Investigation of Desertification Potential Using IMDPA Model (Case Study: The Gandomban Plain, Qasr-e-Shirin)

Currently, desertification phenomenon is being spread throughout the world including Iran. This problem not only imposes the arid and semi-arid regions but also affects semi-humid regions. Desertification event is induced by both natural factor and improper anthropogenic activities. Therefore, combating desertification needs modeling the effective factors and characteristics. This study aims at evaluating desertification hazard using Iranian Model of Desertification Potential Assessment (IMDPA) model which is adapted to the holistic model. This research is conducted at Gandomban plain, Ghasr-e-Shirin, Iran. However, quantities evaluation of desertification hazard is carried out based on three main factors including climate, water, and geomorphology. The factors comprise 11 indices. Each index estimated, mapped and prioritized based on its weighted mean using Arc GIS software. The result explored that the study area can be classified into three classes including low (5.38%), moderate (72.53%) and high (22.08%) indicating moderate class for the study area. The effect of climate on desertification was found moderate, while water and geomorphology factors share severe development of desertification event. By and large, the prioritized indices were found deficit of groundwater, geological formation and electrical conductivity (EC), respectively. In contrast, sodium absorption ratio (SAR) and chloride were lower and neutral agents. It is concluded that the study area is suffering from desertification hazard inducing the shortcoming of groundwater phenomenon.