Current study aimed to determine the settlement suitability
of local ground characteristics in the city
of Iskenderun. In this context, classes such as lithology, distance from fault lines, shear velocity (Vs), ground water, distance to sea and slope suitability were generated by utilizing
geology maps, landslide velocity (Vs), and digital contour line data scaled 1:25.000 obtained from Mineral Research and Exploration
Institute, Iskenderun Municipality and General Command
of Mapping respectively. Multi criteria decision-making analysis was used to assess these suitability classes. Results show that 3%
of study area has 1
st degree
of suitability while 7% and 21% have 2
nd and 3
rd degree
of suitability, respectively. Moreover, 69%
of study area was found to display ground characteristics not suitable for settlement.
It is observed that the degree of damage caused by an earthquake in this study area would be more than expected, as settlements were often made in the areas with no suitability or 3rd degree of suitability. Therefore, damage reduction measures should be immediately taken.