Assessment of Deposited Red Clay Soil in Kirkuk City Using Remote Sensing Data and GIS Techniques

Abstract

This study investigates the physical characteristics of red clay using the IDW approach and linear regression modeling in an area of 268.12 km2, focusing on Kirkuk, Bor, and Jambor structures. Through the analysis of 52 soil samples and the integration of laboratory data with IDW and regression results, several significant findings have emerged. The IDW method combined with linear regression proves to be a cost-effective and efficient approach for obtaining soil property data and generating accurate digital maps of red clay’s physical features. The Silt concentration exhibits a wide range, while the gravel content remains relatively low, indicating the predominance of silt in the soil composition. Analysis of Atterberg limits reveals the soil’s behavior and consistency in response to moisture, with the plasticity index generally falling within the low to medium range due to the considerable silt content in most soil samples. The linear regression model highlights positive correlations between the liquid limit, plastic limit, and plasticity index. Moderately positive relationships exist between the liquid limit and clay content, as well as a weak positive association between the liquid limit and specific gravity. Dry density, on the other hand, shows no significant correlation with other physical variables, suggesting its independence from the measured parameters. The plastic limit demonstrates a stronger relationship with the clay content compared to the liquid limit. Additionally, weak positive correlations are found between the liquid limit, plastic limit, and specific gravity and water content, indicating the influence of moisture on these parameters. Furthermore, gravel exhibits a moderate positive correlation with sand and silt concentrations, while a strong positive correlation is observed between sand and silt contents, underscoring their close association with the soil composition.