The effect of fluctuations in moisture on resistance to soil erosion in the process of dust production (Case study of Lake Bazangan , Iran)

The drying of lakes and wetlands is a significant challenge to the hydrological cycle of resources, to human life, and to animal and plant species. The bed soils of lakes in arid and semi-arid regions become dry and wet due to various factors, such as global warming, which decrease and increase water levels in lakes. Therefore, field measurements and surveys are necessary in the localities of these natural ecosystems and can improve the management and protective measures against various hazardous processes including wind-driven soil erosion in these areas. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the soil erosion potential of Lake Bazangan, a natural lake located in the province of Khorasan Razavi, Iran. Experiments of soil properties were performed to study the rate of soil wind erosion. Wind tunnels were used to model the airflow. The results showed that the clay particle content significantly reduced soil wind erosion rates. Because of SAR's effect on the dispersion of clay particles, the erosion rate increased exponentially with soil solidification. Soil moisture had a significant effect on the cohesion of clay particles and, therefore, reduced the soil wind erosion rate. In this study, the surface erosion of the samples was examined using a calibrated Kinect® sensor, developed by Microsoft, due to easy access, cost-effectiveness, and high accuracy of its sensors. It was observed that sand particles could move easily, with a significant effect on the rate of soil loss.