Physiographical Distribution of Clay Minerals in Selected Areas of Sulaymaniyah Governorate

This study employed Sentinel-2 satellite data and spectral indices to identify and map clay minerals across different physiographic units of Sulaymaniyah Governorate. ArcGIS Pro was used to delineate the study areas and analyze spatial patterns. Five main clay minerals were detected: montmorillonite, kaolinite, muscovite, biotite, and chlorite. Results revealed clear spatial variability in both type and abundance of these minerals across regions. Montmorillonite dominated the lowland areas of Said Sadiq and Sharazur, indicating soils with high shrink-swell potential. Muscovite and biotite were mainly concentrated in the mountainous Qaradagh region, reflecting weathered igneous and metamorphic parent materials. Kaolinite and chlorite were more evenly distributed in Penjwen and peripheral areas, representing moderate weathering conditions. The study demonstrates that remote sensing combined with GIS provides accurate detection and mapping of clay minerals, highlighting regions with high and low mineral content and offering essential insights for soil management and agricultural planning.