Impact of Zagros coastal plain morphotechtonic on the establishment of west sand dunes in Khuzestan Plain

Tectonic activity affects the formation, deployment and evolution of  landforms as well as erosion processes. The existence of several faults and anticline in the west of Khuzestan Plain has also led to changes in morphology and the establishment of landforms such as sand dunes. Therefore, the research is aimed to determine the effect of tectonic activities on the morphology and behavior of sandy hills in west of Khuzestan Plain. To achieve the above goal, the following information layers were provided. The layers included Ahwaz geological map with a scale of 1: 100,000 and a topography of 1: 25000, field observations, as well as results from the processing of Landsat satellite images and IRS from 1991, 1998, 2002 and 2006. In addition, other GIS layers was used such as faults, anticlines and units, geomorphic units, sedimentary environments and drainage networks. Data analysis was also conducted based on field observations and geomorphic techniques and a comparison method. The results of geomorphologic indices such as coefficient of sinousity and integral hypersometry showed that the study area was strongly influenced by tectonic activity and morphotectonic units such as Hamidyeh-Ahwaz, Zeynol Abbas and Abol Gharib anticlines. However, other secondary factors such as the wind direction and the pattern of the flow of the Karkheh River, change the overall trend of sand dunes. It also causes sediment transfer from sand dunes to flood plains and dust production centers in the west of Khuzestan Plain. Therefore, the findings of this research can lead to the provision of necessary information for soil protection against wind erosion in the province, especially in the center of number one dust (Hooralazim), erosion and sediment sources along the Karkheh River Basin.