Assessment and compare the spatial-temporal distribution of aerosol optical depth (AOD) in the Khuzestan province, using remote sensing (R.S)

The study of desert dust and its suspension, transportation and deposition in environment are important issues with regard to global environmental changes. So, the distribution of dust and the way they can change, especially for dusts with extreme temporal and spatial variability, are being regularly monitored. In this study various methods of detection and zoning of dust-storm particles in Khuzestan province were compared. In this study, MODIS satellite images were utilized, because, these images have specific characteristics in identifying the source of dust storms. Initially the satellite data or satellite images were obtained. These images were captured a few days before and after the dust storm phenomenon in this area in order to identifying the exact origin of dust in this area. Maps derived from satellite Aqua and Terra showed that spatial variations AOD do not follow a certain trend, moreover, suspended particle variation in the air of western cities of Khuzestan were much more than other areas. The results showed that the highest and the lowest AOD index, almost in all cities, were observed in summer and autumn, respectively. Furthermore, the aerosol optical depth (0. 780±0. 22) in Ahvaz during the abovementioned period was above the average. According to AOD distribution maps in all four seasons in 2013, there was an increase in the amount of AOD from northeast to the southwest cities in Khuzestan province. There also was a decrease in the amount of AOD towards central cities of Khuzestan province in all seasons.