Persian Gulf Basin of approximately 93000 square miles. The name Persian Gulf in most cases refers not only to the Persian Gulf but also the Gulf of Oman, the Strait of Hormuz and various outlets that are linked to the Arabian Sea. The Arabian Plate tectonic origin is grouped into six phases which contributed to its current geology: The early Precambrian (from 800 to 650 Ma) is a compressional phase where a series of islands-arcs and micro-continent terrane accreted to form the oldest portions of the Arabian Plate (Gondwana). The development of Hormuz saltbasin was a consequence of the last Precambrian orogenic event.
Gazetteer of the Persian Gulf, Oman and Central Arabia Gulf States and Saudi Arabia" from the 17th to early 20th century. Beginning in the 20th century, the British Empire sought to strengthen its connections to British-controlled India which in turn resulted in a greater interest in the Persian Gulf region, culminating in the visit of the Viceroy of India Lord Curzon to the Gulf in 1903. To ensure that British agents in the region were adequately informed and prepared to strengthen their influence in the region, a light-weight and easily accessible handbook was needed. In November 1903, the British authorities commissioned John Gordon Lorimer, a member of the Indian