Dust storm identification using satellite imagery & field observation

Wind erosion is one of the most important desertification processes in arid and semi-arid regions. This process destroys lands, soil, water resources and more. Dust phenomenon is one of the most important consequences of wind erosion in Iran and worldwide and especially in the west and southwest of Iran. Therefore, the present study is based on a combination of field data, remote sensing, and climatology and physiography data, In order to identify internal dust generating centers in the western part of the country. Based on the statistical results, the maximum dust event was recorded for the study area during 2008, 2009 and 2012. On a monthly basis, May, June and July are the most dusty events. On an hourly scale, the maximum occurrence of dust occurs from 9 am to 6 pm local time. Tracing of inlet dust paths showed that during the warm period of the year most of the input dusts are in the northwest - southeast and west - east direction and in the cold period especially late in the south - north direction of the study area. Land use mapping and surveying changes indicate a decrease in water levels, vegetation cover, and land depletion in 2015 compared to 2000. These features, along with physiographic features such as high erosivity of the formations, presence of saline and marshy soils, low soil moisture, high variability of land use, identified potential areas and potential for dust generation in the target provinces.