Cold waves and Environmental Degradation: A Case Study of Tree Mortality in Sharbazher District of Sulaymaniyah Province

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of cold wave on tree die-off in Sharbazher District in Sulaimani Province in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. For this purpose, climatic data and MODIS Vegetation Indices images have been used from February 18 to June 10, 2022. The results indicate that the cold wave lasted from March 4 to March 29 and trees died after the cold wave. A decrease in temperature was brought on by an earlier-than-normal warming event (false spring), which accelerated tree leaf emergence. Spring frosts later destroyed the exposed trees, causing the decline to occur. Trees that are vulnerable were walnut, almond, pomegranate, fig, and grape trees as well as aspen, willow, and neem (margosa) trees. In the future, should those species of trees be planted that are able to defend against cold weather or could recover quickly after frost damage in terms of mitigation and adaptation.