Iraqi National Journal of Earth Sciences

Abstract

A computer file of earthquakes that have been recorded in mosul seismological observatory and other Iraqi observatories, were used to determine the seismic activity, location of epicenters and magnitude of earthquakes on the richter scale. This information is used in conjection with the analysis of geological and geomorphological features using landsat TM imagery. These data were utilized to draw a seismotectonic map for the Nineveh govermorate, showing the relationship between earthquake epicenters and geological features.
This map is used to provide location of earthquake risk throughout the study area the main area of activity comprises most of the boundaries of major geological folds, faults, and location of major linear geomorphic lineaments. Both in the north eastern and south western parts of mosul city have shown local moderately active zones, which is probably related to the major NE-SW geomorphic lineament. The regularity of the other lineament directions confirms the regional nature of the strike slip fault systems in the basement blocks of the studied region.