Introduction to Desert Landscapes and Landforms of Iran

Abstract

In desert regions of Iran, three types of alluvial–fluvial, hydro-aeolian, and aeolian landforms can be found. In fact, even in the driest areas of Iran, under the influence of wind erosion, we can see the effects of water erosion on formation and evolution of landforms. Pediment and desert pavement, fluvial landforms, and wind erosion landforms including ergs and playas are considered as the main components of landscape and landforms of Iran. In spite of abovementioned factors on formation of landforms in Iran, tectonic activities play an essential role on creation and development of desert landforms. One of the structural landforms is salt domes mainly concentrated in the south, middle, and middle north areas of the country.