Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Associate Professor, Department of Physical Geography, Faculty of Geographical Sciences and Planning, University of Isfahan, Iran.
2
Dean of the Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar, Iran
Abstract
Land subsidence is a critical geomorphological hazard, primarily observed in arid and low-rainfall areas, causing significant damage to urban/rural structures and infrastructure. This phenomenon is caused by both natural factors (e.g., earthquakes, fault activity, rock dissolution, sea-level rise) and human activities (e.g., overexploitation of water, oil, and gas). Excessive groundwater withdrawal is a major contributor, leading to ground fissures that harm roads, bridges, buildings, and underground utilities, and can even contaminate groundwater. Despite its frequent occurrence, subsidence is often hard to detect due to subtle movements, only becoming apparent when surface morphology is affected. A study in Sabzevar Township, northwest Iran, utilized SAR interferometry to calculate subsidence rates, the JPL algorithm (Grace Satellite) for groundwater level changes, and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) to analyze relationships with other parameters. The findings revealed that building density, population density, and aspect significantly influence subsidence. A maximum subsidence rate of -9 cm/yr was observed, with Districts 8 and 9 in southeastern Sabzevar showing considerably higher rates than other areas.
Keywords
Subjects