GeymourPhology of alluvial fans and their role in agricultural development east of Wasit Governorate

This study examines the geomorphological characteristics of alluvial fans and their role in agricultural development in Wasit Governorate, within a geographic area located along the Iraqi–Iranian border. The study area covers approximately (5087.7 km²). The study aims to investigate the geomorphological characteristics of the area, analyze the natural factors influencing its formation and development, examine its spatial and temporal variations, and determine the role of its natural and hydrological characteristics in land use and agricultural activities. The study revealed that the natural environment of the study area is characterized by clear geological and topographic variation, reflected in differences in surface elevations, slope gradients, and the nature of the water basins. These factors contributed to the formation of alluvial fans at the outlets of valleys. The climate is characterized by a dry climate, with high temperatures, evaporation rates, and rainfall variability, in addition to wind activity and dust storms. These factors play an important role in activating weathering, erosion, transportation, and deposition processes, thereby influencing the development of landforms and alluvial fans. The results of the morphometric analysis of the drainage basins demonstrated considerable variation in their areal, geometric, and topographic characteristics. This variation is reflected in the efficiency of surface runoff and the characteristics of the drainage network, as well as the ability of valleys to transport sediments and their deposition at the fan outlets. The surface and groundwater resources also demonstrated their importance in supplying the basins and sustaining agricultural activities, with spatial variation in the physical and chemical properties of the water. The study identified four major alluvial fans with a total area of (764.7 km²). They showed clear differences in their size, shape, and dimensions. The Khalaf Badr Fan was the largest fan in the study area in terms of area, length, and width. This is related to the characteristics of its drainage basin, including its water potential, drainage network efficiency, runoff intensity, and the amount of transported sediments. The analysis of the spatial changes in the area of the fans during the period (1985–2005–2025) also revealed variations in their rates of growth and development, reflecting differences in basin efficiency, sedimentation intensity, and the quantities of transported sediments, in addition to the continued influence of geomorphological processes. From the developmental perspective, the study demonstrated a clear relationship between the natural characteristics of the alluvial fans and land-use patterns. Agricultural and residential activities were concentrated in areas characterized by suitable soils, water availability, and gentle slopes, while some other activities were associated with different environmental and geomorphological characteristics. The study also demonstrated that soil salinity, water resources, and climatic conditions are among the most important factors affecting agricultural activity. The study concluded that the alluvial fans represent geomorphological units with significant potential for agricultural development in Wasit Governorate. Their optimal investment requires sustainable management of water and soil resources, improvement of irrigation and drainage networks, and reduction of salinity and soil degradation. These measures would contribute to achieving the optimal utilization of natural resources, supporting sustainable agricultural development, and enhancing the agricultural potential of the study area