Investigating the effect of land cover on dust spatial distribution in Southern Khuzestan province

Abstract

Aims: This research investigates the impact of land cover on dust distribution in the southern part of Khuzestan province in the period of 2000 to 2018. Materials & Methods: We used the Landsat 7 and 8 satellite data in 2000, 2009, and 2018 to extract land cover. The land cover map was prepared using the decision tree classification. Aerosol data was extracted using the aerosol optical depth index from the Modis Terra and Aqua sensors. Finally, the relationship between land cover changes and dust index was analyzed. Findings: The results of land cover maps showed a 5% decrease in rangeland cover; a 4.3% increase in salt marshes area; and, a 0.2% decrease in water bodies. The results also showed that the maximum aerosol index in 74% for Hindijan, Ahvaz, and Bandar Mahshahr. The maximum value of this index has increased in recent years. The highest percentage of landuse changes between 2000 and 2018 are bare lands to saline lands, rangelands to bare lands, and bare lands to croplands, respectively. We believe that salt lands by an increase in area by 68195 ha are the main cause of the increase in dust storms in the study area. Conclusion: Our results confirm the need to reconsider land use management and restore the basic functionality of the region’s ecosystems to prevent the occurrence of grave consequences of aerosol accumulation in the atmosphere.