Northern Misho fault is an east-west trending fault, that is elongated on northern slope of Misho-Dagh mountain on Azerbijan(northwest of Iran). Studies on Northern Misho fault and its secondary branches operations indicate that this fault is active. This fault separates the geological and topographical units, so that it has influenced the replacing of rural habitations(10 villages) on or adjacent to it.In this study, we have assessed the vulnerability of villages from fault activity with due attention to geological, geomorphological and topographical charactristics and quality of building materials. The Methodology of this study is based on field studies and analysis of geological and topographical maps and areal photo interpretations.
Results indicate that probable fault activity and their seismic waves are very important factors threatening the villages of study area. This vulnerability from tectonic activity supported by other factores such as unsuitable buildings and their excessive longevity, weakness of building materials, settling on alluvials, steep slopes and liquification of alluvium, and flnally, instability and mass movements on slopes that overlook the villages.This survey clearly reveals the importance of necessity of attention to geomorphological factors and their influences, as well as indicating the potential for geomorphological input to rural improvement and design.
Keywords:Replacing Rural Habitations, Vulnerability of Fault Activity, Rural improvement, Northern Misho fault, Northwest of Iran
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