@article { author = {Rezaei Tavabe, K. and Azarnivand, H.}, title = {Biodiversity in Qanats (The Case study of Kerman County, Iran)}, journal = {Desert}, volume = {18}, number = {2}, pages = {99-104}, year = {2013}, publisher = {University of Tehran}, issn = {2008-0875}, eissn = {2345-475X}, doi = {}, abstract = {Qanat is one of the important inland aquatic ecosystems commonly containing freshwater in arid and semi-aridregions. There are 37 qanat chains in Kerman County in the Kerman province of Iran. During past years, some ofthem have been dried as a result of deep wells digging in their vicinities. The present study used morphomeristicanalysis to characterize fishes and invertebrate fauna in the qanats of Kerman County. Seven fish species and seveninvertebrate genuses were identified. All fishes were from the Cyprinidae family except for the mosquito fish(Poecilidae family). Capoeta aculata was the most common fish species in the Kerman county qanats. From theinsect identified species, the Hydropsyche genus was found in all qanats and Simolium genus was found in moreqanats. The incidence of insect species Rhitrogena sp., Liponeura sp. and Ecdyonurus sp. was related to the incidenceof organic pollution. They were only found in high discharge water qanats such as Farmintin and Goharriz. Thisindicates that the high discharge water is necessary to provide adequate water quality for settlement of these species.The results showed that more biodiversity is observable in qanats having higher water volumes.}, keywords = {Kerman,Qanat,fish,invertebrate,ecosystem}, url = {https://jdesert.ut.ac.ir/article_50001.html}, eprint = {https://jdesert.ut.ac.ir/article_50001_bef66a4568cd95d81b4e962d67b734ad.pdf} } @article { author = {Ahmadi, H. and Mohammadi, A. and Khalighi, SH. and Salajegheh, A. and Soltani, S.}, title = {Estimation of Instantaneous Peak Discharge Using GIUH, Snyder, SCS and Triangular Models: a Case Study of Central Alborz Watershed}, journal = {Desert}, volume = {18}, number = {2}, pages = {105-111}, year = {2013}, publisher = {University of Tehran}, issn = {2008-0875}, eissn = {2345-475X}, doi = {}, abstract = {The estimation of instantaneous peak discharge is important for watershed management because there is ainsufficient climatic and hydrologic data in countries such as Iran. Researchers have been forced to link constantparameters (geomorphology) and variable parameters (hydrology) to models with minimum dependence on climaticand hydrologic data for hydrologic estimation. The present study used a synthetic unit hydrograph at three drainagebasins in the central Alborz watershed (Kan, Amameh and Mehran) and compared the results with peak discharge inthe study areas to derive the best model. The results of the instantaneous peak discharge estimation were similar foreach drainage basin. A comparison of the models using relative mean error (RME) and root of mean square error(RMSE) for the three drainage basins showed that the mean RME for GIUH was 21.31, for Snyder was 82.25, forSCS was 227.34, and for triangular was 231.27. The mean RMSE for GIUH was 12.76, for Snyder was 17.05, forSCS was 42.84, and for triangular was 43.62. This confirms that the best estimation was produced by GIUH,followed by the Snyder, SCS and triangular models.}, keywords = {Peak Discharge,model,Watershed,Hydrograph,geomorphology}, url = {https://jdesert.ut.ac.ir/article_50002.html}, eprint = {https://jdesert.ut.ac.ir/article_50002_a5088e5eac20152d211bae1a8087c3c5.pdf} } @article { author = {Bakhtiari, B. and Bakhtiari, A.}, title = {Determination of tourism climate index in Kerman province}, journal = {Desert}, volume = {18}, number = {2}, pages = {113-126}, year = {2013}, publisher = {University of Tehran}, issn = {2008-0875}, eissn = {2345-475X}, doi = {}, abstract = {Climate is a natural resource that effects decision making for selection of destinations in tourism and ecotourism. Therelationship between climate and tourism is a complex one. But application of a climate index provides an ideal approachto understanding this complexity and is a useful tool for the tourism industry. In this study, a modified version ofMieczkowski's (1985) Tourism Climate Index (TCI) for months was used for Kerman province to determine climatecomfort ratings ranging from ideal to unfavorable. Data covering a network of 12 meteorological stations was used tocompute a TCI for the study region. Then index evaluations in each city were classified according to one of the six annualTCI distributions presented by Scott and Mcboyle (2001). Results of modeling showed bimodal-shoulder peaks in sevenstations namely (Anar, Rafsanjan, Zarand, Sirjan, Shahre-Babak, Bam and Kerman); two stations namely (Baft andLalehzar) had summer peak, and three cities (Shahdad, Kahnouj and Jiroft) had winter peak. TCI scores for all months inthe study stations were transferred into Geographic Information System to determine the most suitable areas and monthsfor tourism activities in Kerman province.