Hydro morphotectonic and seismic hazards of Badakhshan region of Afghanistan

Document Type : Applied Article

Authors

1 PhD Candidate in Geomorphology Hazards, Department of Natural Geography, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran

2 Professor, Geomorphology, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, Iran

3 Professor at the International Institute of Seismology, Iran

4 Faculty of Engineering, University of Tehran, and Bonyan Zamin Paydar Co.

Abstract

Introduction
Hydro geomorphology is the study of earth-shaped forms that are influenced by aquatic processes as their deforming factors and the relationship between the two. Previous studies in other parts of the world use morphotectonic indices. It has been done on the basins and the network of waterways, indicating their efficiency in identifying active areas. To investigate the topographic criteria for the discovery of the structural model and morphotectonic evolution of the central Himalayas, Nepal. Afghanistan, especially its northeast (Badakhshan), is one of the earthquake-prone countries, which also has several faults due to the structural zone of the continental collision with Eurasia, Hindu Kush, and the high Pamirs.
Methods
The following elements are used to prepare the hazard map: Hydro-morphological, Landsat 8 and Quick-bird satellite images, waterways and faults lines identified from Global Mapper, digital elevation model of 12.5 meters, and morphotectonic field of geomorphic indicators from the field of index Morphotectonics and seismicity catalog (1900-2011) EMME with updates from 2011-2021.
Discussion
Results show that based on hydro-morphological, rectangular drainage network and based on the morphotectonic index, the eastern and northern regions of Badakhshan mountainous region and V-shaped and active valleys with evidence of triangular shapes in the conic line and East and North areas with the most tectonic activity and tilt to the west, Badakhshan seismic catalog with high seismicity, as a result of Badakhshan region has a high-risk potential.
 
 
Conclusion
Results show that eastern, northeastern and southeastern parts of the region are in high-risk class. Evidence of landforms and linear trends show that the east-west movement of the Badakhshan region is accompanied by a pressure component in the continent-to-continent collision zone and exactly the opposite point of the North Badakhshan fault shows seismic trends. Therefore, the risk situation in the region is very high. In Badakhshan, the network of waterways is in line with the direction of faults. Based on these data, further innovation of the research explanation is to identify the danger zone with high potential. According to the application of the obtained results can be for urban and civil development and data source of seismic information and geomorphology of the region.

Keywords

References

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Environmental Management Hazards
Volume 8, Issue 4
January 2022
Pages 355-370

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