Analyzing Nebka Morphometric Parameters and Introducing the Most Appropriate Type for Sand Dune Stabilization, using ELECTRE Algorithm (Case Study: Chah Jam Erg)

Nowadays, desertification is one of the ecological crises of the world. To control desertification, having a clear understanding of its factors and processes is necessary. Desertification is defined as the reduction of biomass potential and degradation of environmental resources and ecosystems which affects regional and cross-regional levels of human life. The degradation of ecosystems in arid and semi-arid areas on the one hand and unnecessary exploitation of humans, on the other hand, have led to the erosion of deserts and made them an acute problem at the national level. Its solution is to predict the changes occurring in the natural environment with continuous monitoring and meta-analysis. The aim of this study is to compare Nebkas in the Chah Jam Erg, and to introduce the most appropriate type for quicksand stabilization, using analysis of Nebka morphometric parameters, via ELECTRE algorithm. This algorithm is one of the methods of multiple criteria decision making, that combines the quantitative and qualitative indicators and weights according to importance of each criterion, can help decision makers to choose the best alternative. To this end, first, the most important morphometric parameters of 462 Nebkas from Astragalus Gummife, Seidlitzia florida, Tamarix Macatensis, Zygophyllum Eurypterum , Alhagi Mannifera, Salsola rigida and Haloxylon types were measured by linear sampling in field. Then, the studied Nebkas were prioritized using comparative evaluation by ELECTRE algorithm. The results showed that Tamarix Macatensis and Haloxylon Nebkas, with weight of 4, had the highest effect in stabilization of quicksand. Astragalus Gummife and Alhagi Mannifera Nebkas, with weight of -6, had the least importance. Therefore, for implementation of stabilization projects of mobile sands in study area, developing Tamarix Macatensis and Haloxylon Nebka systems have the highest of importance and efficiency. The results of this study will be beneficial in systemic management of desert regions and stabilization projects of quicksand.