Geomorphological perspective of geodiversity: A case study of Al–Zubaidat area, east of Misan Governorate (Iraq)

Maaroof, BF, Kareem, HH, Al-Hasani, B ORCID: 0000-0003-2189-4018, Carnacina, I ORCID: 0000-0001-5567-7180, Abdellatif, M ORCID: 0000-0003-2314-3883, Al-Ansari, N, Thannoun, RG, Al-Zubaydi, JH, Sissakian, VK, Al-Musawi, MA, Al-Abdan, RH, Jotheri, J, Hussain, HM, Al-Kubaisi, MS and Hashoosh, AM (2025) Geomorphological perspective of geodiversity: A case study of Al–Zubaidat area, east of Misan Governorate (Iraq). International Journal of Geoheritage and Parks, 13 (4). pp. 616-637. ISSN 2577-4441

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Abstract

This research investigates the geodiversity of the AL-Zubaidat region in Southeastern Iraq, with a focus on its geomorphological and hydrological characteristics. This information helps researchers identify suitable locations for natural reserves, thereby enhancing the protection of Iraqi biodiversity. The region attracts eco-tourism visitors, benefiting the economy and providing various scientific, cultural, educational, and aesthetic benefits. This research employed the geoinformatics methodology for geospatial analysis, constructing a comprehensive geodatabase, categorizing spatial features through topographic, geological, and hydrological maps, and correlating data with satellite imagery and elevation models. Geodiversity was classified according to physical parameters and international criteria, with the final classification attributes formulated utilizing maps, field photographs, and geodatabases. The research employed specific parameters to analyze the geomorphometric and slope diversity of the Al-Zubaidat area watersheds. The study area in Al-Zubaidat comprises dome-shaped hills, tertiary geological formations, valleys, and badlands. The area encompasses 782.308 km² and shall consist of three principal watersheds (Al-Sharhani, Abu-Ghraibat, and Al-Shakak), as well as 12 sub-watersheds. The watershed perimeter is correlated with the circulating ratio, form factor, and elongation ratio, with larger perimeters generally indicating larger basin areas. The region encompasses low-slope terrain, with elevated slope values in the northern sections, especially in the headwaters. Geoheritage, geodiversity, geoconservation, and geoparks can facilitate sustainable development, promote healthy lifestyles, and foster cultural diversity. These initiatives are crucial for policymakers and regional stakeholders in semi-arid and developing regions, particularly in Southeast Asia, to enhance income and protect vulnerable natural resources.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	geomorphology; geodiversity; geosite; geoheritage; AL-Zubaidat area; 37 Earth Sciences; 3704 Geoinformatics; 15 Life on Land; 3508 Tourism; 3709 Physical geography and environmental geoscience; 4104 Environmental management
Subjects:	T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
Divisions:	Engineering and Built Environment
Publisher:	Elsevier
Date of acceptance:	13 November 2025
Date of first compliant Open Access:	15 September 2026
Date Deposited:	15 Sep 2026 07:25
Last Modified:	15 Sep 2026 07:25
DOI or ID number:	10.1016/j.ijgeop.2025.11.002
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/29413

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