University of Tehran PressDesert2008-087531120260601Origin, Source, Composition and Transport Pathways of Sand Dune (A Case Study: Garmsar Dune Fields).11710746210.22059/jdesert.2026.107462ENNaserMashhadiInternational Desert Research Center (I.D.R.C.), University of Tehran, Karaj, IranMajidKarimpour ReihanInternational Desert Research Center (I.D.R.C.), University of Tehran, Karaj, IranDavoodJahaniDepartment of Geology, Islamic Azad University North Tehran Branch, Tehran, IranYaldaMohammadiDepartment of Geology, Islamic Azad University North Tehran Branch, Tehran, IranSirousShamshiriDepartment of Arid and Mountainous Regions Reclamation, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Alborz, IranJournal Article20260616In arid environments dominated by dune fields, the form, alignment, and aeolian characteristics of sand dunes provide critical insights into their origin, sediment sources, and transport pathways. This study assesses the sedimentological characteristics of the Garmsar desert dunes to identify these key parameters. Surface sand samples were collected across a representative distribution within the Garmsar dune fields. Sediment characterization was performed using dry sieving for particle size analysis, thin-section microscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) for bulk mineralogy. The results demonstrate that dune form and alignment effectively record the strong wind directions in the region. The mean sand size ranges from 187 to 345 μm (medium to very fine sand), with sorting coefficients between 1.556 and 1.779 (moderately to moderately well-sorted). These findings suggest that the sand has undergone relatively short-distance transport from its source. Mineralogical data indicate that the dunes are primarily composed of carbonate and volcanic minerals. Consequently, the primary sand origin are identified as the Upper/Lower Red Formations and the Qom Formation in the Kohe Sorkh area, with sediment transported via the Shur River in the northwest. Based on grain size characteristics, the presence of rock fragments, and mineralogical composition, it is concluded that the sediments are predominantly derived from local sources.https://jdesert.ut.ac.ir/article_107462_5e5ffaba50a186141c72d99de14b26f0.pdfUniversity of Tehran PressDesert2008-087531120260601Derivation and Functional Evaluation of Pedotransfer Functions for Estimating the Soil Water Infiltration Rate.183510737510.22059/jdesert.2026.107375ENRahmanBaridehAgricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), East Azerbaijan, Tabriz, IranFereshtehNasimiDepartment of Water Sciences, Urmia University, West Azerbaijan, Urmia, IranAlirezaTavasoleeAgricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), East Azerbaijan, Tabriz, IranAhmadBybordiAgricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), East Azerbaijan, Tabriz, IranRezaHassanpourAgricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), East Azerbaijan, Tabriz, IranYaserHamdi AhmadabadAgricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), West Azerbaijan, Urmia, IranJournal Article20260610Direct measurement of soil water infiltration can be laborious, time-consuming, and expensive under certain conditions. The main objective of this study was to investigate the possibility of accurately estimating the final soil water infiltration rate (IR) using pedotransfer functions (PTFs) based on readily available soil attributes (RASAs). In this study, new PTFs were derived from a small regional dataset, and the performance of existing PTFs was evaluated in comparison with the locally developed ones. Furthermore, an approach was proposed to improve IR estimation by developing error functions based on basic soil properties and adding the predicted error to the estimated IR values. In addition, a recalibration approach was applied to enhance the performance of existing PTFs at the local scale. To this end, IR, soil texture, bulk density, organic matter, geometric mean diameter, geometric standard deviation of particle size, specific surface area, and structural stability index were measured in two adjacent regions (T1 and T2). The IR data were obtained using the double-ring method at 49 points in T1 and 27 points in T2, with three replications. Using the T1 dataset, PTFs were developed through multiple linear regression (MLR), and both new and existing PTFs were validated using the T2 dataset. . The results showed that none of the considered PTFs could accurately estimate IR (34%<nRMSE<5678%) but the use of error functions (25%<nRMSE<104%) and recalibration of the existing PTFs (18%<nRMSE<30%) considerably increased the accuracy of