Classification of Physical sensitivity of Shore Area in Sistan and Baluchestan Based on Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI)

In this study, the physical sensitivity of the Shore Area of "Sistan and Baluchestan" province of Iran was evaluated based on the Environmental sensitivity index . For this purpose, preliminary identification of coastal type using geological maps; also determining wetland areas, mangrove forests, ports and man-made structures had been conducted using Sentinel-2 satellite imagery. Then, by applying wave energy and slope maps in the study area, classification of the shore area was prepared according the ESI mapping codes. The results show that 10 main-ranks and 15 sub-ranks of the NOAA codes are existed in this study area. Among all codes, the rank of 9A and the rank of 3A have the highest length; and the rank of 7 have the lowest length of the shore area. Then the physical sensitivity of the shore area was classified in five classes of very low, low, medium, high and very high sensitivity. So the class of very high sensitivity with an area of 4768 hectares is the greatest zone and the class of medium sensitivity with an area of about 217 hectares is the lowest zone of the study area. Considering the importance of the physical structure of the shore area for health and survival of ecosystems and the existence of inhabitants in the region, recognition of the physical sensitivities and assessment of the other biophysical sensitivity of resources plays an important role in determining the environmental sensitivity and vulnerabilities of the coastal area.