}, keywords = {climate comfort,southeast Iran,Tourism climate index}, url = {https://jdesert.ut.ac.ir/article_50003.html}, eprint = {https://jdesert.ut.ac.ir/article_50003_e04a9ca8e1009d1a9602927aa991decb.pdf} } @article { author = {Estelaji, A. and Barghi, H.}, title = {Relationship between Geographical Bases and Distribution of Rural Settlements in Arid Areas: A case study of the Khour- Biabanak District, Naein Township}, journal = {Desert}, volume = {18}, number = {2}, pages = {127-134}, year = {2013}, publisher = {University of Tehran}, issn = {2008-0875}, eissn = {2345-475X}, doi = {}, abstract = {Geographical bases have significant function in human settlements in terms of distribution and sustainability. Thisstudy attempted to provide an insight into the role of geographical bases in rural settlement distribution in arid areas.Accordingly, this study was done in the rural area of Khour-Biabanak, Naein city in Esfahan province. Themethodology was that of a correlative research, to realize the study objectives through analysis of field, library anddocumentary information. Generally speaking, geographical bases fall into two main categories; natural and human,with a number of variables. This study applied 49 variables classified according to natural, economic, social andinfrastructure related themes. Some natural and infrastructure bases such as water resources and road networks areassumed as important in terms of rural settlement distribution. However, the findings of this study reveal that somehuman based factors, such as the ratio of working people to total population and number of job opportunities, had agreater role in distribution and sustainability of rural settlements in arid areas. Other factors, including size ofpopulation, number of households and number of secondary schools were also significant variables that influencedservice ranking in rural settlements in arid areas. The study concludes that such factors need to be given dueconsideration in planning for rural development in arid areas.}, keywords = {Geographical bases,rural settlements,Arid regions,Khour- Biabanak,Naein}, url = {https://jdesert.ut.ac.ir/article_50004.html}, eprint = {https://jdesert.ut.ac.ir/article_50004_66ce867ec107cbba18926e7b18fe3897.pdf} } @article { author = {Mohammadi Kangarani, H. and Ghonchepour, D. and Holisaz, A.}, title = {Social Cooperation Networks and Altered Social Groupings Shaped by Drought: A Case Study of the Village of Tutang in Hormozgon Province}, journal = {Desert}, volume = {18}, number = {2}, pages = {135-144}, year = {2013}, publisher = {University of Tehran}, issn = {2008-0875}, eissn = {2345-475X}, doi = {}, abstract = {A decrease in natural resources and their non-uniform distribution can affect social relationships between residents ofwatersheds, creating conflict and shifting groupings. The present study used the network analysis method to test thehypothesis that change in hydrologic parameters and water shortages in the village of Tutang has led to the new groupingsin the social cooperation network of the local population. Data was gathered by questionnaire. A cooperative networkcomposed of village residents to resolve the water shortage was delineated using UCINET and Visone software. Theresults showed that past communication patterns based on kinship changed after the water shortage arose and led to theformation of new groupings among residents. Individuals who cooperated in resolving the water shortage experiencedhigher social power, authority, and status. The results emphasized the need to focus attention on the interactions betweensubsystems of a social-ecological system. Determined individuals with increased social power can be enlisted to solve theconflicts}, keywords = {Homag Catchment,Cooperation Network,network analysis,Water shortage}, url = {https://jdesert.ut.ac.ir/article_50005.html}, eprint = {https://jdesert.ut.ac.ir/article_50005_53f01e51efb73216159343546abf7713.pdf} } @article { author = {Taleghani, M. and Talabakhshi, F.