Geographical Assessment of the Natural Environment at Al-Huwaizah Marsh, Eastern of Misan Governorate (Iraq)

Bashar F. Maaroof 1, Mohammed A. Al-Musawi 2, Hashim H. Kareem 2, Raheem H. Al-Abdan 3, Hanan S. Obaid 4, Ban AL- Hasani 5, Mawada Abdellatif 5, Iacopo Carnacina 5

Geographical Assessment of the Natural Environment at Al-Huwaizah Marsh, Eastern of Misan Governorate (Iraq)

Bashar F. Maaroof 1, Mohammed A. Al-Musawi 2, Hashim H. Kareem 2, Raheem H. Al-Abdan 3, Hanan S. Obaid 4, Ban AL- Hasani 5, Mawada Abdellatif 5, Iacopo Carnacina 5 1 Babylon Center for Civilization and Historical Studies, University of Babylon, Hillah, Babil 51001, IRAQ 2 Department of Geography, University of Misan, Amarah, Misan 62001, IRAQ 3 Department of Geography, University of Thi Qar, Al-Nasiriyah, Di Qar 64001, IRAQ 4 London Center for Research and Consulting, London, UK 5 School of Civil Engineering and Built Environment, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0859-1728

Keywords: Environmental Geography; Wetlands; Ecosystem Biodiversity; Al-Huwaizah Marsh

Abstract

In this article, Al-Huwaizah Marsh, one of the biggest wetlands in southern Iraq, has been studied. The spatial analysis approach was used to study the spatial relationships between the elements of the natural environment on the one hand, and their relationship to the distribution of organisms in Al-Huwaizah Marsh on the other hand. A geographic information system (GIS) was established and fed with the data contained in the topographical, geological, pedological, and hydrological maps issued by the various Iraqi institutions. The study hypothesis indicated that the abiotic elements of the ecosystem (location, surface, geological structure, climate, and soil) played a direct role in the geographical distribution of biotic elements (animals and plants) of Al-Huwaizah Marsh. Al-Huwaizah Marsh is a natural depression that collects water during floods and is distinguished by providing an ideal environment for different species of birds, fish, mammals, and plants to live. The four most significant waterbodies of Al-Huwaizah Marsh are Al-Edhaim, Umm Al-Na'aj, Al-Sanaf, and Al-Jakka.

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Published

2023-06-30

Issue

Vol 22 No 46 (2023): June

Section

Articles

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