Analysis of Hydrogeomorphology of the Neor Lake in Ardabil for Land Use Planning (with an Emphasis on Soil Erosion and Sediment)

Neor is a very beautiful sweet water lake with an area of 240 ha located in the attractive Bagrrodag Mountains at 2700 m above the sea level on tectonic depression. As one of Iran’s unique lakes, Neor is 42 km from Ardabil with total basin area of 5300 ha. The aim of this research was to study the hydrogeomorphology, climatology, tectonic, topography conditions and some properties of surfcal soil formation with quantity models and indexes (according to the fundamental sustainable development) to evaluate the possibilities of establishing tourist resorts in the area. According to the laboratory result the ratio of soil PH of the area under study was optimum. Therefore, the ratio of PH, EC and results of climatic indices indicated that the basin was potentially prone to soil erosion by runoffs. The average sediment yield of 338.65 ton/ha/year and total annually sediment yield 1794845 ton/ha/year in the small watershed indicated the high ratio of soil erosion. After systematic analysis and evaluation of environment potentials, the whole study area was divided into the stable, unstable, and semi stable areas for efficient land using. Ultimately, the study made suggestions on construction of suitable establishments in the Neor lake (water space and their banks and margins ) considering the future environmental potentials, land use map and further implications.