The Analysis and Comparison of the Suspended Sediment in the Caspian Sea and Central Iran Drainage Basins

IntroductionSoil erosion as one of the most important natural hazards of each country usually results in reduced fertility, crop reduction, and desertification, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas. Two-thirds of Iran is located in the arid and semi-arid areas and one of its climatic features is flood. Consequently, soil erosion is one of its environmental problems. Nowadays, since soil is important for the life of products and is directly related to the balance of the ecosystem and the water cycle, its protection and fertility are two important factors that shouldnt be ignored. The purpose of this study was to compare the suspended sediment in two drainage basins of the Caspian Sea, with a humid climate, and central Iran, with an arid climate.
MethodologyFor research surveys, pluviometersdata, sediment and discharge assessment, slope, topography with land use, and lithology were used. Maps were obtained from survey organization, geological survey and mineral exploration, and Natural Rescues of Iran. To this end, land use maps, based on the land use type, were classified into six categories including urban area, forests land, pasture land, agricultural land, swamp land, and arid land, without vegetation cover. In addition, the geological maps, based on the stone resistance and amount of sediment production, were classified into ten categories including the hardest stones, very hard stones, so hard stones, enough hard stones, mediocre stones, enough soft stones, partly soft stones, powder stones, loose stones, and so loose stones. Finally, the data was analyzed using the SPSS software.
Results and DiscussionThe results indicated a high and significant correlation between the rainfall and sediment. There was also a direct and significant correlation between the rainfalls, discharge, and yearly sediment of the field. In addition, a fairly good model was achieved from the rainfall, discharge, and sediments variables.
Considering the distribution of the sediment in central Iran, the highest sediment volume was seen in the west of the basin at Shahrokh, Chamriz station. The lowest sediment volume, in contrast, was seen in its north and south. In the Caspian basin, the highest sediment volume was seen in Gharasou and Ran basin at Ghezaghli station. The second highest sediment volume was seen in Gharaghoni station at Sefidrood basin. The lowest sediment volume was seen in Talesh basin and in the southern stations of the Caspian Sea.