Geomorphic features, drainage patterns and topography are key indicators of active tectonics. This study examines geomorphological characteristics and geological hazards, specifically earthquakes and landslides, in the Muzaffarabad region. The findings contribute to disaster risk reduction and achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs). Field‐based geomorphological studies and satellite imagery were used to analyse the geomorphological characteristics of the region. Five geomorphic indices, namely asymmetry factor (AF), drainage basin shape index (Db), slope analysis, valley floor width‐to‐height ( V f ) ratios and hypsometric curves, were calculated using shuttle radar topography mission digital elevation model (SRTM DEM). Features such as drainage offsets, stream deflections, faceted spurs, seismicity, deformed recent sediments and point bars dissection near the Jhelum and Muzaffarabad faults suggest left‐lateral oblique‐slip motion, indicating the tectonically active nature of these faults. The geomorphic and neotectonics analysis concludes that the Muzaffarabad region is highly susceptible to earthquakes and landslides, particularly, in fault‐affected areas. A flood susceptibility analysis using multi‐criteria decision analysis (MCDA) in ArcGIS was conducted to enhance climate resilience and disaster preparedness (SDG 13) and support (SDG 6) by identifying flood‐prone areas. Three high‐risk flood zones were identified: Neelum River–Shawai Nala confluence, Jhelum–Neelum rivers convergence at Domel and a low‐lying area near the Lohargali landslide. This study highlights the importance of integrating morphometric, geomorphological and geospatial techniques for effective disaster risk reduction (SDGs 11 and 13), climate‐resilient infrastructure (SDG 9), addressing SDG 6 and sustainable urban development, ensuring long‐term safety in tectonically active regions. Additionally, the methodology in this study, integrating multiple existing techniques, can be expanded for hazard assessment in other regions.
We aim to map fracture networks in the Lobo watershed at Nibéhibé using the interpretation of aeromagnetic data. The methodology involved processing the aeromagnetic dataset with Oasis Montaj software, including preliminary corrections, removal of the International Geomagnetic Reference Field, and interpolation onto a regular grid. To enhance the structural analysis, several filtering techniques were applied, including reduction to the equator, horizontal and vertical derivatives, tilt-angle transformation, and upward continuation. These processing steps enhanced the contrast of magnetic anomalies and improved the delineation of geological discontinuities. Interpretation of the processed maps led to the identification and mapping of 88 major fractures. Directional analysis revealed two dominant fracture trends, NW–SE and NE–SW, reflecting regional tectonic controls associated with the evolution of the West African Precambrian basement. The results highlight a well-developed fracture network that plays a significant role in the structural framework of the watershed and in controlling groundwater flow. Overall, we demonstrate the effectiveness of aeromagnetic data processing techniques for structural mapping and hydrogeological exploration in crystalline basement terrains.
This study provides insights on modification of the drainage network within the urban area of Catania (southern Italy) by the recurrent volcanic eruptions of Mount Etna that occurred throughout the Holocene. The oldest lava flows identified within the urban area were emplaced around 5000 BC, culminating in the most recent lava flow that reached the city in 1669. By integrating historical documentation, field observations, and geotechnical borehole data, the original morphological configuration of the area was reconstructed to delineate the pre-eruptive surface drainage system prior to burial by lava flows. The geometry and depth of the paleovalleys were further constrained through estimation of the thickness of the lava flows filling these preexisting depressions. The results highlight a substantial reorganization of the local geomorphology, wherein former valleys were transformed into topographic highs, markedly altering drainage pathways and infiltration dynamics. This long-term landscape evolution continues to exert a persistent control on the spatial distribution and movement of groundwater. In particular, the principal subsurface flow directions align with the axes of the ancient surface drainage network, while the thickest lava sequences constitute the most productive groundwater reservoirs owing to their enhanced secondary permeability.
