Urban Geomorphology of Darbandikhan District Using GIS & RS Iraqi Kurdistan Region

Abstract

Geomorphology is an important aspect for urban planning, which gives anidea about the variations in landscape/landform and indirectly facilitates inevaluating the resources of an area. In the present paper, an attempt has beenmade to study the geomorphic implications on urban expansion of Darbandikhandistrict. The study area is in Iraqi Kurdistan Region. It covers an area about(546.02 km2) with nearly (150 km) perimeter. For detailed study, multi-temporalsatellite imageries of Landsat 3, 5, 7, 8 and QuickBird were used with the aid ofArcGIS-10.2.2 and Global Mapper 13 software to compile and create databasethat provided a visual and historical perspective of the urban expansion andpracticed in the study area for the past 46 years from 1971 to 2017. Progressiveurban mapping in correlation with different thematic maps of lithology,geomorphologic units (landforms), drainage density, elevation, slope gradientand slope aspect delivers the baseline information for the planner and decisionmakers to observer/monitor and predict the patterns and future trends ofurbanization. The rate of urban growth of Darbandikhan town is 1.2 km2/decadeand at 2028 the total suitable potential area, at west of the town, will beconsumed and change to townscape if the town expansion growth rate continuedin its behavior. Hence geomorphological maps along with other thematic mapsare predictive techniques to better future forecast of urban growth that candelineate suitable area for urban development and planning of the Darbandikhantown within the district’s administrative boundary.