Analyzing Influence of Grand Water Fluctuations on Land Subsidence: Ghaleh, Taut (East Azerbaijan)

Subsidence is a natural phenomenon which can be reinforced by the interferences and activities of human beings. Ghaleh area in Tasuj is located in North Eastern part of Uremia Lake. The frequent occurrences of draught, expansion of agriculture and the over-population and thus over-exploitation of the water belonging to underground beds and the delicate texture of soil have caused subsidence in some parts of the area. Regarding the existing evidences, the researchers are going to investigate the source of such a phenomenon in this area. To do so, we have used Geomorphologic and geologic data plus fault maps and hypsometric levels during 11 years period (2001-2011). integration and analysis of the maps by using ARC GIS software and the preparation of isopies maps for each of the monthly and annual by using Surfer win software and the cluster analysis based on tree diagram, showed that during the 11 years the amount of subsidence has increased due to the considerable reduction of underground water levels in some parts of the area such as Ghaleh village. On the other hand human factor has been recognized as the most important factor for the subsidence in the area.