Analysis and Investigation of Carbonate Rock Landslide Areas in Marmal District, Balkh Province Using RS GIS Technology

Abstract

This research analyzes and investigates the landslide areas of carbonate rocks in Marmal district of Balkh province using remote sensing technology, in order to find a solution for identifying landslide areas in Marmal district. Due to the large problems of the study area, remote sensing is the best method of study. Remote sensing alone is not sufficient to detect landslide areas; field studies and previous research works must also be used. Over the past several years, a number of our compatriots have suffered severe financial and human losses due to landslides. Therefore, it is imperative that landslides in Marmal district be investigated using remote sensing technology methods. The results of this study indicated that all the lands of the district are divided into five categories of landslide potential risk. One of the important factors in landslides in this area is carbonate rock. Because this rock is soluble, it dissolves and creates voids, such that in the upper part of the eastern side of the Behrab village valley, limestone rocks have created fractures that, if water accumulates in this area, cause landslides. In addition, in the lower part of this area, due to the high inclination of the rocks, they have partially slipped and the limestone rocks have appeared white. From the assessment of Behrab village with Parvaz Payin village, which had experienced landslides in previous years, it is concluded that Behrab village is under very high landslide risk.