Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze dust patterns and identify the main sources of dust in Kermanshah Province during 2018–2024, providing a detailed assessment of the intensity and spatial distribution of air pollution using satellite observations and the HYSPLIT numerical model.
Material & Method: Data from the MODIS sensor and Sentinel-5 satellite were used to extract aerosol optical depth (AOD), maximum AOD (AOD Max), and aerosol absorption index (AAI), and spatial distribution maps were generated. The HYSPLIT model utilized meteorological data, including wind direction and speed, to simulate dust transport pathways and identify major sources. Model validation was performed using true-color MODIS images to ensure accurate representation of particle dispersion and transport routes.
Finding: The results revealed significant temporal and spatial variations in dust events. The year 2022 was the most critical, with an AOD of approximately 0.9, affecting mainly the southwestern and central regions of Kermanshah, while 2019 and 2020 were the least hazardous years. AAI analysis indicated that light-absorbing particles were concentrated in the western and southwestern areas, highlighting the dominant role of external dust sources, particularly from Iraq and Syria. More than 90% of dust transport pathways occurred through western border regions. AOD Max analysis confirmed that border areas adjacent to Iraq were the main sources of severe dust events.
Conclusion: Effective dust management in Kermanshah requires continuous monitoring of AOD and AAI indices, identification of transport pathways, and strengthening regional and transboundary cooperation. Early warning systems and planning to mitigate environmental, health, and economic impacts are achievable through integrated satellite data and numerical modeling.
Innovation: This study integrates satellite data with the HYSPLIT model to precisely identify dust sources and transport routes, providing detailed spatiotemporal maps and establishing a scientific basis for environmental management, desertification control, and mitigation of dust-related hazards.