Evaluation of desertification risk potential using DVI model (Case study: northern regions of Semnan province)

 Among the common risks in arid and semi-arid regions is the risk of desertification. Iran's hydroclimatic situation has caused many parts of it to be exposed to this danger. Semnan province is one of the regions that has faced the expansion of desertification in recent years. Considering the importance of the subject, this study aims to evaluate the potential of desertification risk in the northern regions of Semnan province.

 The statistical information related to the population and climate of Semnan province, library information, and the 30-meter high SRTM digital model have been used as the most important research data. The most important software used were SPSS and ArcGIS, which were used to perform calculations and prepare final maps. The method used in this research was the DVI model.

 The results of this research have shown that 16.8% of the region's area, which mainly includes the western and southeastern regions of the studied region, is in the category of very high vulnerability potential against the risk of desertification. Also, about 60% of the region is in the class with high vulnerability potential, which indicates the region's high potential from the risk of desertification. The classes with medium and low vulnerability potential cover a total of 23.2% of the region.

 The findings show that many parts of the northern regions of Semnan province have a high potential in terms of desertification. Therefore, in order to prevent the spread of this danger, it is necessary to have the necessary programs to control the destruction of pastures and changes in land use.

Innovation: 

In this research, human parameters are considered. Also, the results of this research can be used in various civil and environmental planning.