Modeling the Hazards of Tectonic Activity in Eastern Iraq Using Morphotectonic Indicators and Seismic Foci

Abstract

The region is one of the tectonically active regions because it falls within the subduction and collision zone of the Arabian and the Iranian plate. Therefore, it is considered one of the main earthquake zones in the world. The tectonic activity in the region was studied according to the geomorphological indicators of tectonic activity, and it was found that most of the areas of the region are witnessing high and very high tectonic activity according to the classification (Keller and Pinter 2002), with an area of (15061.5) km2 and a percentage of (43.9)%.

The seismic activity in the region was studied according to the seismic foci for the period (2010-2020). The number of earthquakes during this period reached (2700) and varied in their geographical distribution, strength, depth, and frequency. Most destructive earthquakes occur near the collision zone between the western Iranian plates and active fault faults.

After studying the region and the various causes of earthquakes and the historical record of earthquakes in the region, and the effects resulting from them, it was possible to know and estimate the recurrence of these earthquakes according to their strength and number, and to determine the locations of their seismic foci. The most likely future seismic activity.

Earthquakes cause varying material and human damage, depending on the severity of the earthquake and the measures taken to confront it. An earthquake of the same degree may occur in two different areas, but the losses are few per second, and this means that the first did not take the necessary measures to confront earthquake disasters. The region witnessed several devastating earthquakes, which left losses in material and human properties.