Journal of Arid Regions Geographic Studies

Journal of Arid Regions Geographic Studies

Spatio-temporal variations of wind erosion potential in Khorasan Razavi province using RWEQ model

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Department of Arid and Desert Areas Management, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
2 Department of Geography, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
Abstract
Aim: Long-term wind erosion data is essential for sustainable land management. Razavi Khorasan province experiences wind erosion, resulting in dust storms that cause considerable damage. The sources of wind erosion and dust storms appear to change over time. This research aims to understand the dynamic patterns of wind erosion and its main drivers.
Material & Method: This study examines the spatial and temporal variations in wind erosion potential in Razavi Khorasan province using the RWEQ model..It investigates how factors such as soil sensitivity, geography and climate influence wind erosion  by analyzing data from the period (2000-2021).. Results were validated using AAI, BDI satellite data.
Finding: Significant differences in erosion sensitivity were observed in Razavi Khorasan, mainly due to geographical factors such as vegetation distribution, soil characteristics, and weather patterns.Areas with less vegetation and looser surface soils are particularly affected. The southwestern and southeastern parts of Razavi Khorasan show a broader distribution of wind erosion potential. On the contrary, the northern region have relatively lower soil erosion potential due to different climatic conditions, including more precipitation and lower temperature.
Conclusion: The most significant expansion of erosion-prone areas occurs during the spring and summer seasons.. In the summer months, intense wind erosion activities shift from the southeast and southwest parts (such as Khaf and Bardskan) to the central regions (such as Taibad, Torbet Jam, Sarkhs and Bejestan). However, specific microclimate conditions in certain parts of Razavi Khorasan, such as the western parts of Sabzevar and Davarzen, results in increase wind erosion in spring compared to summer.
Innovation: Using erosion models on the Google Earth Engine platform overcomes local and traditional computational limitations, allowing for the rapid processing of extensive spatial data.. This approach greatly simplifies the creatation of wind erosion maps and potentially enables long-term practical applications.
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  • Receive Date 15 September 2024
  • Revise Date 22 December 2024
  • Accept Date 19 January 2025
  • Publish Date 01 November 2025