}, title = {The Role of Geomorphology in Locating Underground Sandy Dams (Case Study: Gilan-e-Gharb)}, journal = {Desert}, volume = {18}, number = {2}, pages = {145-152}, year = {2013}, publisher = {University of Tehran}, issn = {2008-0875}, eissn = {2345-475X}, doi = {}, abstract = {The use of temporary runoff and underground dried-up water courses has been implemented by managers in recentyears to compensate for water shortages in arid and semi-arid regions. One way to use this water is to set up anunderground sandy dam in front of such water courses; selecting a suitable water course is the most important issue ofsuch a purpose. In the present research, this matter was investigated using both library and field work methods duringthree stages in a part of the Gilan-e-Gharb basin. The following 11 variables were considered: lithology, structure, faultdirection, length of water course, slope of water course, grade of water course, valley shape, granular of sediment,thickness of sediment, lithology of valley bed, and distance from habitation. First, 15 valleys were selected from aerialstereoscopic photos of 1:55000 over the hillsides dominating the plains of Gilan-e-Gharb; the variables considered werelithology, structure, fault direction, length of valley, slope of valley, and distance from habitation. Then, these 15 valleyswere investigated through field study and paired comparison matrices considering the 5 factors of valley shape,granularity of sediment, thickness of sediment, lithology of valley bed, and grade of water course. As a result, 3 valleysover the hillsides of Mount Bar-e-Aftab were selected as suitable sites for the current study. The total reservoir volume forthese 3 valleys was estimated by measuring the water volume of 1 cubic meter of sediment in a practicable and scientificmethod. Upon completion of an underground sandy dam project, between 2475 to 2563 cubic meters of water could bestored in each valley.}, keywords = {geomorphology,Underground Sandy Dam,Locating,Gilan-e-Gharb}, url = {https://jdesert.ut.ac.ir/article_50006.html}, eprint = {https://jdesert.ut.ac.ir/article_50006_1fa96326a2936a7e17d8c1b91ab9bc66.pdf} } @article { author = {Daliri, F. and Seraji, H. and Kholghi, M. and Dehghanipour, A.}, title = {Prioritizing sub-watersheds flooding intensity for structural Damaging Flood control and managing}, journal = {Desert}, volume = {18}, number = {2}, pages = {153-162}, year = {2013}, publisher = {University of Tehran}, issn = {2008-0875}, eissn = {2345-475X}, doi = {}, abstract = {Nowadays multicriteria decision making (MCDM) methods are a useful tool for investigating natural resources and toaddress problems related to hydro systems. The goal of this research was to assess the Daliri Standardization Method(DSM) to prioritize and make selections for application to MCDM. And to compare the DSM method with the UtilityAdditive (UTA) method. The (DSM) method, unlike the (UTA) method, lines up choices without incorporating adecision-maker. Moreover, by conditioned weights, linear or exponential functions, the choices partial additive function isformulated in the Lingo program and finally, the total additive function is used to make priorities among the choices. Inthis study, 47 sub-watersheds in eastern Khurasan province were evaluated according to 25-year return periods for flood,lag time and fatal-cost damage. Results of the (DSM) method were accompanied by all multi-component goals in subbasinsbased on real data. The utility function of each method was compared with data relating to the Kan river northwestof Tehran, and comparison showed that 80 percent of the results were the same, so the DSM method can be considered asmore logical and sensible than the UTA method. This evaluation was made without consideration of site variation, so itcan be used effectively in watershed flood management to prevent investment in low priority sub-basins.}, keywords = {Damaging Flood,DSM,Utility Function}, url = {https://jdesert.ut.ac.ir/article_50007.html}, eprint = {https://jdesert.ut.ac.ir/article_50007_6cf66b1386e2eb020fa6068c3e418bac.pdf} } @article { author = {Tavakkolifard, A. and Ghasemieh, H. and Nazari Samani, A. and Mashhadi, N.}, title = {Determining the Risk of Sand Transportation to Residential Areas around Kashan Erg using Anemometry Data Analysis}, journal = {Desert}, volume = {18}, number = {2}, pages = {163-172}, year = {2013}, publisher = {University of Tehran}, issn = {2008-0875}, eissn = {2345-475X}, doi = {}, abstract = {The Kashan erg is one of the most important sand dune complexes in Iran. Being affected by wind erosion, theerg's borderlands face numerous problems as a result of sand movement. To evaluate the risk of sands moving intoresidential areas near the Kashan erg, anemometry data from synoptic stations located in Kashan, Ardestan, Meimeh,Naeen, and Qom were collected and analyzed to calculate the sand rose and to determine the amount and direction ofsand transfer. Annual and seasonal data from the past 40 years were