm in wet- Backed by extensive sandy plain partly ted area, soft covered with brush, containing dunes where dry. and isolated hills, and extending up to 100 mi. inland to partly brush- covered plateau; Itala close behind NE. part. Sand; firm in wet- Backed by extensive sandy plain, partly ted area, soft covered with brush, containing dunes. where dry. and isolated hills, and extending up to 100 mi. inland to partly brush- covered plateau; village 800 yd. behind SW. end; Itala 04 mi. NE. of NE. end. Sand; firm in wet- Backed by extensive sandy plain partly ted area, soft covered with brush, containing dunes where dry. and areas of swamp, and extending up to 100 mi. inland to partly brush- covered plateau; Brava 4 mi. SW. of SW. end. Sand; firm in wet- Backed by extensive sandy plain partly ted area, soft covered with brush, containing dunes where dry. and areas of swamp, and extending up to 100 mi. inland to partly brush- covered plateau; brush- and tree- covered hills 2% mi. inland; Brava 04 mi. NE. of NE. end. Sand; firm in wet- ted area, soft where dry; rock patch in E. part. Backed by extensive sandy plain partly covered with grass, brush, and trees and containing dunes and areas of swamp; Chisimaio close behind beach. Exit cross-country 660 yd. to coastal track; unsurfaced roads lead NE. and inland from Itala. Exit cross-country as far as 1,700 yd. to coastal track; movement farther inland cross-country 1,300 yd. to 13 mi. to another coastal track. Exit cross-country 1,000 yd. to coastal track; movement farther inland cross-country 5 mi. to unsurfaced road; other tracks lead inland from unsurfaced road; unclassified seaplane station at Brava; minor port at Brava. Exit cross-country 1,000 yd. to coastal track; unsurfaced road leads inland from Brava; unclassi- fied seaplane station at Brava; minor port at Brava. Exit cross-country to streets; un- surfaced road leads NE. and track to SW. from Chisimaio; Class 4 airfield 7 mi. to N.; un- classified seaplane station at Chisimaio; minor port at Chisi- maio. CONFIDENTIAL NO FOREIGN DISSEM Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 PAGE 22-71 Appr CONFIDENTIAL ved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NIS 55 NAVY-JUNE 1962 FIGURE 22-13 MINOR BEACH AREAS OF COASTAL SUBSECTOR 3?C (Map references:, FIGURES 22-73 through 22-75) NUMBER AND LOCATION REMARKS 15. Centered 4 mi. SW. cr4 Moga- discio on E. coast of Somali Republic, at 2?00'N., 45?18'E. I (nos. 22-59A and 22-59B) (Reliability: GOOD) 16. Merca, at 1?42'N., 44?46'E. (Fio. 22-60) (Reliability: FAIR) 500 yd.; concave; sand; 50 to 75 yd. wide at L.W. and 15 to 20 yd. at H.W.; nearshore bottom slopes gentle; offshore approach clear; nearshore approach partly obstructed by drying reef reported about 250 yd. off H.W. line and flanked by rocky points; bottom sand and prob. coral; beach backed by extensive sandy plain partly covered with brush, containing dunes, and extending inland up to 100 mi. to partly brush-covered plateau; scattered buildings be- hind beach; Mogadiscio 4 mi. to NE.; exit cross-country as far as 1 mi. to coastal track; other tracks lead to Mogadiscio; surfaced roads lead inland from Mogadiscio; Class 2 airfield close behind beach; unclassified seaplane station off beach; minor port at Mogadiscio. 1,100 yd.; concave; sand; 85 to 110 yd. wide at L.W. and 15 to 25 yd. at H.W.; nearshore bottom slopes mild; offshore approach clear; nearshore approach restricted to narrow passages in reef about 700 yd. off B.W. line and partly obstructed by scattered shoals with least depth of 2 ft. and flanked to NE.93y reef, shoals, and pier and to SW. by rocks and reefs; bottom sand and prob. coral; anchorage in 66- to 90-ft. depths about 1,000 yd. off beach, bottom sand and coral; beach backed by extensive sandy plain partly covered with brush, containing dunes and areas of swamp, and extending up to 100 mi. inland to partly brush-covered pla- teau; Merca close behind NE. part; exit cross-country as far as 300 yd. to surfaced road; movement farther inland by network of roads; minor port at Merca. PAGE 22-72 NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 25X1X7 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Next 2 Page(s) In Document Exempt Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 MORI BUNDLE # # of Missing Pages /3 ficce/Tas ae? (2?7- /3 PAGE MISSING DATE Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NAVY ? JUNE 1962 N I S 5 5 CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 SECTOR 1, SEGMENT [1]. NORTHERN COAST OF ETHIOPIA. Oblique view looking northeast showing isolated hills on the coastal plain. Approximate position 16?59'N., 39?03'E. Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL NO FOREIGN DISSEM FIGURE 22-14 CONFIDENTIAL N I S 5 5 NAVY ? JUNE 1962 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 SECTOR 1, SEGMENT W. NORTHERN COAST OF ETHIOPIA NEAR MERSA MUBAREC. Oblique view looking east showing areas of mangrove swamp (black areas on the photo) and marsh (dark gray) bordering the shore. Linear sand ridges rise above the plain behind the shore. Approximate position 16?31'N., 39?08'E. Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 FIGURE 22?lo NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL NAVY -- JUNE 1962 N I S 5 5 CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 SECTOR 1, SEGMENT Hi . COAST OF ETHIOPIA ABOUT 17 MILES SOUTH OF MERSA MUBAREC. Oblique view looking northeast showing broad entrenched stream dissecting plain, flanked by sand ridges and dunes. Marshy areas lie near the shores. Approximate position 16'17'N., 39012'E. coNFARRTved For Release 1999//9946iipyyRpEs81,1100671R000200100001 -PIGURE 22-16 CONFIDENTIAL N 1 S 5 5 NAVY - JUNE 1962 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 SECTOR 1, SEGMENT [11. ETHIOPIAN COAST INLAND FROM RAS ARS. Oblique view looking west showing part of the coastal plain, and the mountainous plateau backing it. Note areas of cultivation on the plain. Approximate position 15?45'N., 39?10'E. Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 FIGURE 22-17 NO FOREIGN DISSEM COD FEDENTIAL NAAtiptilikificiVew Release 1999/09/24 : ciAT-RDI15-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL A. SECTOR 1, SEGMENT [ 1] . COAST OF ETHIOPIA AT MAJOR BEACH AREA (1) . Oblique view northeast. Approximate position 15?45'N., 39?27'E. B. SECTOR 1, SEGMENT [1]. ETHIOPIAN COAST AT MAJOR BEACH AREA (2) . Ground view looking west showing scattered clumps of grass and brush which is the characteristic cover of most of this Segment, Approximate position 15?41'N., 39?28'E. April 1957. CONFIDENTIAL NO FOREIGN DISSFM Approved For Release 1999/09/24 : CIA-RDP85-00671R0002001000010TRE 22-18 CONFIDENTIAL N I S 5 5 NAVY - JUNE 1962 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 ISOLA DAHLAC CHEBIR SE OR 1, SEGME1S T [2]. ISOLA DAHLAC CHEBIR OFF COAST OF ETHIOPIA. Oblique view looking north. Approximate posi- tion 15?4214., 3959'E. I(r:JRE 2 2-1MP roved For Release 1A99g3.19g4 ? p-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 ISSEM CONFIDENTIAL NAVY ? JUNE 1962 NIS 55 CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 ISOLA DAHLAC C EBIR SECTOR 1, SEGMENT [2] . SOUTHWESTERN PART OF THE ISOLE DAHLAC OFF COAST OF ETHIOPIA. Oblique view looking south showing reef-fringed islands with southeastern end of Isola Norah in lower foreground and Isola Dahlac Chebir in center background. Approximate position 15?47'N., 40?05'E. coNAmpved For Release 1999/07.2/2F4thz9MA?Fs'pkgp0671R000200100001-0, TGURE 22-20 5 5 NAVY ? JU:qE 1962 C ON FIDENTIAL.A pp roved For Release 1999/5u/24 : CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 SECTOR 1, SEGMENT [2]. ISOLA SCIUMMA OFF ETHIOPIAN COAST. Oblique view looking southwest. Approximate position 1.532'N., 40001'E. Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 ;uRE 22-21 NO FOREIGN DISSEI1,1 CONFIDENTIAL SECTOR 1, SEGMENT [3]. COAST AT MASSAUA, ETHIOPIA. Oblique view looking south showing principal port and adjacent coast. Approximate position 15'38'N., 39'28'E. C NFIDENTIAL Nu Approved For Release 1999/09/24 : iA-RDP85-00671R000200 ii660-04-1YE 1962 SECTOR 1, SEGMENT F31. ETHIOPIAN COAST SOUTH OF MASSAUA AT MINOR BEACH AREA /. Oblique view looking south showing plain south of Massaua and mountains closely backing plain. Approximate position 15?33'N., 39?28E. Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 FiGuRE 22-23 NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL NAVY ? JUNE 1962 N I S 5 5 CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 SECTOR 1, SEGMENT [3]. CENTRAL COAST OF ETHIOPIA NEAR BATA D'ANFILE. Oblique view looking north showing coastal plain and mountain range farther inland. Approximate position 14?38'N., 41"011'E. Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL NO FOREIGN DISSEM FIGURE 22-24 CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/0ki : 8A-RDP85-00671R00020014M0041u-tiE 1962 SECTOR 1, SEGMENT {4]. ETHIOPIAN COAST NEAR RAS SCIAKS. View looking northeast showing volcanic hills and moun- tains backing plain. Valleys and streambeds affo]7d access routes for cross-country movement to interior. Approxi- mate position 14?32N., 41?10'E. Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 " 1G JR E 22-25 NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONE IDENTIAL NAVY-JUNE 1962 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 SECTOR 1, SEGMENT 141. COAST OF ETHIOP: Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL NI S 55 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL TA AT MAJOR BEACH AREA (4) Uncontrolled vertical mosaic. Approximate po- sition 13?56'N., 41?41'E. June 1955. NO FOREIGN DISSE#PProved For Release 1999/09/24: q#,TgpfgAgqi R9pigni gm no. (4\ J.?EA .' 14 IGURE 22-26 NAVY?JUNE 1962 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NIS 55 SECTOR 1, SEGMENT 14]. COAST OF ETHIOPIA AT MINOR BEACH AREAS position 13?46'N., 4 ApprqyAdIftwAelease 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NO FOREIGN Dl CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 APPROXIMATE SCALE 0 1000 3 AND 4. Uncontrolled vertical mosaic. Approximate 2?01'E. Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 rSSEM SECTOR 1, SEGMENT [4] , MINOR BEACH AREAS 3 AND 4 FIGURE 22-27 NAVY - JUNE 1962 N I S 5 5 CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 A. SECTOR 1, SEGMENT [4]. COAST NORTH OF As- SAB, ETHIOPIA. View looking southwest showing two landing places (LP). Approximate position 13?02'N., 42?45'E. March 1960. B. SECTOR 1, SEGMENT [4] . ETHIOPIAN COAST AT ASSAB. View looking west showing two landing places (LP) at southern end of Assab. Approximate position 12?59'N., 42?45'E. April 1953. Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-QQ671R000200100001-0 FIGURE 22-28 CONFIDENTIAL NO FOREIGN DIS,NLin CONFIDENTIAL NI ,S 5_5 Approved For Release 1999/09/24 : ciA-RDP85-00671R000200iblote 1962itiE SECTOR 2, SEGMENT 1-11. COAST NEAR ETHIOPIA - FRENCH SOMALILAND BORDER. Oblique view looking southwest showing sandy coastal plain, interrupted and backed by hills and mountains. Approximate position 12?42'N., 43?09'E. Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 FIGURE 22-29 NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL NAVY ? JUNE 1962 N/S 5 5 CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 SECTOR 2, SEGMENT [1] . NORTHERN COAST OF FRENCH SOMALILAND AT RAS SIYAN. Oblique view looking northeast show- ing the narrowest part of Bab el Mandeb, the strait separating French Somaliland, in the foreground, from the Ara- bian Peninsula, in the background. Approximate position 12?27'N., 43?20'E. Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL NO FOREIGN DISSEM FIGURE 22-30 SECTOR 2, SEGMENT [2] . TADJOURA, FRENCH SOMALILAND. Oblique view looking west-northwest showing minor port, land- ing place (LP), narrow brush- and scrub-covered coastal plain, and hilly-to-mountainous hinterland. Approximate po- sition 11?47'N., 42?54'E. September 1954. NAVY ? JUNE 1962 N I S 5 5 CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 SECTOR 2, SEGMENT [2]. FRENCH SOMALILAND COAST NEAR HEAD OF GOLFE DE TADJOURA. MINOR BEACH AREA /. Oblique view looking south showing entrance to Ghubbet Kharab, dissected hills and mountains close behind the shores, and in- terior plateau in background. Approximate position 11?34'N., 42?43'E. Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL NO FOREIGN DISSEM FIGURE 22-32 CONFIDENTIAL N I S 5 5 NAVY ? JUNE 1962 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 BEACH AREA 8. Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 FIGURE 22-33 NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL NAVY ? JUNE 1962 N I S 5 5 CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 SUBSECTOR 3?A, SEGMENT [1] . COAST NEAR FRENCH SOMALILAND ? SOMALI REPUBLIC BORDER. Oblique view looking south- ward showing broad coastal plain. Approximate position 11?23'N., 43?25'E. Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL NO FOREIGN DISSEM FIGURE 22-34 CONFIDENTIAL NIS 55 NAVY - JUNE 1962 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 SUSSECTOR 3-A, SEGMENT [1] . NORTHERN COAST OF SOMALIA AT ZEILA. Oblique view looking northward across coastal area. Note the many intermittent streams and their sand blocked entrances and the inlets and small lagoons along the shore. Appi oximate position 11?20'N., 43?28'E. Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 (TITRE 22-35 NO FOREIGN D1SSEM CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 SUBSECTOR 3?A, SEGMENT [1] . VICINITY OF BER Uncontrolled vertical mosaic showing segme proximate 3ERA, SOMALI REPUBLIC. MAJOR BEACH AREA (5) AND MINOR BEACH AREA 9. t of southwest part of major beach (5) anr1 nil of minrr beach 9, Ap- )osition 10'27'N., 45?01'E. June 1956. 1 4. 13 3 CD a m o -, (T? (7 PA CD COtt" c. ob.- r: 3 4 = . . . 0 F . i 3 0 0- 9 01 6 b 0) ?-?1 ?% 0672) 018 8 00" _ , c b SUBSECTOR 3-A, SEGMENT M. COAST OF SOMALIA /N tical mosaic showing segment of center and north VICINITY OF RAS WALHITN. MAJOR BEACH AREA (6) . Uncontrolled ver- mst parts of bea,cla. Approximate positien 415?30'E. June 1956. NAVY JUNE 1962 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 SUBSECTOR 3-A, SEGMENT [1] . SOMALIA COAST SO1 mosaic. Approxiim coNFIAppEgved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 S 55 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL ' AU-ST OF RAS SUDDA. MAJOR BEACH AREA (7) . Uncontrolled vertical t. position 10?44'N., 45?35'E. June 1956. OREIGN DISSEM Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 SUBSECTOR 3?A, SEGMENT [1] , MAJOR BEACH AREA (7) FIGURE 22-38 SUBSECTOR 3-A, SEGMENT [1] . SOMALIA COAST EAST OF BERBERA. Oblique view looking southward across plain. Low bluffs lie behind parts of the shore. Approximate position 10?27'N., 45?05'E. 1950. CONFIDENTIAL N I S 5 5 NAVY ? JUNE 1962 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 A. SUBSECTOR 3?A, SEGMENT 12]. COAST OF SOMALIA AT VILLAGE OF HEIS. Oblique view looking southeastward showing landing place (LP). Note the bluffs and cliffs behind the shore and the ruggedness of the hilly ridges. Approximate position 10?53'N., 46?54E. B. SUBSECTOR 3?A, SEGMENT [31. BEN- DER CASSIM, SOMALI REPUBLIC. MINOR BEACH AREA 12. Oblique view west. Ap- proximate position 11?18'N., 49?11'E. February 1960. FIGURE 22-40 NO For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL NAVY ? JUNE 1962 N I S 5 5 CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 SUBSECTOR 3-A, SEGMENT [3] . SOMALIA COAST AT RAS BUR GABAN. Oblique view looking southeastward showing landing place (LP) and the rugged hilly and mountainous terrain between Ras al Hamar and the Uadi Tog Uene. Approxi- mate position 11?22'N., 49?29'E. coMrNoryed For Release 1999/09RI i,49/mppAmpi R000200100001-0 FIGURE 22-41 CONFIDENTIAL N I S 5 5 NAVY - JUNE 1962 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 SU SECTOR 3-A, SEGMENT [3]. COAST OF SOMALIA NEAR RAS FILUCH. Oblique view looking northeastward from a position on the coast near Bender Merhagno. Note lagoon fringing plain, in the background, and the rugged hill and moun- tain terrain surrounding the plain, in the foreground. Approximate position 11?44'N., 50?30'E. Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 FIGURE 22-42 NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL NAVY ? JUNE 1962 N IS 5 5 CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL NO FOREIGN DISSEM FIGURE 22-43 CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/i56&5:b1A-RDP85-00671R00026bioadtir01962 - SALT WATER,--v LAGOON - = 0 c S r SUBSECTOR 3-B. NORTH COAST OF SOCOTRA IN VICINITY OF RA'S KADARMA. MAJOR BEACH AREA (12). Oblique view ooking northward showing southeast part of beach. Approximate position 12?37'N., 53?51'E. Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Ft RHIE 22-44 NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL NAVY ? JUNE 1962 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 SuBsEcroR 3-B. NOR1 ing rugged headlar Approveq(forDtVgese 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NIS 55 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL 11WEST COAST OF SOCOTRA. View looking southeastward show- d at ita's Bashuri Approximate position 12?43'N., 53?32'E. Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 SUBSECTOR 3-B FIGURE 22-45 Ivo FOREIGN DISSEM NAVY ? JUNE 1962 N I S 5 5 CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 SUBSECTOR 3-B. SOUTH COAST OF SOCOTRA. Oblique view looking southward showing southern coastal plain backed by deeply dissected mountain plateau. Approximate position 12?20'N., 54?00'E. Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL NO FOREIGN DISSEM FIGURE 22-46 SUBSECTOR 3-B. SOCOTRA. Oblique view looking southward showing interior basin. Approximate position 12?20'N,, 53?33T, NAVY ? JUNE 1962 N 1 S 5 5 CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CAPO GUARDARA SUBSECTOR 3?C, SEGMENT M. EASTERN COAST OF SOMALIA SOUTH OF RAS SHENAGHEF. View northward toward Ras Shena- ghef from detached hill 20 miles south of point. Note the steep escarpments and the rugged inland terrain. Approx- imate position 11?31'N., 51?08'E. COM:$15:iy1F1 For Release 1999/09/2M ?Fejfk-/Ippryorl-s(10#71R000200100001-0 FIGURE 22-48 CONFIDENTIAL N I S 5 5 YY ?Jinsr4_ 1962 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200A100001-0 SUBSECTOR 3-C. SEGMENT [1]. SOMALIA COAST IN VICINITY OF RAS BINNAH. MAJOR BEACH AREAS (15) AND (16). Oblique view looking south. See also FIGURE 22-50. Approximate position 11?13'N., 51?05'E. Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 ,')(; LIRE 22-49 ATO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL NAVY?JUNE 1962 NIS_5_5 CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 BARGAL SUBSECTOR 3-C, SEGMENT [11. SOMALIA COAST SOUTH OF RAS BINNAH. MAJOR BEACH AREAS (15) AND (16). Oblique view looking north showing all of beach (15) and north half of beach (16). See also FIGURE 22-49. Approximate position 10?50'N., 51?06'E. Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL NO FOREIGN DISSEM FIGURE 22-50 NAVY ? JUNE 1962 CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999Y0193/2 CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 BAIA DI HAFUN MERIDIONALE SUBSECTOR 3-C, SEGMENT [1] . COAST OF SOMALIA AT BAIA DI HAFUN SETTENTRIONALE. Oblique view looking southward across the bay. Note the ruggedness of the inland terrain, the dunes, and the sparse vegetation. Approximate posi- tion 10?45'N., 51?08'E. Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 4URE 22-51 NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL g g?g g auflDIff SussEmil 3?C, SEGMENT [1]. DANTE, SOMALI REPUBLIC. MAJOR BEACH AREA (17) . Oblique view northeastward show- ing segment of east part of beach. Approximate position 10?25'N., 51?15'E. March 1953. BAIA DI HAFIJN MERIDIONALE SUBSECTOR 3-C, SEGMENT [1]. SOMALIA COAST NEAR DANTE. Oblique View looking northeastward across harbor at some Of the minor port facilities of Dante. Note the rugged terrain at the eastern end of the peninsula. Approximate posi- tion 10?24'N., 51?14'E. 1953. NAVY ? JUNE 1962 N I S 5 5 CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 SUBSECTOR 3-C, SEGMENT [2]. COAST OF SOMALIA IN THE VICINITY OF BAIA DI HAFUN MERIDIONALE. Oblique view looking northward along the coast toward the bay. Rugged terrain near the sea and the deep gorges cut by the intermittent streams are typical of this part of the coast. Approximate position 10?12'N., 50?55'E. Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL NO FOREIGN DISSEM FIGURE 22-54 CON FIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999igf245:5CIA-RDP85-00671R0002MbOdnv.962 INDIAN OCEAN SUBSECTOR 3-C, SEGMENT 121. SOMALIA COAST IN THE VICINITY OF RAS MABBER. Escarpments rise from the steep slopes bordering the coast; streams are deeply entrenched. Approximate position 9?35'N., 50?50'E. Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 FILURE 22-55 NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL NAVy - JUNE 1062 CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: GIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 SUBSECTOR 3-C, SEGMENT [2] . SOMALIA COAST IN THE VICINITY OF RAS EL CHEIL. Oblique view looking across Ras el Cheil and along the coast southwestward. The bluffs and cliffs are typical of those bordering the coast southwestward to El Meghet. Note the almost complete absence of streams on the seaward side of the coastal plain. Approximate posi- tion 7?48'N., 49?50'E. Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL NO FOREIGN DISSEM FIGURE 22-56 APPROXIMATE SCALE 1000 0 1000 200C YARDS SUBSECTOR 3-C, SEGMENT [3]. COAST OF SOMALIA AT ITALA. MAJOR BEACH AREAS (18), (19). AND (20) . Uncontrolled verti- cal mosaic. Approximate position 2?45'N., 46?19'E. February 1960 8g?gg aarlDIJ r SUBSECTOR 3-C, SEGMENT [3]. MOGADISCIO, SOMALI REPUBLIC. Oblique view looking westward showing town, piers, seawall, and breakwater, with flat-to-undulating plain in background. Approximate position 2?04'N., 45?22'E. No- vember 1952. CONFIDENTIAL N I S 5 5 NAVY ? JUNE 1962 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 A SUBSECTOR 3-C, SEGMENT [3]. SOMALIA COAST SOUTHWEST OF MOGADISCIO AT MINOR BEACH AREA 15. Ob- lique view locking northeast showing escarpment backing the shores adjacent to minor beach area 15. Class 2 air facility and extensive brush-covered plain in background. Approximate position 2?01'N., 45?18'E. B. SUBSECTOR 3-C, SEGMENT [3]. SOMALIA COAST AT MINOR BEACH AREA 15. Ob- lique view looking northeastward. Approximate position 2?00'N., 45?18'E. May 1959. Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 Fm,uRE 22-59 NO FOREIGN DISSEM CONFIDENTIAL NAVY?JUNE 1962 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 SUBSECTOR 3-C, SEGMENT [31. COAST o Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 uONFIDENTIAL AT I S 5 5 CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 F SOMALIA AT MERCA. MINOR BEACH AREA 16. Uncontrolled vertical mosaic. Approxi- mate position 1'42N., 44'46'E. June 1956. Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 LVO FOREIGN DISSEM SUBSECTOR 3?C, SEGMENT [3] , MINOR BEACH AREA 16 FIGURE 22-60 SUBSECTOR 3-C, SEGMENT [3]. SOMALIA COAST AT MAJO) cal mosaic. Approximate BEACH AREA (21) AND ONE LANDING PLACE 'IT) Uncontrolled I'Prt1- 2osition 1?10'N., 44=07'E. October 1957. Approved For Release 1999/09/24: C Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 A. SUBSECTOR 3-C, SEGMENT [3]. BRAVA, SOMALI REPUBLIC. MAJOR BEACH AREA (21) AND TWO LANDING PLACES (LP). Oblique view looking north-northeast. Shores are backed by undu- lating brush-covered plain. Approximate position 1?08'N., 44?03'E. March 1960. B. SUBSECTOR 3-C, SEGMENT [3]. SOMALIA90AST I ONE LANDING PLACE (LP) . Approximate VICIrY OF BRAVA. MAJOR BEACH AREA (22) AND C. SUBSECTOR 3-C, SEGMENT [3]. CHISIMAIO, SOMALI REPUBLIC. MAJOR BEACH AREA (23) Oblique view looking easCl- )osition 1`05'N., 44'02'E. January 1960. showing east half of major beach area (23) . Approximate position 0=22'N., 42?33'E. March 1953. Approved For Release 1999/09/24 : CIA-RDP85-0067I-0 NAMES OF STATIONS I. RAS AL MUKALLA _ 2. MAQATIN AL KABIR* 3. SHUCRA' * 4. ADEN 5. AL MUKHA (MOCHA) 6. KAMARAN PASSAGE 7. JAZTRAT ANTOFASH * 8. ISOLA HARMIL 9. MASSAUA 10. BAIA D'ANFILE* 11. EDD' 12. ASSAB 13. PERIM ISLAND 14. DJIBOUTI 15. ZEILA 16. BERBERA I 7. LAS KHOREH* 18. ALULA* 19. CAPO GUARDAFUI 20. OBBIA 21. ITALA* 22. UARSCIECH 23. MOGADISCIO 24. BRAVA 25. FIUME GIUBA 26. CHISIMAIO 27. BIRCAO * RANGES AND LOCATIONS TAKEN FROM, "THE ADMIRALTY TIDE TABLES, VOL. II FOR THE YEAR 1961, ATLANTIC AND INDIAN OCEANS". THE REMAINDER OF INFORMATION IS TAKEN FROM U. S. COAST & GEODETIC SURVEY TIDE TABLES. FEET 12 10 0 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 DIURNAL -1-4- SPRING 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 1 22 23 24 25 26 27 DIURNAL SPRING LEGEND THE NUMBERS UNDER THE BAR GRAPHS CORRESPOND TO LOCATION NUMBERS ALONG THE COAST. THE UNSHADED PART OF THE BAR GRAPH INDICATES MEAN RANGE. THE TOTAL HEIGHT OF THE BAR GRAPH INDICATES SPRING OR DIURNAL RANGE ACCORDING TO LOCATION, AS SHOWN BELOW THE BAR GRAPHS, 40? 45 ? A. TIDE RANGES Approved For Release 1999/09/24 : CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 CONFIDENTIAL 40758 USHO 1111M11011MOIM=111MMI4?????? ??????,100111011111 - A 8 1 A 0 17 50' AfiesrbvRI For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 / 21 50" 15? 10? MINC.L.411?1111101?., .????????141111?11111.111?11111?11.1?111?11????1110001111111.11111?1101 CONFIDENT* 40? 45? 50? ARABIA 6 40? 45? NUMERALS INDICATE TIME OF HIGH WATER OF THE PRINCIPAL LUNAR SEMIDIURNAL COMPONENT (M2) IN SOLAR HOURS AFTER LUNAR TRANSIT OF THE GREENWICH MERIDIAN. 50? 15? 10 -V 5 B. COTIDAL LINES Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NO FOREIGN DISSEM TIDES FIGURE 22-63 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 3.5 3.0 09 2.5 0 Z 2.0 c, 1.5 LU CL 1.0 0.5 0 ro 0 0 2 4 6 1 1 1 18 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 10 12 14 116 118 20 22 0 2 3.0 2.5 F- 20 MARCH 4 6 8 lo 12 14 16 21 MARCH ZERO DECLINATION 0300 GMT 21 MARCH 1924. FULL MOON (SPRINGS) 1630 GMT 20 MARCH 1924. TIME INTERVAL BETWEEN FULL MOON AND MAXIMUM EFFECT ON TIDAL CURRENTS IS 0.5 HOUR. 18 20 22 4 6 8 10 22 MARCH 1.0 I- 0. 0.5 r 10 2 14 16 26 MARCH 18 20 22 2 4 6 10 12 14 27 MARCH 16 MAXIMUM DECLINATION 0900 GMT 27 MARCH 1924. QUADRATURE (NEAPS) 0824 GMT 27 MARCH 1924. TIME INTERVAL BETWEEN MAXIMUM DECLINATION AND MAXIMUM EFFECT ON TIDAL CURRENTS IS 0.2 HOUR. 20 22 2 6 8 28 MARCH 10 2 14 DEPTH 5 METERS ? -0? ? 50 METERS 150 METERS A. BAB EL MANDEB, RESULTANT CURRENTS 1 -IFTTFIE-RED?SE-A7 (-UR RENT SPEEDS ARE GENERALLY LESS THAN 1 KNOT. ON RARE OCCASIONS, SPEEDS MAY EXCEED 2 KNOTS. I .. SAuDI AR IN THE RED SEA, CURRENT SPEEDS ARE GENERALLY LESS THAN 1 KNOT. ON RARE OCCASIONS, SPEEDS MAY EXCEED 2 KNOTS. 15? IN THE GULF 50% OF SPEEDS ARE MORE THAN 1 KNOT. A SMALL PERCENTAGE ARE MORE THAN 2 KNOTS. MAXIMUM SPEEDS OCCUR DURING JULY AND AUGUST, AND MAY REACH 3 KNOTS. 9 CD 9 co sci . . 01 01 01 01 8 u_ -0 cp_ cp_ 10" 10? REGION NORTHEAST MONSOON TRANSITION RED SEA NOVEMBER THROUGH MARCH APRIL, MAY GULF OF ADEN OCTOBER THROUGH MARCH APRIL, MAY INDIAN OCEAN DECEMBER THROUGH FEBRUARY MARCH ? LOCATIONS OF CURRENT OBSERVATIONS SHOWN IN FIGURE 22-4 101* Se;r1:1T-4'itv'EST MONSOON?TRANSH RED SEA INDIANGULF O OF OCEAN JUNE THROUGH SEPTEMBER OCTOBER JUNE THROUGH AUGUST SEPTEMBER APRIL THROUGH OCTOBER NOVEMBER 5? 5? FROM 6?N. TO 2?S. CURRENT SPEEDS MAY EQUAL OR EXCEED 3 KNOTS, AND OCCA- SIONALLY REACH 4 KNOTS. 41.jr;;krri'' r N r. _ CURRENT SPEEDS MORE THAN 2 KNOTS OCCUR FREQUENTLY. OCCASIONALLY, SPEEDS ARE MORE THAN 3 KNOTS. I I 1 .-.........-- I 1 50' 40? B, GENERAL SITRFACE CITRRENTs, Nrqrr?F-Tr Aqq, yrryrsTqrwrIN 45? 500 In. qv...wrap. SURFACE CURRENTS; SOTITT-TMTEET MONSOON Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 BREAKER HEIGHT BY DEEPWATER WAVE DIRECTION 3200? WIND OBSERVATIONS 1/50NEARSHORE BOTTOM SLOPE 23 T? CALMS AND OFFSHORE DIRECTIONS < 4 FEET 20 4-8 FEET 8 FEET BREAKER TYPE '9P a'"9 ".4.S? d' s k4',;! 46 0 '020 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 %. < 4 FEET g 4 FEET EXPLANATION OF SUMMARY SCALE ( ALL DIRECTIONS) GENERALIZED BREAKER CONDITIONS FOR COASTAL ALINEMENTS DURING NORTHEAST MONSOON, SPRING TRANSI? TION, SOUTHWEST MONSOON, AND AU? TUMN TRANSITION. Breaker heights and frequencies on many of the beaches may vary from the data shown on these charts. For the expected occurrence of breakers on each beach, see beach table. 1.41-1 V 1 U L111.111 IUUL 40? 45' 500 I 400 102109 15?: 10 5' 1 0 0 20 30 '40 50 60 70 80 90 100 175148 14298 1 89111118111 ill ti 011J P 11pri Tt91T4 10 20 . 40 50 60 70 80 90 00 24426 150 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 TO BO 90 100 19206 Oil 0 0 20 30 . 50 60 70 80 100 I,lhIII11111111 r" 0 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 1.00 0 10 20 . 90 50 60 TO ea so aa13868 321070 4 0 20 30 40 50 60 TO 80 90 100 0 10 20 10 . 50 60 TO 80 90 100 57564 57564 0 0 20 30 40 50 60 70 60 90 100 321070 172204 11111b0100100I Ill Ill ."1"11111 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 00 90374 186223 0 10 20 40 50 60 TO 80 90 00 129236 266323 I ..r...i....IMTP.r.rr774111111 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 POO 9 1,177994;1 40 50 60 70 80 93 00 1 100 255807 10 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 00 10?1? 5 10,101 10011 1 Ill II 0 10 20 30 40 5.0 60 70 80 90 100 CD CD o IOW 30 40 50 60 7060 90(r) CD CD -50 CD -50 .1=k 111111.4 10 1 1 1 19"..1"1"7.7.7714111 0 /0 20 30 40 50 60 TO 60 90 /00 33613 12 C 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 0? 12 61611811141081.11811961.61?609,,E14816110681911,..,,,491499, CONFIDENTIAL 40764 USHO NOTE: FOR ALINEMENTS 1 THROUGH 8, NORTHEAST MONSOON IS CONSIDERED TO BE OCTOBER THROUGH APRIL. FOR ALINEMENTS 9 THROUGH 12, NORTHEAST MONSOON IS CONSIDERED TO BE NOVEMBER THROUGH MARCH. 12 ,056.18881661i119161963i0D1/611211606=0681?811118111610116i 11 7 150 1?26140146166,090,0,46,0 10 29 50 40 50 250 70 .0 SO IGO 2 71841 " Cr. ' F 13599 1 t- 1 0 0 20 SO 40 50 60 70 910 23536 ,111.1.661.11111.12112111011 15? 0 10 . 10 40 50 60 70 80 90 00 56444 160160.01601061160111 0 10 20 . 50 60 70 SO 90 4 0 0 20 30 40 50 60 TO SO 90 100 64862 MO 129777 2726 127544 /i7c16. 52 26998 8 41 9 0 0 20 30 40 50 SO 70 SO 90 100 10? 