the IR estimations. Consequently, even with a limited number of data (N=15), one can develop error functions or recalibrate the existing PTFs to improve their estimation accuracy in practice.https://jdesert.ut.ac.ir/article_107375_a118cef41ff95fe63fe54d3b6a04930b.pdfUniversity of Tehran PressDesert2008-087531120260601Marketing Efficiency and Marketing Margins of Taranjabin Manna (Alhagi maurorum) in Khorasan Razavi Province.364510733910.22059/jdesert.2026.107339ENEsmaeilAlizadehDepartment of Reclamation of Arid and Mountainous Region, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Alborz, Karaj, IranParmisSiamiDepartment of Reclamation of Arid and Mountainous Region, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Alborz, Karaj, IranJournal Article20260608Arid and semi-arid regions offer significant potential for producing unique medicinal and pharmaceutical products. Understanding marketing efficiency, value chains, and economic returns from such products can enhance income generation and support sustainable development in local communities. Taranjabin manna, derived from <em>Alhagi maurorum</em> (commonly known as camelthorn), is a valuable traditional medicinal product in Iran, used in ethnomedicine as an expectorant, demulcent, and laxative. This study investigated the marketing margins and efficiency of Taranjabin manna across the supply chain using structured questionnaires administered to producers (harvesters), wholesalers, and retailers in Jovin and Kashmar counties of Iran. Marketing margins were calculated at each level, while qualitative indicators, including packaging, sales channels, and market connectivity, were assessed to evaluate overall market performance. Results showed that the retail-level marketing margin 1400000 IRR was substantially higher than the wholesale margin 3700000 IRR. Notably, producers (harvesters) captured 51.5% of the final consumer price, a relatively high share compared to many non-timber forest products and medicinal plants in similar supply chains. Packaging quality emerged as a key factor influencing final price formation and consumer purchase intent. The study also highlighted the role of intermediaries in price determination and the limited direct market access for harvesters. These findings suggest that improving packaging standards, strengthening direct market linkages, and enhancing supply-chain transparency could increase harvester returns, promote sustainable harvesting practices, and reduce dependence on livestock grazing in fragile arid ecosystems. Such interventions may support alternative livelihoods and contribute to environmental conservation in Iran's drylands.https://jdesert.ut.ac.ir/article_107339_f66acb940d0223feee392985c5f3c16d.pdfUniversity of Tehran PressDesert2008-087531120260601Integrated Rehabilitation of Maharloo Wetland: Source Control and Ecological Water Allocation Based on Spatio-Temporal Evidence.466310754510.22059/jdesert.2026.107545ENBaharehSamadi KuchaksaraeiResearcher of Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Alborz, IranKamranRezaei TavabeDepartment of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Alborz, Iran.ElnazNamdari GhareghaniDepartment of Reclamation of Arid & Muntainous Regions, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Alborz, IranHamidZohrabiDepartment of Environment, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Alborz, IranMohammad JavadSayahpourDepartment of Agricultural Extension and Education, School of Agriculture,, Shiraz University, Shiraz, IranYaldaMovasaghiDepartment of Natural Resources and Environmental Engineering, School of Agriculture, Shiraz University,Shiraz, IranJournal Article20260621Maharloo Wetland, a vital yet degraded ecosystem in Iran, faces a dual crisis of severe water scarcity and intense pollution. This study aimed to diagnose the wetland's water quality status to inform a targeted rehabilitation strategy. Seasonal sampling was conducted at 8 stations from autumn 2023 to summer 2024, analyzing physicochemical and microbial parameters and synthesizing data using the Iranian Surface Water Quality Index (IRWQISC). Results revealed a pervasive and critical condition, with IRWQIsc scores (5.2–11.4) categorizing all stations as "very bad" year-round. Spatial analysis identified two consistent pollution hotspots (Stations 7 and 8), located at the inlets of the Soltan-abad and Khoshk rivers respectively. these hotspots exhibited significantly elevated levels of organic matter (BOD up to 450.6 mg/L), nutrients (NO<sub>3</sub>⁻up to 212 mg/L), and fecal coliforms. These hotspots indicate persistent anthropogenic inputs, likely from agricultural