Identifying sand and dust storm sources using spatial-temporal analysis of remote sensing data in Central Iran

Abstract

Sand and dust storms (SDS) are common meteorological phenomena in arid and semi-arid regions caused by natural or anthropogenic factors. Central Iran, covers a large area on the Iranian plateau, and SDS has been known as a prevalent phenomenon in certain parts of the region since ancient times. The frequency and severity of SDS have increased over the last two decades due to population growth and mismanagement of natural resources. Identifying SDS sources is the first step to combating this phenomenon and reducing its destructive impacts. Accordingly, this study employed a remote sensing approach based on the modeling of environmental parameters to identify high potential SDS sources in Central Iran. The proposed model was implemented through a multi-step masking procedure using 20-year time-series datasets of MODIS and TerraClimate products. According to the results, 5.3% of Central Iran is identified as high potential SDS sources. Among these, sandy sources have the largest share in terms of area (60.9%) and frequency of SDS occurrence (>50%). The highest seasonal frequency of SDS (76%) was in spring and summer. The highest yearly frequency of SDS was observed in 2008, which was 120% higher than the 20-year average (2000−2020). In sandy and salt plain sources, SDS formation is predominantly associated with natural factors. However, in lakes and alluvial sources, anthropogenic activities have been directly linked with variations in SDS frequency and extent. The occurrence of severe droughts has intensified the frequency of SDS emerging from all types of high-potential sources in Central Iran.