Iraq’s Northern Region is Sinking Due to Plate Tectonics

Iraq faces a growing geological challenge as plate tectonics contribute to land subsidence and sinking. Learn more about the causes and potential solutions to Iraq’s sinking crisis.

Table of Contents

Context: A recent geological study has found that the northern region of Iraq is slowly sinking.

Plate Tectonics and the Sinking Oceanic Slab

The sinking is caused by the Neotethys oceanic slab, a remnant of an ancient ocean floor that existed over 66 million years ago.
This slab is located in a region between the Arabian and Eurasian continental plates and is now splitting apart from southeast Turkey to northwest Iran.
Neotethys slab is actively sinking and is dragging the Zagros region of Iraq downward.
- Zagros Mountain range was formed due to tectonic collisions between the Arabian and Eurasian plates.
The sinking is occurring extremely slowly—over millions of years—and is not visible in human timescales.

Check here: Plate Tectonics Theory

Zagros Mountain

It is a major mountain range in Central Asia. (Turkey, Iraq & Iran)
Geographical Extent: Covers around 1,500 kilometres in a northwest-to-southeast direction from border areas between eastern Turkey and northern Iraq to the Strait of Hormuz (Iran).
It is rich in Oil and Natural Gas.
- Zagros Fold Belt contains some of the largest oil fields in the world.

Causes of Land Subsidence in Northern Iraq

Plate Tectonics and Geological Shifts

Iraq sits at the convergence of the Arabian and Eurasian tectonic plates.
The collision between these plates leads to seismic activity, faulting, and gradual land movement.
These geological shifts are contributing to uneven ground sinking in some areas.

Groundwater Depletion

Excessive extraction of groundwater for agriculture and urban needs is accelerating land subsidence.
As underground water reservoirs empty, the soil loses structural integrity, causing the land to sink.

Climate Change and Desertification

Rising temperatures and reduced rainfall have intensified drought conditions.
The drying up of rivers and lakes leads to soil compaction and further land sinking.

Urbanization and Infrastructure Development

Unregulated construction and expansion of cities put additional pressure on fragile land structures.
The weight of heavy buildings and infrastructure can contribute to ground instability.

Impacts of Land Subsidence

Damage to Infrastructure: Roads, bridges, and buildings in affected areas may crack or collapse.
Increased Seismic Vulnerability: The sinking land could amplify earthquake risks in an already seismically active region.
Water Crisis: Shrinking groundwater levels make water scarcity worse, impacting agriculture and daily life.
Displacement of Communities: People living in sinking areas may be forced to relocate, leading to social and economic disruptions.