Human-induced Geomorphological Landforms in the Eastern Part of Wasit Governorate

Abstract

Some landforms are formed due to human activities, which have been observed during human intervention in the study area. This study focuses on the eastern part of Wasit Governorate, with an area of (5029.12) km2. The study area is located geographically in the eastern part of Iraq and northeast of Wasit Governorate. It is bordered by the Islamic Republic of Iran to the east, Baghdad and Diyala provinces to the north, Aziziyah district to the west, and Maysan province to the south. Geographically, the study area lies between longitude (30-45° - 35-46°) east and latitude (30-32° - 30-33°) north. Modern technologies such as satellite imagery were utilized to produce maps, and ministries such as the Ministry of Water Resources were consulted. The study concludes that human activity contributes significantly to the desertification process, making areas susceptible to wind erosion by breaking down fragmented soil. Overgrazing also contributes to deforestation and the destruction of archaeological sites, resulting in various landforms found in Sheikh Saad, Ajlat, and Shihabi in the eastern part of Wasit Governorate. These areas are prone to sand dunes formation due to wind and water erosion, posing a threat to agricultural production. Human activities such as quarrying, groundwater drilling, and involvement in military conflicts for defensive purposes also play a significant role in shaping landforms. Additionally, humans use rocks to build flood barriers and support natural protection measures