0 .0 20 50 40 50 SO 70 SO 90 00 6 1""i1""r..1"..r."111"7.7"11 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 50 90 100 78074 /50 84 7 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 SO 90 100 0 0 20 . 40 50 SO TO 20 90 100 9 1."9""11.?1.1111'1"I''''7911 0 /0 20 50 eo 50 60 To 20 90 00 103295 159409 ?I 10 412- 0 10 20 40 50 60 70 BO 90 100 103799 11 81091 NOTE: FOR ALINEMENTS 1 THROUGH 8, SPRING IS CONSIDERED TO BE MAY. FOR ALINEMENTS 9 THROUGH 12, SPRING IS CONSIDERED TO BE APRIL AND MAY. 0 30 40 50 70 90 I. 12 . [I_ 1 5 46231.00,61011612161121136311363,0317072160691.11411731092162.426, SPRING TRANSITION I NO FOREIGN DISSEM NOTE: FOR ALL ALINEMENTS, SOUTHWEST MONSOON IS CON- SIDERED TO BE JUNE THROUGH AUGUST. 1 2 2 111621.21231171112,112211630 roarisnana221611111.1111119 e604 02 2- 10210111603 -- SOUTHWEST MONSOON 10? 0 20 SC 40 50 60 70 SO 22.71414- 18526 10 1.tt-i?i?t?turnrrT4 10 20 30 40 50 GC 70 BO 00100 1852, 53931 0 20 5C 40 50 60 70 BO 40 100 53931 38546 5 0 PG a/ 50 40 50 60 To SO 90 100 119.1"1"111"1111.19..11".'rll9l'lll 0 10 20 30 40 50 70 40109 0 2C 30 40 5-0 so TO So 99 I. 52767 20 SO 40 sc SO TO ea 40 100 TI 0 0 2o 50 40 50 6C '0 BO 90 00 102396 10"/"010.i20' 0 10 20 50 40 50 60 70 so 90 11 H"1""1-1""r-1-1411111111 0 0 20 30 40 50 60 70 Bo 90 00 0 10 20 . 40 50 60 70 SO 90 100 11 NOTE: FOR ALINEMENTS 1 THROUGH 87 AUTUMN IS CONSIDERED TO BE SEPTEMBER. FOR ALINEMENTS 9 THROUGH 12, AUTUMN IS CONSIDERED TO BE SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER. 12 1.7143220.2' -22,072.420040. 00421114442146662 - I AUTUMN TRANSITION 110.0. ? ? , 02041.1or, 0000111E0001 -1001510 1.1.81W. 1,511111.1*0504501153 --roxim,111,1431,-1,11111.111114,-1?1-111f "7wTi277, .7.-2_1901 NAVY-JUNE 1962 Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 NOTE: FIGURES INDICATE NUMBER OF OBSERVATIONS PER 30' QUADRANGLE. PLUS SIGN MEANS AT LEAST ONE NOTATION OF BOTTOM FEATURE, RATHER THAN A SPECIFIC OBSERVATION AT A POINT LOCATION. BLANK QUADRANGLE INDI- CATES NO DATA. coNFAmraveg far IFigliseisigglOWIrrniVRE3Pe55009747R000200100001-0 NI. S 55 40? 111?11111111111111?111111111 Approved For Release 1999/09/24!: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200161100E1OITIAL 45? AB IA 50? LEGEND MUD MUD, SAND SAND SHELL CORAL MUD, GRAVEL MUD, ROCK SAND, ROCK - INDEFINITE BOUNDARY NIS AREA BOUNDARY CONFIDENTIAL _ : zz 40? 45? 1 , 1 1 50? 15? 111?11111111111.11111.11111?1 PProxefilarg Meorge 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 BOTTOM SEDIMENTS FIGURE 22-70 NIS 55 sa r???,? %-j i ??? JUI7 ugai S Ps Isola Fatmah 43? 30' 44? 30' N\ 45? 30' 46? CONFIDENTIAL 13? a. ? Isola Haleb Ras Sintian ?? ? \ I \ ? eita ADEN .. vile Doumbira as Doumaira ? ,.. N ? 1 'I 1114,k N, - ... PerlmIsland ?. , % ... .,. . .a. X 4.. i11. \ csQ ' ? . , ?:?,p ? 1.,? \ ? ? ? ? :"1 / I ""??? aY:d ?e4A.??? , ? N.. ..\\ ?441 . /1',, \ ? \ ? f' 1PON N ,?? ss,-ssa. F-ssi?? 4 nangalita 26. rtt.. 1 / ? Ras Duan -Ras as Ali ? ?. Mouena GOLFE DE TADJOURA ss?lcr' Ras Eiro 7 es`45.- JI OUT' 1 Nk: T) le Ouaramos e A-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 'Cr 01 01 01 7 \ NO FOREIGN DISSEM Approved For Release 1999/09/24: CIA-RDP85-00671R000200100001-0 12 '. , - -61,Ax& VICTOR NIS T4N 36? 2? 48? SUB 'N NIS 54 I, 7 f:4 or // , RED SEA / FARAsAN`,=.1 A/ISLANDS SOLE_ ' /11 AHLAC 4, z1 'ENISOLA JAZIRAT ERITREA DI BURI 0 KAMAR A , -.... , - -v1 ..---_, \ \ \ ./..`?-? SAUDI ARABIA N1532 AN , YEMEN - NIS 32 ../ -g4 ? 0? I " ADEN 12? 6? \ LA KE T4 V4 A-t? Assa ? --/ ,... .. / -,.... , z ad'ou a ..f. GULF / 4:".(002,(7 /- /4.. 'ETHIOPIA 4 ' NC'FI. 1 OM ,,,,L? ii, ,,, T,',.1,.?-,, '?'-- ? IIJIBOUTI ILAND Berbe % AHARGEISA . . , SOMALI REPUBLIC ',... --... - .. --......_..,, ( / / / ?Render Cassim F1:-AS ?ADDIS ABA 0 4 00 SUDAN NIS OA P' ) :?,... UGANDA s.- NIS 56B ? .../ f? 0 i ,:,...?,? I ; LA KE RUDOLF 47~47/74 KENYA NIS 56A / (UNITED KINGDOM( Al: r. ;I .--- i ? SOMALI PUBLIC Z Ch c MOGADISCIO ...'.'"? .}.1(2.V / / 'phis INDIAN OCE AN ????? I 5656 NYIla?- i:Z. 0 ? i 0 ?NAIROBI 36? 42? 48? INDEX MAP ETHIOPIA AND THE SOMALILANDS 1 ? MAJOR BEACH AREA (Heavy line indicates usable portions of beach areas. Beach length not necessarily all usable, see beach table.) -MINOR BEACH AREA LANDING PLACE PORTS NAVY-JUNE 1962 BAJA DI , ??-,-, .._? Adarte I , 'N.(-9:?,? 1 ' 4 ' zr .........? .s;/ ._ ,.._ ,.._ . 1 '' II BEILIL Oa si .7....? Seud Eitill-NY ,!':14 ????1' , . --/ L 1,