About the Geomorphology Department

1. History and Development

The Department of Natural Geography was established in 2006 within the Faculty of Natural Resources at the University of Kurdistan, commencing with two assistant professors and an inaugural class of 45 undergraduate students. Following a resolution by the Supreme Council for Planning on November 1, 2008, the department was bifurcated into two independent academic units: the Department of Geomorphology and the Department of Climatology. Since then, the Department of Geomorphology has independently admitted students to its undergraduate program. In 2011, the department expanded its offerings by launching a Master's program in Environmental Hazards (Natural Hazards specialization).

In 2016, the undergraduate program in Geomorphology was revised to Geography. In the same year, the department successfully established a Master's program in Hydrogeomorphology in Environmental Planning. In 2018, a Master's program in Geomorphology with a specialization in Environmental Planning was also introduced.

Currently, the Department of Geomorphology comprises seven full-time faculty members (including Professors, Associate Professors, and Assistant Professors). It serves an active student body of 112 undergraduates in Geography (Geomorphology specialization) and 35 master's students in the Environmental Hazards and Geomorphology and Environmental Planning programs, including international students.

2. Message from the Head of the Department

The Head of the Department of Geomorphology emphasizes the importance of geographical sciences in all aspects of sustainable development: "In today's interconnected world, achieving sustainable development across economic, social, and environmental dimensions is essential. A one-dimensional focus on development weakens other aspects and creates challenges and hazards, examples of which are seen worldwide. Climate change, various natural and even human-induced hazards such as soil erosion, drought, landslides, floods, political instability, and migration are just a few of these challenges. The geographical sciences, by leveraging various specializations such as geomorphology, urban and rural geography, remote sensing, and GIS, and through its holistic and integrated perspective, provide a practical tool for achieving sustainable development in all its dimensions."

3. Vision and Goals

The Department of Geomorphology aims to play an effective role in the conservation, restoration, and management of natural and human resources to promote sustainable development in all its dimensions. By enhancing its scientific and research standards, training specialized and efficient personnel, and expanding both indigenous and global knowledge, the department intends to be recognized as a reputable authority in the field of geographical sciences at the national and regional levels.

Key Objectives:

• To train specialized and efficient personnel in various fields of geographical sciences, with an emphasis on geomorphology and environmental hazards.

• To develop scientific and applied research in the geographical sciences, with a focus on geomorphology and environmental hazards.

• To integrate environmental hazard management with the socio-economic context and the principles of sustainable development.

• To establish constructive relationships with organizations and departments responsible for managing natural and human-induced hazards.

• To advance and develop modern knowledge and technologies in geography, with an emphasis on geomorphology and environmental hazards.

• To promote the concepts of sustainable development, environmental hazards, and geomorphology within the community.

• To foster national and international collaborations in education and research related to the geographical sciences.

• To create and develop a system for environmental hazard management with the participation of all stakeholders, including local communities, government, and NGOs.

4. Specializations and Activities

In addition to the Bachelor's program in Geography, the department admits students annually to the following two key Master's specializations:

• Environmental Hazards

• Geomorphology and Environmental Planning

Furthermore, the department plans to launch a Master's program in Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (Remote Sensing specialization) in 2025. The department is fully prepared to admit international students to its existing Master's programs.

5. Position within the Faculty and University

As a key department within the Faculty of Natural Resources, the Department of Geomorphology plays a central role in education, research, and engagement with industry and society in various natural and human-related fields. The numerous national and international successes of its specialists underscore the department's distinguished position within the faculty and the university.

6. Scientific and Research Areas

Given the diverse specializations within the department, faculty members conduct various research projects and publish valuable scientific articles, both individually and in collaboration with students and researchers from within and outside the country. Key research areas include the evolution of geomorphological landforms, zoning and management of environmental hazards (such as floods, landslides, and erosion), geotourism, and tourism. The specific research interests of each faculty member are available on their personal websites. The department is active in various research fields of physical and human geography, and a selection of recent publications by each faculty member is presented below.