Drought Hazard Mapping Methods in Iraq’s Southern Marshes: A Review
Evaluating Methods for Mapping Water Stress in Wetland Ecosystems
Received: 19 April 2025 | Revised: 19 May 2025 and 12 June 2025 | Accepted: 15 June 2025 | Online: 3 June 2025
Corresponding author: Nuridah Binti Sabtu
Abstract
In recent years, the southern Iraqi marshlands have undergone multiple restoration efforts aimed at reversing ecological degradation caused by extensive human intervention. Studies report a 60% decline in open water coverage and up to a 40% reduction in vegetation during prolonged droughts between 2000 and 2015, compared to pre-drought conditions. This review evaluates the effectiveness of marshland restoration and land use dynamics by employing Remote Sensing (RS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and field surveys, with a particular focus on drought periods and subsequent recovery initiatives. This work offers a strategic framework to support decision-makers in combating land degradation and fostering ecological resilience. Despite some progress, significant challenges remain, underscoring the need for coordinated national and international efforts to achieve sustainable restoration outcomes.
Keywords:
drought, remote sensing, GIS, marshlands, IraqDownloads
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Copyright (c) 2025 Fadhaa Turki Dakhil, Nuridah Binti Sabtu, Alaa G. Khalaf
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