Assessment and Mapping of Land Degradation in Abuzaydabad, Iran using an IMDPA Model with Emphasis on Land Criteria

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran

2 Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

3 Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran

Abstract

Land degradation, or desertification, is specific to arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid regions. The rate of this
phenomenon is high in developing countries such as Iran. This research investigated desertification and mapping of
desertification in Abuzaydabad, near Kashan, Iran, with an emphasis on land criteria using an IMDPA model.
Different studies have assessed land degradation or desertification and resulted in the production of different regional
models. The application of such models to another region requires reinvestigation of the criteria and adjustments for
local conditions. The present study used the newest and best model for assessment. Three key regional criteria were
defined for desertification: geology-geomorphology, soil, and wind erosion. A working unit map was made using a
geomorphologic method and land use in each working unit was determined. Thematic databases were integrated and
enhanced using GIS and its spatial modeling function. Using the developed land degradation or desertification
mapping, it was found that of the total study area (16161 ha), medium desertification was found in 4792 ha and high
desertification was found in 11369 ha.

Keywords

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics