نشریه کاوش های جغرافیایی مناطق بیابانی
سال یکم شماره 2 (پاییز و زمستان 1392)

Water crisis is one of the most important problems in arid and semi-arid regions, so snowfall occurring in upstream parts of mountainous basins has an enormous role in hydrological balance. In this paper, the spatial distribution of snow density in Sakhvid, Yazd has been studied using an artificial neural network. Snow density is an important parameter for assessment of water resources in mountain basins, and, with thecorresponding data and snow depth, snow water equivalent values can be calculated. For this purpose, 216 in-situ snow density data were measured using the Mt. Rose sampler. Then, using SGA-GIS software, 32 geo-morphometric parameters were calculated from DEM. The best network was 1-9-32 with a multilayer perceptron model, the back-propagation algorithm,the sigmoid activation function, and a linear output. In order to evaluatethe network, the ANN correlation coefficient and the root mean square error (RMSE) were used. The results showed that the correlation coefficient and RMSE of the observed and estimated data were 86 percent and 5.1 respectively. So, application of artificial intelligent can simulate the spatial distribution of snow density very well.

Sand has a particular role to play in water and wind erosion.Studying this role qualitatively and quantitativelyis of importancefor recognizing dominant erosion processes and how to control them. The aim of this research is to make a qualitative and quantitative analytical comparison of sand particles function in the internal and coastal regions. In order to reach this goal, Jask study area with the criterion of coastal erosion (as a representative of coastal areas) and the study area in the south west of Maranjab Rig in the sand wind erosion (as a representative of internal regions) were selected for our case study. Satellite images, topographic maps and data library were prepared to identify and understand the research areas. Daily wind statistics in Jask and Kashan Stations were obtained from the Meteorology Organization to review the dominant wind direction and speed as well as to find out the relationship between the diameter of sand particles andthe threshold speed for Jask and Maranjab regions respectively.
In the next stage,through afield study and sampling of wind sands in the coastal areas, and to evaluate and analyze the differences and similarities between the two sand areas using techniques of granulometry and morphoscopy, the samples were transferred to the laboratory. The results show that, despite many similarities in seeds’granulometric characteristics, many differences are recognizable in the seeds’morphoscopictraits. The feasibility study indicates that the sand particles in Jask coastal sampleshave the clarity and brightness of the selected samples inMaranjab area.

Rangeland ecosystems are composed of various components and functions. Structural and functional characteristics of patches have changed because of management activities.These characteristics can be used for interpretation of management. For this purpose, sampling was conducted at the landscape level in the south west of Esfahan province which contains the two species Artemisia sieberi Bess and Anabasis aphylla L.The functional characteristics of the rangeland were studied, and then the results were compared with the results of the physical and chemical characteristics of soil profile. Sampling was conducted in two transects of 50 meters and three characteristics of stability, infiltration and nutrient cycling using LFA model. The results showed that the two studied species had approximately the same function, and the two patches had no statistically significant difference, but Anabasis aphylla L. had a little higher function. The study area had moderate stability; however, the nutrient cycle and permeability characteristics were poor, and landscape organization index of about 0.18 indicated that the area was unsuitable. In addition, the results of soil profile in the region showed poor permeability and nutrient cycling but moderate stability.

Catastrophic earthquakes and their consequences have led to specific attention to liquefaction effects during recent years. Within areas with a higher groundwater level, seismic vibration occurring due to an earthquake can decrease the cohesiveness and strength of water-richsand soils and turn them suddenly into liquid materials. Such a process of changing solid materials to liquid ones under seismic effects is called “liquefaction”. Liquefied saturated soils may deform with little shear resistance.This can cause extensive damages to urbanand rural buildings and other structures such as coastal foundations, sea rigs, water resources, wateror gas pipelines, and power pylons. Some parts of Abarkuh county is under liquefaction risk due to morphotectonic conditions and active fault systems, such as the main Dehshir-Baft fault and its accessory branches, young Quaternary deposits with especial geological conditions and existence of extensive undergroundwater. Due to the lack of studies on the liquefaction risk and the significance of preventingany consequent life losses or financial damages in AbarkuhCounty, we try to study the major factors of triggering liquefaction, investigating the areas with higher risk factors.We also make some suggestionsas to reduce probable losses. To evaluate the major factors that affect liquefaction, G.I.S software, and, to determine the high risk areas, a fuzzy logic model are used. After making fuzzy layers to increase the sensitivity of liquefaction zonation mapping, threeGama phases of 0.7, 0.8, and 0.9are used. By comparing different Gama effects, we have decided to execute Gama 0.9 level due to its higher resolution and better coverage on liquefaction zonation. The result of this modeling indicates the location of a 100 km2 area within a high risk factormainly in NE, E and SE parts of the county. The area of moderate risk with about 65 km2 is located in SE and near the central of the county.

The rapid expansion of cities has led to extensive changes in their urban spatial patterns which now need on-time developmental measures. Evidence shows that there are many problems in present urban areas due to the lack of proper understanding about spatial patterns of cities and revitalization. The present paper aims to investigate the spatial pattern of Damghan city and the efficiency of access to urban services (e.g. shopping and education). The methodology of the research is based on descriptive –analytical approaches which are accompanied with field work to complete defined questionnaires. The statistical society of the research included citizens over 25 years of age,but only 385 personswere finally selected. The models of Heldren, Shannon Entropy were applied, and the data were analyzed using SPSS software. The results revealed that the spatial pattern of Damghan city tends to expand dispersedly and sprawl. Also, there is a significant difference between the spatial structure of the city and the inefficiency of urban accessibilities regarding shopping and educational centers in confidence of 95% and an error level of less than 0.05.

