The Analysis of the Relationship Between Dust Phenomenon and Rural Population Changes in Sistan Region

A dust storm is a phenomenon caused by particular conditions such as harsh wind, dry air and bare soil that is prone to erosion. The Sistan region in the southeast of Iran is one of the most affected areas by dust storms. This study was conducted to analyze the relationship between dust and rural population changes in the Sistan region (including 5 cities: Zabol, Helmand, Zahak, Nimroz and Hamoon) over the past 25 years (1991-2016).

This is a descriptive-analytical study and the required data are collected through desk studies using demographic statistics and satellite images. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical analyzes including correlation coefficient tests.

The results of comparing the rate of rural population growth in the studied area in Sistan and Baluchestan province showed that in all 4 time periods (1991- 1996, 1996-2006, 2006-2011, and 2011-2016) the annual rate of rural population growth in the studied area had been significantly less than the annual rate of the provincechr('39')s rural population growth. Furthermore, the results of the study showed that there is a significant negative relationship between the average number of dusty days in the region in all four studied periods and the average annual rate of rural population growth in rural areas.

according to the findings of the current study, it can be concluded that the villageschr('39') potential to keep the population is highly dependent on natural conditions, especially sand and dust storms as a result of successive droughts in this region.