Decadal Climate and Landform Variables Analysis in Iraq Using Remote Sensing Datasets

Authors

Sungwon Kim, Department of Railroad Construction and Safety Engineering, Dongyang University, Yeongju 36040, Republic of KoreaFollow
Maryam Bayatvarkeshi, Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Waterloo, ON, CanadaFollow
Atif Muhammad Ali, The National Key Laboratory of Water Disaster Prevention, College of Hydrology and Water Resources, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, ChinaFollow
Kamal Ahmed, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Science and Technology, Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Sciences, 90150, Balochistan, PakistanFollow

Abstract

Iraq has experienced record-breaking temperatures, making it one of the hottest places on Earth. It is also ranked among the world's top five most climate-vulnerable nations. Climate change is a hazard to Iraq's people and may cause societal disintegration, instability, and displacement. Therefore, it is important to assess Iraq's decadal climate and landform variables analysis. In the present study, the Climate Hazards Center InfraRed Precipitation with Station (CHIRPS) data in the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform from 2000 to 2022, as well as rainfall, anomaly, temperature, vegetation, and water, are used to analyse climate change in Iraq. As the land surface temperature (LST) rose by 2.63 °C, the data show that rainfall dropped by 61.45 mm in just 22 years of observation and by 2.79 mm yearly. Additionally, some urban expansion and climatic change have reduced the areas of water bodies and vegetation. The correlation matrix shows a higher negative association between the vegetation and LST indices, with R² values of -0.58 (2022), -0.56 (2006), -0.60 (2012), -0.55 (2016), and -0.59 (2000), respectively. Iraq, extremely sensitive to climate change, is implementing several adaptation measures, including early warning systems, reforestation and mangrove planting, water management, a national adaptation plan (NAP), and a reforestation program. Due to vulnerabilities in vital areas including water, agriculture, health, and natural resources, Iraq is prioritizing adaptation to climate change.

Recommended Citation

Kim, Sungwon; Bayatvarkeshi, Maryam; Ali, Atif Muhammad; and Ahmed, Kamal (2024) "Decadal Climate and Landform Variables Analysis in Iraq Using Remote Sensing Datasets," AUIQ Technical Engineering Science: Vol. 1: Iss. 2, Article 4.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.70645/3078-3437.1013