Abstract
Quantifying source contribution of aeolian sediments is essential to prioritize sources and mitigate wind erosion. The objective of this research is quantifying uncertainty associated with results of sediment fingerprinting method using Monte-Carlo simulation technique in the Sirjan plain. Six sediment samples were collected from the sand sheets and forty source samples consisting Qt (n=13); Qc (n=17); Qsg (n=5); and Dc (n=5) were collected from geological spatial sources in the surrounding area. Concentration of eight geochemical elements were measured in both sample group. A two-stage statistical method including Kruskal Wallis H test and a stepwise discriminant function analysis applied for discriminating of aeolian sediment sources. Based on two-stage statistical method, four geochemical properties consisting Fe, K, Mg and Cu were selected as optimum fingerprints. The Qc and Dc were recognized as dominant sources for aeolian sediments in the study area and also, full uncertainty or full range (0-100%) calculated for some source contributions. Therefore, management activities for mitigation of wind erosion should establish at the Qc and Dc source regions. This technique has great potential for quantifying source contribution of aeolian sediments at other area with active wind erosion.
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