Groundwater occurrence in hard-rock terrains is complex and spatially heterogeneous, controlled by weathered and fractured zones with limited surface expression. This research integrates Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) with remote sensing, GIS and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) for groundwater potential mapping of Jeypore Block, Koraput District, Odisha. This area is underlain by Eastern Ghats Mobile Belt rocks such as khondalites, charnockites, and granite gneisses. Fifteen VES surveys using Schlumberger configuration were conducted across the study area, with electrode spreads up to 800 m. Resistivity data were interpreted using IPI2WIN software, producing one-dimensional resistivity models and Dar-Zarrouk parameters. Subsurface profiling revealed distinct lithological layers consisting of topsoil, laterite, sandstone, weathered/fractured granite, and compact bedrock. Layer thicknesses ranged from 0.6 to 20.4 m in the first layer to 99.5 m in the third layer. Iso-resistivity maps generated using Surfer-25 showed significant lateral heterogeneity. Low-resistivity zones (2.6–105.2 Ωm) indicated saturated formations, whereas high-resistivity values (> 150 Ωm) represented compact basement rocks. Curve-type analysis identified predominantly AAA-type curves, which indicate increasing resistivity with depth. HA-type curves observed at two locations suggested the presence of conductive, water-saturated layers favourable for aquifer development. VES-derived parameters were integrated with twelve geospatial thematic layers, including geology, geomorphology, soil, NDVI, lineament density, drainage density, rainfall, slope, physiography, land use, groundwater fluctuation, and hydrogeology, using the AHP framework. The consistency ratio of the model was 2.36%, indicating reliable thematic weighting. Validation via pumping tests and ROC analysis (AUC = 0.86) confirmed model reliability. This approach offers a scientifically robust framework for sustainable groundwater management in structurally complex hard-rock terrains.
Landslides in volcanic terrains pose significant hazards to downstream communities, infrastructure, and watershed systems, particularly where steep slopes and complex geological conditions coexist. This study presents a GIS-based three-dimensional (3D) deterministic slope stability analysis to evaluate landslide susceptibility within the Mt. Bawakaraeng caldera, Sulawesi Island, Indonesia. The analysis integrates geotechnical, geological, hydrological, and topographic parameters obtained from field investigations, laboratory testing, remote sensing data, and a high-resolution 5-m Digital Elevation Model (DEM). Slope stability was evaluated using the factor of safety (FS), calculated through a Hovland-based 3D column method implemented within a GIS environment. Two critical collapse zones were identified and corresponded closely with documented historical landslide events. The calculated minimum FS values of 0.825 and 1.000 indicate unstable to marginally stable slope conditions, respectively. Numerical simulations indicate a progressive failure mechanism in which the collapse of a major slope unit can reduce the stability of adjacent slope units, potentially generating cascading landslide events. Monte Carlo simulations were additionally employed to identify critical slip surfaces and assess potential failure configurations. The simulated slip surfaces showed good agreement with observed landslide morphologies, supporting the reliability of the modeling approach. Potential failure volumes were also estimated to assess the downstream sediment hazard to the Jeneberang watershed. The results demonstrate that integrating GIS, high-resolution terrain data, and 3D deterministic modeling provides an effective framework for spatially explicit slope stability assessment in complex volcanic environments. The approach can support landslide hazard mitigation, watershed management, infrastructure planning, and sustainable development in mountainous regions prone to slope failure.
The Oued Rheris Watershed in southeastern Morocco is highly vulnerable to water erosion and desertification, exacerbated by an arid Saharan climate with low rainfall and rising temperatures. This study aims to analyze the morphometric characteristics of the Oued Rheris Watershed to assess its hydrological response time, erosion susceptibility, and sensitivity to desertification, thereby supporting natural resource management and decision-making in at-risk areas. The analysis is based on a 30 m resolution ASTER GDEM (Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer Global Digital Elevation Model) and geographic information systems (GIS) using ArcGIS 10.8 software. Morphometric parameters including drainage density, stream length, compactness index (Kc), equivalent rectangle, form index were calculated. The basin covers an area of 12,606.7 km² with a perimeter of 687.018 km. The hydrographic network, classified according to Strahler (1957), comprises six orders with a total stream length of 4,412.594 km. The first-order streams dominate (50.16% of total length). The Gravelius compactness coefficient (1.71) and form index (0.46) indicate an elongated shape, approximately seven times longer than wide (length = 300.96 km; width = 41.88 km). The drainage density is 0.35 km/km², reflecting the in - fluence of the basin’s geology and arid climate. The elongated morphology of the Oued Rheris Watershed implies a prolonged concentration time and attenuated peak flows. However, the low drainage density and arid conditions increase vulnerability to flash floods and erosion. These findings are critical for watershed management, soil con - servation, and sustainable water resource planning in southeastern Morocco