Understanding how jet streams influence climate prediction and how other events take placeis one of the main objectives of any analysis of general atmosphere circulation. In the present study, the data are used from the zonal and meridional wind components at levels 200, 300, 400 and 500 Hap, ranging from north latitude of 20° up to 80°, and longitude of 10 ° up to 120 °.The time interval is from March 1951 to March 2011.A matrix is created atthe size of 1325 × 21914 the rows are days and the columns are pixels).The daily mean wind speed is considered for each level. These data are extracted by using GrADS software. Then, using Arc Map software, standard ellipses are drawn for each level. The descriptive analysis results indicate an annual scale of events. The annualcenter of the subtropical areas is 200 hpa over North Africa, Red Sea and northern Arabia. This center transferred at the levels below onto the East. Also, the mean annual frequency is because of the maximum occurrence of the core in the area. This phenomenon is an important factor in the transfer of dust to the Southwest and the West. The standard ellipse drawn at all levels showed that Iran is in the second half of the ellipse, and it has moved in the west and slightly north in the below level. The maximum of the core frequency during the mentioned period occurred in Khuzestan, Bushehr, Fars, Kerman, Hormozgan and Sistanva Baluchistan. The core of the jet stream in the right input and output of the left is associated with a high divergence.If there isa simultaneous ground-level convergence and a lack of moisture, dust storms occur.

Nowadays, tourism has led to a wide range of strategic and operational decisionmaking at the level of countries and in areas with tourist attractionsfor the development of this industry. Diversification of industrial and economic activities in South Pars oil industries enhances human development indexes (i.e. welfare, health, etc.), environmental sustainability of the society, presentation and representation of internal forces in the industry (e.g. development of technical regions), and, in short,the total sustainable development of the area.Fulfillment of this purpose requires the analysis and detection (research and evaluation) of capacitiesthat would help to develop tourism inKangancounty.In this study, a descriptive-analytical method is used.The strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities of effect (9 strengths,6 weaknesses,and 6 of 10 opportunities and threats) were analyzedabout Kangancouny tourism.There are such attractions, beautiful beaches, unique ecosystem and mangrove forests that can attract domestic and foreign tourists In favorable seasons of the year and provide them with relaxing environment especially in the attractive East Coast region of the city.Because of certain weaknesses (as in services and facilities), lack of investment,lack of program and planningfor tourism development, and poorparticipation in development plans, tourism in the area incurs unnecessary expenses (non-voluntary and non-conscious) as well as loss of opportunities,which it does not deserve.Based on the results of the study, in order to achieve sustainable tourism development, strategies for development of tourism in beautiful coastal regions ofKangan county should be reviewed and revised.

Due to everyday need of entertainment in today's cities,the changein work patterns and life styleis growing. On the other hand, restoration and preservation of the vitality and dynamism of cities and urban environments requires the presence of both urban spaces, inhabitants, and their social interactions with one another. This study aims to find the indexes of extension of city districts as compared to that of leisure uses during 1996 to 2006. A cross-sectional method is usedalong with quantitative models including Leisure Development composite index (LDI) and Williamson coefficient of variation (CV). The results based on the model (LDI) in 1996 marks the sixth district with a score of 0.74 as the first-rank place, district 8 with a score of 0.38 in the second rank, and district 3 with a score of 0.23 as the third-rank pace in the city.Districts 1, 4 and 5 are descendently rated. Based on a combination of measures to develop tourism in 2006, the city district 3 with a score of 0.80 was in the first place, district 4 with a score of 0.73 in the second place, and district 6 with a score of 0.58 in the third rank.Districts 10, 8 and 2were ordered descendently.The distribution of the indices related to the leisure areas in the city in 2006, using the Williamson model, reveals unequal access to recreational areas by the residence of the city.

A fair distribution of urban services in different districts of a city can have an effective role in the sustainable development of that city.On the other hand, inequality in the life quality of citizens makes it hardfor some people to have an access to the urban services and facilities and leads to the decline of less developed areas, which are at risk of losing population, and the reduction of land prices.This paperpresents an investigation of 12 districts and 16 types of urban services including kindergartens, prep schools, elementary schools, guidance schools, secondary schools, higher education, health care centers, pharmacies, emergency rooms, hospitals, parks and green areas, fire stations, grave yards, libraries, and educational environment for law enforcement.The paper analyzes the spatial distribution of urban services in the town of Mehriz, utilities, and its effect on land prices.The approach of the study is based on the assumption that there is an unfair inappropriate spatial distribution of urban services and utilities in Mehrizurban areas that has led to differences in land prices. The results show that the distribution of municipal services in Mehriz is based on a per capita basis in different districts.Meanwhile, there is no significant relationship between the distribution of utilities and land prices.The land-use regulations do not have effects on property values and has been considered as the most important factor inthe increase of land prices in these districts.

Improvement of economic, social, and environmental services may improve the quality of life in human settlements and play a decisive role in progression and excellence of the society.The issue of "place", especially in rural areas, and the establishment of a strong bond with nature are of great importance in planning. The quality of place is a multidimensional concept that is influenced by different parameters.These parameters affect the society’s advancement, and any inattention to them can have bad, irreparable results forsocial advancement. This paper discusses the quality of settlement in the village "Doshmanziyari", Mamasany County based on the recognition and analysis of the facilities that are to be provided. The study procedure is based on the cross- sectional method, field study, and using questionnaires. Also,SPSS softwareis used to process the data. The results of a t-test show that, based on the quality of settlement components, there is a significant difference between mountainous villages and plain villages on one hand and between villages with rural municipality andthose without municipality on the other hand. The study area includes 21 plain and mountainous villages each with a population of over 20. Of 10,559 residents, 220 heads of families were selected as the sample to question. Mountainside villages were studied in the first step- with 40.46% of the examined population, plain villages with 17.29%, and mountainous villages with 15.23%.