Rig Boland sand dunes with diverse plants in the northern part of Aran & Bidgol (Isfahan province)

The Aran and Bidgol Rig Boland dunes with approximately 168,000 hectares are located in the northernmost region of Isfahan province. In this region, different types of linear, transverse, stellar, and Barkhan dunes are distributed. The general structure of dunes is mainly light sandy, and in some places, it is accompanied by gypsum and quartz particles. The Rig Boland is in a horseshoe shape, starting from the Marnjab region, and extends to the north of Aran and Bidgol city. The Rig Boland is the largest sand field in Isfahan province and the eighth largest dune in the country. The altitude range of this region is at least 780 meters and at most 1100 meters above sea level. The average annual rainfall is 120 mm, which is more than 50% of the precipitation that occurs in winter. The average annual absolute temperature fluctuations are between -13 to +48 °C. The expanse of dunes of this biological zone has unique natural attractions that have been of interest to nature lovers, especially during the last two decades. The plant vegetation of this region, due to the dominance of special desert ecological conditions, often includes annual and short-lived spring plants, perennial bush plants, and durable and tolerant shrubs against various environmental stresses. The species diversity of native plants located in the Rig Boland dunes reveals the need for codified planned planning to protect the plants of this ecosystem for the future.