drainage and wastewater. The remaining stations showed relatively better but still poor quality. It is argued that successful rehabilitation requires an integrated two-pillar approach: (1) Immediate, targeted pollution source control at identified hotspots through agricultural best management practices and wastewater regulation, and (2) Scientifically determined ecological water allocation to address the hydrological deficit, informed by methods like flagship species assessment. Allocating water without first mitigating pollution loads would be ecologically inefficient. This spatio-temporal evidence provides a clear roadmap for prioritizing interventions, emphasizing that controlling contamination is the essential prerequisite for any effective hydrological restoration of Maharloo Wetland.https://jdesert.ut.ac.ir/article_107545_37336834b53dda92029690008fe8935e.pdfUniversity of Tehran PressDesert2008-087531120260601Spatial Economic Valuation of Marine Ecosystem Services Provided by Coral Reefs and Seagrasses in Iran.648510754810.22059/jdesert.2026.107548ENQadirAshournejadDepartment of Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, IranFatemeGarshasbiDepartment of Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, IranJournal Article20260621Coral reef and seagrass ecosystems are an essential component in marine ecosystems, the full value and spatial distribution of which is fundamental to sustainable management. This study is primarily focused on the economic valuation of marine ecosystem services (coral reefs and seagrass) in Iranian territorial waters in the Persian Gulf. To this end, coral reef and seagrass habitat areas within the political boundaries of the Persian Gulf in Iran were extracted and classified by province, city, and island using the Allen Coral Atlas remote sensing product within the Google Earth Engine platform based on habitat-specific remote sensing classification. These two habitats were then economically assessed using Robert Costanza's ecosystem service valuation model. The results indicate that Iran encompasses 6018.63 hectares of coral reefs and 2054.01 hectares of seagrass, corresponding to $2 billion and $59 million in economic value, respectively. The province of Hormozgan, Bandar Lengeh city, and Qeshm Island had the largest share of coral reef areas, corresponding to 4251.11, 2288.95, and 515.26 hectares and respective economic values of $1.497 billion, $806 million, and $181 million. Hormozgan Province, Konarak City, and Larak Island, on the other hand, showed the largest area of seagrass beds, equal to 958.81, 951.43, and 47.72 hectares, respectively. The economic value of seagrass in these areas has been estimated at $27 million, $27 million, and $1 million, respectively.These results highlight the significant ecological and economic importance of coral reef and seagrass ecosystems in supporting coastal sustainability in the Persian Gulf. Furthermore, the findings can support marine spatial planning, ecosystem conservation strategies, and policy-making in Iran’s coastal and marine management.https://jdesert.ut.ac.ir/article_107548_fd19a954fcb23a79cfae44b37e3d0779.pdfUniversity of Tehran PressDesert2008-087531120260601Proposing an Intelligent Hybrid Algorithm: Group Method of Data Handling – Harmony Search for Dust Storm Modeling in Western Iran.8610310763810.22059/jdesert.2026.107638ENRamtinTavoosi RadDepartment of Reclamation of Arid and Mountainous regions Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.0009-0006-3284-2140MohammadAnsari GhojgharDepartment of Reclamation of Arid and Mountainous regions Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.HassanKhosraviDepartment of Reclamation of Arid and Mountainous regions Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.Journal Article20260628This study addresses this imperative by proposing an intelligent hybrid algorithm, integrating Group Method of Data Handling (GMDH) with Harmony Search (HS), to offer a novel, scalable, and cost-effective framework. The objective is to significantly enhance dust storm prediction accuracy by effectively capturing intricate environmental interactions, thereby critically advancing the state-of-the-art in environmental hazard forecasting. This study aims to model the frequency index of dust storm days (FDSD) using integrated Group Method of Data Handling - Harmony Search (GMDH-HS) intelligent algorithm at eight synoptic stations in Kurdistan Province, Iran over a 50-year statistical period (1971–2020). The performance of two intelligent models, Group Method of Data Handling (GMDH) and Group Method of Data Handling - Harmony Search (GMDH-HS), was