Geomorphological Analysis and Distribution of Landform of Erbil Masterplan Layout, 2030

Abstract

The detailed geomorphological study and mapping were done for Erbil Masterplan layout 2030, in order to be useful in planning urban development and various land uses to be in harmony with the instant expansion of Erbil city. The geomorphological map was constructed a scale1:320000 according to the basic geomorphic processes; structural, denudational, and fluvial origin. Erbil city Urban area is situated in the Low Folded Zone, surrounded from the north by Pirmam anticline –Bastora stream and from the south by Dimeer anticline -Shamamk plain and from the west bordered by Greater Zab River and from the east by hills and badlands of Shalgha-Bestana area. The pattern of processes divided the study area into three main landscapes that are different in rock exposure,topography,tectonics, and drainage pattern:Hilly and mountainous landscape zone; Mound and High Land Zone and; Alluvial plain landscape zone. The most complex landscape and landform of structural and erosional origin occupied the north, north-eastern, and western because of endogentic and exogenitic activity (uplifting, folding, faulting, high rate of rainfall and dense drainage pattern). The other area mostly contains landform of fluvial origin like alluvial plain, alluvial fan, and river terraces. Generally, the slope directions are towards the south and southwest, therefore the urban area mostly faced flood hazards during strong rainfall. For the first time in detail geomorphological map with different significant landforms are plotted using field data and various satellite images and digital elevation models,such as Aster, Quick Bird and google earth.