Assessment of wind erosivity and zonation of potential sand drifts over the Bushehr province to identify dust emission sources

It is essential to understand the characteristics of regional winds in order to prevent the effects of wind degradation, which is a significant factor in the degradation of arid and semi-arid land. The main aim of this study was to determine the status of erosive wind and the sand drift potential and its relationship with dust emission areas. Annual wind roses showed prevailing winds from the west, southwest, and northwest. In addition, the annual storm roses showed that the erosive winds were mainly in the west, southwest, and northwest directions. In winter and spring, a multidirectional wind regime is blowing. According to the calculation of the sand drift potential using the Fryberger & Dean equation, wind erosion drift is categorized into the low-to-moderate class, with the resultant sand drift in the southeast direction. Mean quantitative sand discharge rate was 8.9 Ton.m.Yr-1. Based on overlaying vegetation cover, wind velocity, geomorphology, and sand-sea maps, the area with the most potential dust emission was determined. In most areas, dust emissions coincide with wind erosion hot spots. In addition, the variability of wind direction has caused longitudinal sand dunes (Seif and Silk) to form. Therefore, the abrasion of the ground surface by sand drift on the plains with sparse vegetation covers activates the dust emission process in the study area.