Spatial Analysis of Geomorphological Hazards in the Qaradagh Mountain Region

Abstract

This study aims to create a spatial model of hydrogeomorphological hazards in the Qara Dagh Mountains region, located in the southern part of Sulaymaniyah Governorate in northeastern Iraq, between latitudes 35° 30' and 35° 50' and longitudes 45° 00' and 45° 40' east. The region covers an area of 3,526.8 km² and comprises six river basins, representing a complex geomorphological mountain environment where structural, erosive, and sedimentary processes intertwine within a topographically and climatically active basin unit. The study relied on advanced remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) techniques. Multiple satellite imagery was utilized, including Landsat 9 satellite imagery with a resolution of 30m. Geomorphological hazard levels in the study area were identified as four levels. The first level, representing medium risk, covered an area of 1438.62 km² (40.79%). The second level, representing low risk, covered 1177.04 km² (33.37%). The third level, representing high risk, covered 804.20 km² (22.80%). The lowest level, representing no risk, covered 106.92 km² (3.03%). This contributes to understanding the relationship between the landform and the geological structure of the region.