The estimation the size of erosion in the Merka Sur valley In Erbil

Abstract

The study aims to study the estimation the size of erosion in the Merka Sur valley , that located in Erbil in northern of Iraq as part of simple torsion mountain region (1000 - 2100) m , with a basin area (162.1 km2).
 The researchers used remote sensing technology (RS) from the US Landsat L8 OLI to Lineament Extraction, the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) for topographic analysis (elevation and slope) , hydrological analysis (river drainage system), GIS,
 For mapping and engineering analysis within the Arc GIS 10.3 environment
 The results shows natural characteristics: Lithological, soil and natural plant, as well as identify the spatial distribution of these characteristics.
 Lineament a role in determining the type of erosion within their presence as in the western side of the valley. Where there a heavily Lineament that motivate the presence of the groove erosion , despite its presence in the resistance to erosion configurations like (formation of Qmjoukh , Aqra – Bkhme).
 The slope of the gradient plays an important role in determining the type of erosion. In steep slopes (18-50 degrees) stimulates the gully erosion type , while simple slopes (1 - 18 degrees) Sheet erosion.
 The results showed that the number and the total length of valleys within the upper ranks of river (the first, second, third) have a role in the degree of erosion within the erosion rates by Bergsma equation , Finally, The height factor and vegetation density were found to play a role in erosion and reduce wind erosion within the region.