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Urban earthquake vulnerability assessment using GIS and fuzzy modeling; case study: Izeh city
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Majid Goodarzi *   , Zahra Soltani , Aezam Ebrahimi |
| Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran. , m.goodarzi@scu.ac.ir |
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Abstract: (1250 Views) |
Objective: Earthquakes are among the most significant natural hazards and pose a serious threat to urban settlements. The extent of damage caused by this hazard is influenced by the geological, environmental, and spatial characteristics of cities. Due to its location within the Zagros zone and proximity to the Main Zagros Fault, Izeh City exhibits varying levels of seismic vulnerability across its urban area. Therefore, identifying and spatially zoning vulnerability can contribute to risk reduction planning and crisis management. This study aimed to assess and spatially zone the seismic vulnerability of Izeh City.
Method: This applied study employed a descriptive–analytical approach based on spatial analysis. Six criteria were selected to assess vulnerability: distance from faults, lithology, slope, land use, distance from open spaces, and distance from major roads. The spatial data included a 30-m SRTM digital elevation model, a geological map, and digital layers of the urban area. Following data preprocessing, the criteria were standardized using fuzzy logic in ArcGIS. The criteria were then weighted using the Analytic Network Process (ANP), and the weighted layers were finally integrated using a fuzzy gamma operator with a value of 0.7.
Results: The results showed that seismic vulnerability in Izeh City has a heterogeneous spatial distribution. According to the final map, 1.9 km² (13.6%) of the urban area falls within the very high vulnerability class, while 4.8 km² (34.3%) falls within the high vulnerability class. In addition, 0.7 km² (5%) has moderate vulnerability, 1.3 km² (9.3%) has low vulnerability, and 5.3 km² (37.9%) has very low vulnerability. Analysis of the criteria showed that proximity to the Main Zagros Fault is the most important factor affecting the city's seismic vulnerability. The central parts of the city also exhibit higher vulnerability due to land-use conditions, distance from open spaces, and access to major roads.
Conclusions: The results indicate that the seismic vulnerability of Izeh City results from the interaction of tectonic, environmental, and spatial factors. The considerable proportion of the city classified as having high and very high vulnerability highlights the need to incorporate seismic considerations into urban planning. The integration of GIS, fuzzy logic, and ANP can provide an effective approach for identifying vulnerable zones and supporting spatial decision-making. Controlling development in high-risk zones, strengthening open spaces, and considering geological conditions in urban planning can contribute to reducing the seismic vulnerability of Izeh City.
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| Keywords: Urban vulnerability, Earthquake, Fuzzy logic, Analytic Network Process (ANP), Izeh City. |
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Full-Text [PDF 2430 kb]
(51 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
سکونتگاههای شهری و روستایی
Received: 2025/11/14 | Accepted: 2026/06/10 | Published: 2026/09/22
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