Evaluation of desertification intensity with wind erosion criterion using MICD and FAO-UNEP models in Zahak region of Sistan

Many studies have been carried out to assess and prepare desertification map in the worldIn order to assess the current situation of desertification intensity, a study was carried out in an area of 88350 hectares in Zahak region of sistan. In this study, at first, based on combining information extracted from topographic and geologic maps, aerial photos and field survey, the study area was divided into 11 geomorphologic faces and each face was considered as the main unit for evaluating the current situation of desertification. With regard to the analysis and combining FAO-UNEP and MICD models, as the most famous models of desertification intensity assessment in Iran and world, it was attempted to identify effective indices based on wind erosion to select the best ones. These indices were evaluated in a regional model of desertification assessment with regard to the numerical value of each index in each work unit and then in whole study area. Finally, the current situation of desertification intensity of the study area with emphasis on wind erosion criterion was estimated in four classes of insignificant and low, medium, intense and very intense. Results indicated that the study area with respect to desertification intensity was placed in the classes of medium (about 734.33 hectare (0.9 %)), intense (about 61473.38 hectare (73.6 %)), and very intense (about 21310.22 hectare (25.51 %)). Also, the weighted average of quantitative value (DS) was estimated to be 25.52 in the whole area indicating an intense desertification in the region.