Geomorphological Analysis of Landslide Risks Using (RS) and (GIS) Data in the Haditha Area, Western Iraq

Aims: The current study aimed to identify the natural characteristics and analyze its role in influencing the activity of landslide processes and landslides. It also aimed to analyze the slope characteristics and their impact on these processes, as well as to understand the types of landslides, and finally to examine their effects on the area. Methodology: The current study adopted the descriptive and analytical approach, based on describing and analyzing natural and morphometric factors to demonstrate their impact on landslide processes in the study area. Results: after analyzing the data, the results showed that the area of 191.9 km² is classified within the high-risk zones, which represents 6% of the total area of the region (3214.36 km²). The results also showed that there are other areas fall within the medium-risk zones, with a total area of 1548.6 km², which accounts for 48.2% of the study area. The third category includes areas with low risk, covering an area of 1473.8 km², representing 45.2% of the study area. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the study area is composed of weak geological formations, with many structural weaknesses such as fractures, joints, and shear surfaces, as well as detrital formations made of clay, silt, and sand. This has led to a geological structure that facilitates the occurrence of landslides. These landslides were observed in the field, particularly due to slope cutting operations for the construction of commercial establishments and homes, as well as road construction, which increased the shear stress on these slopes.