evaluated and compared. The results, based on goodness-of-fit criteria during the training and testing phases, indicated a marginal but statistically insignificant difference in accuracy between the two models. The Hybrid model of Data Handling - Harmony Search (GMDH-HS) model exhibited superior performance, achieving lower error values of 0.113, 1.231 percent respectively for NRMSE and MAPE metrics. The selection of a suitable model should be guided by the specific characteristics of the project, the dataset, and existing constraints. By leveraging the strengths of both components—GMDH’s ability to automatically select the optimal network structure and HS’s efficiency in fine-tuning the model parameters—this hybrid framework offers a state-of-the-art, scalable, and computationally efficient predictive tool, thereby critically advancing the accuracy and efficiency of environmental hazard forecasting models.https://jdesert.ut.ac.ir/article_107638_ef81027d7aee75bb598901d48bac3b31.pdfUniversity of Tehran PressDesert2008-087531120260601Aeolian-Fluvial Interactions in Sandy Sediments of Northeastern Iran: Insights from Quartz Grain Microtextures and Particle Size Distribution.10412010764110.22059/jdesert.2026.107641ENAlirezaKarimiDepartment of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.FatemehJafarpourDepartment of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.Journal Article20260628This study characterized the particle size distribution and surface microtexture of quartz in sandy sediments in southern Sabzevar to identify the nature of these sediments and the processes affecting their accumulation. Thirty samples were collected from 0 to 30 cm at ~1 km intervals along a transect in three geomorphic surfaces: the Kal-e Shur floodplain (FP), the dune field area (DF), and the distal part of the alluvial fan (DA). Particle size analysis revealed bimodal distributions in FP and DA, with modes in fine sand and very coarse silt, indicating mixed aeolian and fluvial sources. In contrast, the DF surface exhibited a unimodal distribution dominated in fine sand, consistent with aeolian processes. Mean grain size (Mz) averaged 4.1 (FP), 3.05 (DF), and 3.61 phi (DA), and sediments were poorly to very poorly sorted across all surfaces. SEM microtextural analysis of quartz grains showed V-shaped percussion marks, conchoidal fractures, and dissolution features. These textures, combined with grain mgorphology (angular to sub-rounded in FP and DA; rounded to sub-rounded in DF), independently support the interpretation of aeolian dominance in the DF and mixed aeolian-fluvial processes in FP and DA. The integration of particle size distribution, quartz microtexture, and geomorphic context effectively discriminates sedimentary processes in this transitional arid landscape.https://jdesert.ut.ac.ir/article_107641_910a63ae6e632a7182cc201baba53fef.pdfUniversity of Tehran PressDesert2008-087531120260601Spatial Variability of Playa Surface Types in Relation to Groundwater Depth and Salinity Regime: A Case Study from Haj Aligholi Playa, Damghan, Iran.12113010777410.22059/jdesert.2026.107774ENNaserMashhadiInternational Desert Research Center (IDRC), University of Tehran, Karaj, Alborz, Iran.Journal Article20260704This study investigates the influence of salinity regime and groundwater conditions on surface morphology in the southern part of Haj Aligholi playa, Damghan, Iran. A multi-method approach integrating topographic and geological mapping, satellite image interpretation, and field investigations—including soil profile excavation and physicochemical analysis—was employed. Results reveal a systematic spatial transition in playa surfaces from the outer margins toward the center, with five distinct landform types identified: clay floor, soft puffy surfaces, plowed-like clay surfaces (Zardeh), wet zones, and patterned salt-clay surfaces. Groundwater depth decreased progressively from 400 cm in peripheral clay flats to 45 cm in the central wet zone, accompanied by substantial increases in electrical conductivity (EC: 4.6 to 174.8 ds/m) and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR: 5.3 to 191.7 meq/L). These findings demonstrate that surface morphology is primarily controlled by the interaction between groundwater depth (and associated capillary rise) and sediment texture, which jointly determine salt accumulation patterns. The study highlights playa surfaces as sensitive indicators of hydrological conditions and provides a framework for environmental monitoring and land management in arid closed-basin systems.https://jdesert.ut.ac.ir/article_107774_658e07ee1e48b729b57f3021d962318c.pdf