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.