Evaluation of effective criteria on flood risk based on network analysis process and GIS in Vazroud basin of Mazandaran province

Flood risk zoning as a fundamental problem is always the concern of many researchers. Due to its need for detailed spatial analysis, therefore, several criteria should be evaluated. This research has been conducted with the aim of preparing a flood risk zoning map in the Vazroud watershed located in Mazandaran province. For this purpose, 6 variables were evaluated slope, land use, hydrological group, curve number, stability, and rainfall. Network analysis process (ANP) and GIS were used to weigh the criteria and prepare information layers, respectively. The results obtained from the research showed that the criteria of curve number and slope with a weighted value of 1.42 and 1.00 are the first and second priorities of flood risk. Finally, the final flood zoning map was obtained by merging each of the layers and based on the weight in the GIS environment. The results showed that 78.7 km2 (57.36 %) of the area is at risk of flooding (high and very high). Despite the medium permeability of the soil, this is due to the involvement of factors such as high curve number, higher runoff depth, and poor vegetation cover, which due to the high altitude and possible prosperity of the region in the future, planners should take necessary procedures (construction control and construction in these areas and the use of land use plans and planting vegetation), prevent or reduce the risk of flooding in these areas.