Application of selected engineering geological methods for landslide hazard assessment in the Klisan/Sartka area, western Sulaymaniyah

The study of slope stability in the Sartka region, a significant tourist destination in the Dukan district of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, is crucial due to its ongoing urban expansion. The landslide rock falls, and ground failures have considerably affected family camps, tourist roads, and recently built residential areas on slopes affected by cutting and filling operations, exposing them to landslide risks. This study focuses on assessing the risk of landslides in mountainous regions using the Landslide Possibility Index method. The method assesses factors that affect slope stability and identifies areas of risk. It improves predictions about cut slopes in mountainous roads. The study identifies the predominant type of landslides and classifies sites based on factors like slope angle, fracture degree, weathering degree, discontinuity gradient, spacing, orientation of discontinuities, vegetation cover, water infiltration, and previous landslides. In addition to the magnitude and range of the dangers that slopes are subject to, five stations were selected, information was gathered, and ten LPI system parameters were measured in the field. The results indicate varying degrees of risk for different sections, ranging from moderate to very high. The slopes in the study area are characterized by a high degree of fracturing and weathering, with very minimal spacing between the joints, and a favorable orientation of these joints in relation to the bedding plane dip. as well as the marl layers of the Kometan and Tanjero formations increase the vulnerability of rock slopes to weathering and erosion, leading to more slope failures. The research highlights the need for preventative measures and engineering solutions to protect structures and ensure public safety in the area.