Evaluation of the Role of Form and Geomorphological Processes of Karkas Heights in the Distribution of Human Settlements

The natural environment has performed as determinative factor for vitality of the human habitations since the dawn of era, like habitations’ places and other human foundations which have been absolutely influenced by natural factors particularly geomorphological and geological factors. Geomorphological studies will evaluate environmental conditions of the chronological settlement of the habitations and their dispersal situations by determining processes which predominate over the region and by considering landforms’ changes. Thus, the importance of geomorphological studies at dwelling human habitations will be revealed. The present research deals with studying the function of geomorphological factors over the dispersal of the life societies at northern slopes of the Karkas altitudes analytically and by relying on field studies and library resources. Therefore, initially, the thematic geomorphological map of the region is provided on scale of 1:25000 by form analysis method and process of geomorphic perspectives, then, habitations having the population more than 100 people (including 74 towns and villages having the population of 435373 people) have been analyzed. The research results demonstrate that Glaciations and Glacier Canyon landform are the most important factors in the spatial distribution of the habitations. All regional habitations are located at the lower altitude to the perennial snow border line. (2500 meter) Forty-five habitation points are located at mountain zone including 5 towns and 27 villages. Thus, the most important territorial zone is mountain. (the convex surface) Surveying the employment status of the villages demonstrated that economical status of the rural habitations base on Playa unit is more desirable than other units.