Geomorphology of the northwestern Kurdistan Region of Iraq: landscapes of the Zagros Mountains drained by the Tigris and Great Zab Rivers

We present the geomorphological map of the northwestern part of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, where the landscape expresses the tectonic activity associated with the Arabia-Eurasia convergence and Neogene climate change. These processes influenced the evolution of landforms and fluvial pathways, where major rivers Tigris, Khabur, and Great Zab incise the landscape of Northeastern Mesopotamia Anticlinal ridges and syncline trough compose the Zagros orogen. The development of water and wind gaps, slope, and karsts processes in the highlands and the tilting of fluvial terraces in the flat areas are the main evidence of the relationship between tectonics, climate variations and geomorphological processes. During the Quaternary, especially after the Last Glacial Maximum, fluctuating arid and wet periods also influenced local landforms and fluvial patterns of the area. Finally, the intensified Holocene human occupation and agricultural activities during the passage to more complex societies over time impacted the evolution of the landscape in this part of Mesopotamia.

Automated summary

This study presents the geomorphological map of the northwestern part of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, highlighting the influence of tectonic activity associated with the Arabia-Eurasia convergence and Neogene climate change. The evolution of landforms and fluvial pathways in this region are shaped by major rivers, anticlinal ridges, syncline troughs, and the Zagros orogen. Furthermore, the impact of fluctuating arid and wet periods during the Quaternary, as well as intensified Holocene human occupation and agricultural activities, have also contributed to the landscape evolution in Mesopotamia.