Authors
1
1Surveying Department, Darbandikhan Technical Institute, Sulaimani Polytechnic University, Sulaimani, KGR, Iraq,
2
Surveying Department, Kalar Technical Institute, Garmian Polytechnic University,KGR, Iraq
3
Protected Cultivation Department, Bakrajo Technical Institute, Sulaimani Polytechnic University, Sulaimani, KGR, IRAQ
,
Document Type : Research Paper
Abstract
Drought is a significant phenomenon associated with climate change, impacting various sectors. Effective planning is essential to mitigate its effects and minimize potential damage. Remote sensing data and GIS-based spatial analysis were employed to assess drought conditions. This study focuses on Sulaymaniyah Province, located in northeastern Iraq, covering an area of 21,240 km². Geographically, the province lies between longitudes 44°49'59" E and 45°59'43" E, and latitudes 34°21'07" N and 36°15'48" N. The study utilized Landsat 8 OLI satellite data to derive two key spectral indices: The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI). These indices were analyzed using ArcGIS 10.4.1 to assess drought conditions and their spatial distribution across the region. Maps highlighting NDVI and NDWI values were created to evaluate the drought impacts for the years 2013, 2017, 2021, and 2022.The findings indicate a clear spatial variation in drought severity across the province. NDVI analysis from 2013 to 2022 shows notable vegetation cover fluctuations, with low vegetation increasing from 43.7% to 66.5% in 2021 and dense vegetation peaking at 11.9% in 2017 before declining sharply. NDWI analysis indicates a rise in extremely drought-affected areas from 17.4% to 34.8%, while no-drought zones decreased from 0.6% to 0.1%. These findings reflect increasing water stress and environmental changes in Sulaymaniyah Governorate. Vegetation density declined after 2017, and drought severity worsened. NDI increased from 0.42 in 2013 to 0.53 in 2022, indicating a growing disparity between plant health and water availability suggesting worsening drought conditions in Sulaymaniyah Governorate.
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