Climate Variability and Geomorphological Transformations in Iraq Environmental and Spatial Responses

Abstract

This comprehensive literature review investigates the geomorphological effects of climate variability in Iraq, a country with severe environmental issues due to its arid and semi-arid climate. Desertification, soil erosion, changes to river shape, and wetland degradation all have an impact on Iraq's terrain. The review summarizes findings from 300 scholarly articles, with an emphasis on the climate-induced changes that have impacted the country's geomorphology during the last two decades. The findings show a gradual growth in research production, particularly in the Plain and Kurdistan Region, which have been the key areas of focus. The studies largely focus on climatic impacts on water resources, agriculture, and land degradation, with a particular emphasis on the Tigris and Euphrates river systems and the southern marshlands. The review also identifies significant gaps in the literature, such as little research on climate-induced sand dune movement in the Western Desert and ecosystem resilience in the southern marshlands. The findings highlight the critical need for coordinated research to establish long-term solutions that reduce the consequences of climate change on Iraq's geomorphology. This study gives useful insights into the current state of research and lays the groundwork for future studies on climate change adaptation and environmental conservation in Iraq.