Seismotectonic Analysis at Part of Eastern Iraq Using Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System

Abstract

The northern-eastern regions of Iraq are geologically considered one of the most important areas because they have different geological structures with highly complicated morphology and are located near the Zagros suture zone (region of the collision zone between the Arabian and Eurasian plates). Therefore, these areas are very active tectonically and seismically, from this point, this study has been focused on the geological interpretation and seismic activity analysis of the seismic events of the last 10 years on the eastern side of Iraq. This study aims to explain the sources and reasons for this seismic activity and to provide a scenario for the seismic activity in that region. One of the most effective faults in the Lorestan promontory within the Zagros Zone is the Mountain Front Fault, mentioned in this study as a possible fault plane for this seismic activity. Furthermore, the study refers to the regularly continued seismic activity in this area. The United States Geological Survey data, and Geo Forschungs Zentrum data, as well as the data of the international seismological institutions, were used as databases for this study to determine the intensity of the seismic activity and to prepare hazard and disaster risk reduction maps for this area, to avoid any fatal losses and limit damage in the infrastructures. A model was prepared as a result to reduce the risk of disasters and to clarify the activity of the seismic hazard in the area even help to update the seismic code for the area.