studied. Based on the position of differentstations and the prevailing direction of erosive winds at the stations under study, Kashan is more vulnerable to sandtransfer than other areas, because the prevailing direction of erosive winds in Kashan is from the northeast and west,and the Kashan erg is located exactly northeast of Kashan. In this area, wind forces result in sand movement towardsKashan. Thus, Kashan is much more exposed to moving sand than the cities of Ardestan and Naeen. The cities ofQom and Meimeh are not at risk from moving sands. According to the morphology of the erg and sand rosecalculations, most sand transfer occurs first in the erg's vast sand dunes and then in the compound dunes in the center;it occurs less in the transverse dunes located north of the erg and in the linear ones south of it.}, keywords = {Moving sands,wind rose,storm rose,sand rose,Kashan Erg}, url = {https://jdesert.ut.ac.ir/article_50008.html}, eprint = {https://jdesert.ut.ac.ir/article_50008_d2ee9c12a4013b9c8562c4c498895d2d.pdf} } @article { author = {Joneidi Jafari, H.}, title = {Relationship between Root Biomass and Soil Organic Carbon: Case Study of Arid Shrub Lands of Semnan Province}, journal = {Desert}, volume = {18}, number = {2}, pages = {173-176}, year = {2013}, publisher = {University of Tehran}, issn = {2008-0875}, eissn = {2345-475X}, doi = {}, abstract = {This study analyzed the relationship between the vertical distribution of root biomass and soil organic carbon (SOC)content in the arid shrub lands of Semnan province in Iran. Three sites were selected based on differences in canopy coverof Artemisia sieberi (5%, 10% and 15%). Average density of shrubs, root biomass and SOC were determined at differentdepths (0-20, 20-40, 40-60, 60-80 cm) in 20 quadrats at each site and are expressed on a per ha basis. Simple equationswere used to calculate the relationship between SOC and root biomass for each site. Statistical analyses were conductedusing ANOVA. The results showed that the root biomass and the SOC content generally decreased as soil depth increased.There was an acceptable relationship between root biomass and SOC at all sites. The proportion of SOC in the soil wasfound to be positively related to the vertical distribution of root biomass; 75% of total root biomass was found at 0-25 cm,while this same soil layer contained 48% of SOC.}, keywords = {Belowground biomass,Soil carbon,Artemisia sieberi,Carbon percentage}, url = {https://jdesert.ut.ac.ir/article_50009.html}, eprint = {https://jdesert.ut.ac.ir/article_50009_abf187e8b9750a4ddf86915c8bf415e7.pdf} } @article { author = {Azarnivand, A. and Banihabib, M.}, title = {The Identification of Effective Factors of Strategic Implementation in Water Resources Management (Case Study: Lake Urmia Basin)}, journal = {Desert}, volume = {18}, number = {2}, pages = {177-183}, year = {2013}, publisher = {University of Tehran}, issn = {2008-0875}, eissn = {2345-475X}, doi = {}, abstract = {There is a little room for doubt that Lake Urmia, which is the second largest permanent hyper saline lake in the world,is currently suffering from a lack of appropriate management strategy. Accordingly, this study was done using the SWOTmatrix to analyze the key factors affecting declining water levels and increasing salinity. Results of group decisionmakingby brainstorming among a group of experts identified 17 internal factors (four strengths and 13 weaknesses) andnine external factors (five opportunities and four threats). Then four kinds of strategy groups were formulated by matchinginternal and external factors. And the most feasible policy was introduced from evaluations of Attractiveness Scores andQuantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM). These reality-based solutions can be applied to facilitate progresstowards realizing the target vision. This information was used to select the best alternatives according to strategies basedon weaknesses and opportunities (WO Strategies). This study illustrates that the existing water use pattern did notconform to the requirements necessary for sustainability. Furthermore, managerial-based strategies with the objectives ofpreserving surface and groundwater sources, orienting stakeholders towards implementing efficient water use pattern,adjusting water consumption with existing potential in the field and improving irrigation efficiency and reduction oflosses can be applied to eradicate the ecological issues associated with Lake Urmia.}, keywords = {Basin management,Lake Urmia,SWOT,QSPM,Strategy}, url = {https://jdesert.ut.ac.ir/article_50010.html}, eprint = {https://jdesert.ut.ac.ir/article_50010_d6f7c599be85f208727deceb1085b30b.pdf} }