Landslide variation with morphometric factors using the GIS techniques: The case of Shaqlawa Forest

Abstract

This study deals with the application of geographical information system (GIS) datasets and methods to assess the landslide susceptibility in Wadi Hujran. The area has a rocky terrain and belongs to the Shaqlawa district of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The region is placed towards the Northeast side of Erbil city. The region covers an area of 18.56 Km2 (1856.1 ha) and consists of rough broken and stones. The watershed area is surrounded by North latitudes 36° 21' 53.514" to 36° 17' 49.7796" and East longitudes 44° 17' 5.658" to 44° 20' 9.06". Three factors, namely the morphometric, geological, and environmental, were used to prepare the landslide susceptibility index. The study made use of AHP method and prepared a landslide susceptibility map. Data related to geology, topography, hydrology, rainfall, and land use were used to prepare the map. Physical and statistical methods were used to validate the map. A heuristic approach was incorporated to produce the final susceptibility map. ArcGIS software was used to generate the landslide zones. A total of five landslide zones were generated, which varied from very low landslide zones (80.5) to very high landslide zone (84.5). The zones also included low landslide zone (1262.2), moderate landslide zone (1505.9), and high landslide zone (566.8), and the ratio of consistency in the present study was 0.06 AHP less than 1, and all the five zones in the study were compiled landslide zonation estimated.