Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
- Leila Biabani 1
- Hassan Khosravi 1
- Gholamreza Zehtabian 1
- Esmaeil Heydari Alamdarloo 1
- Behzad Raygani 2
1 Department of Arid and Mountainous Regions Reclamation, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
2 Research Group of Environmental Assessment and Risks, Research Center of Environment and Sustainable Development (RCESD), Department of Environment, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Soil erosion modeling is becoming more significant in the development and implementation of soil management and conservation policies. For a better understanding of the geographical distribution of soil erosion, spatial-based models of soil erosion are required. Wind erosion is a significant cause of land degradation and desertification, negatively impacting the economy, society, and environment, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. To control and reduce the effects of wind erosion, the first step is to identify sensitive areas. The aim of this research is to identify areas susceptible to wind erosion using the ILSWE model in the watershed regions of the Dar Anjir-Saghand Desert, Namak Lake, and Sefidrud. This model has been calculated by combining five erosion indices, including climate erosivity, soil erodibility, surface crust, vegetation cover, and surface roughness. The model's results indicate that climatic factors, such as precipitation, evaporation, and wind, vary across these regions. These factors play a significant role in determining areas that are susceptible to wind erosion. It is noted that other factors, including differences in vegetation cover, soil characteristics, topographic conditions, and the extent of bare lands, salt marshes, sandy dunes, low-density pastures, and rainfed agricultural lands, have also influenced the results of this. In general, this study presents a new method for identifying wind erosion-sensitive areas in various climates. This method can prioritize regions that require further research and corrective measures.
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