Calculated the Tectonic Activity of Catchments in the SAQEZ Geomorphology Unit (Iran and Kurdistan) Using Morphometric Indices

Abstract

Landslides are tectonic and morphological indicators. The Morphotectonics Index is a suitable tool for probability estimation and earthquake planning in the region. Landslides are the most common natural threat in Iran. A sustainable management plan requires landslide hazard zoning planning. Therefore, the estimation of landslide risk in selected areas using the morphological index is the purpose of this study. Rivers are very sensitive to tectonic movements, and river landforms are closely radiated to tectonic movements. The Deformation Tectonic Index was used as a tool to identify new and active structures for these movements. The SAQEZ River Basin is located in the northwest of the country according to its characteristics. Its landform has a high flood capacity and a moderate slope of about 33.01%, resulting in severe erosion and flooding in the area. The purpose of this study was to analyze tectonic activity in the SAQEZ River Basin using remote sensing software and topographic maps and digital elevation models in a GIS environment. In this study, four morphological and structural indices, including river length gradient index (SL), basin shape index (BS), river tortuosity index (Sr), and basin asymmetry factor (Af), were used, and their results were analyzed. An analysis is expressed as the Active Tectonic Index (IAT). According to the survey results, the values of the SL, BS, Sr, and Af indices were 207, 1.09, 1.27, and 66, respectively. The Active Tectonic Index (IAT) shows moderate tectonic activity in the area.