Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Abstract

Iran is mostly consisted of arid and semi-arid areas. Rudab region, Sabzevar, is indicative of an area
exposed to and affected by the risk of desertification. This study accordingly is aimed at assessing
the risk of desertification using ESAs model, through mapping the risk of desertification. Initially,
work units’ map was prepared based on which relevant indicators were valued. Then, relevant
indices were prepared based on ESAs model using GIS. Finally, ESAI index was calculated for
each work unit. After mapping the risk of desertification, desertification damages were evaluated. It
was found out that the risk of desertification in Rudab can be classified at three classes i.e. class I,
II, and III; and subclass III1 covered the biggest surface of the study area i.e. 44.48%. Based on
desertification damage map, Rudab region is divided into five classes so that class III covering
35.20 percent of the area is the biggest area. Active sandy dune faces are prone to the highest risk of
desertification since they entail significant risk factors and need to be paid due attention for desert
greening programs.

Keywords

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