Spatial distribution of frequency and intensity of dust phenomenon based on horizontal visibility field in Khuzestan province

Although dust storms have been one of the challenges in most provinces of the country in the last two decades, Khuzestan province has been most affected by this destructive phenomenon. Since the frequency and intensity of this phenomenon in Khuzestan province do not have the same spatial distribution, horizontal visibility field data at synoptic stations in a common statistical period (2001-2018) were used to identify the frequency and intensity potential of this phenomenon. To be more accurate in the spatial distribution of this phenomenon, instead of days with dust, synoptic hourly data of dust occurrence have been used. Data with a horizontal visibility field of 100 m and 1000 m were used to identify the potential of supercritical and critical dust conditions, respectively. Other classes of horizontal visibility, including the 3000-m horizontal visibility, the 5000-m horizontal visibility, and the 9000-meter horizontal visibility were zoned. The results showed that the spatial distribution of critical views in Khuzestan province, due to the decrease in wind speed, followed the process of particle subsidence as well as the rising areas and around the internal dust hotspots. The spatial distribution of visibility of 3000 meters and less shows the highest intensity and frequency in airport areas such as Ahvaz and Abadan International Airports and Dezful and Omidieh Airports. Awareness and knowledge of areas with frequency and intensity of dust, especially in the critical and supercritical horizontal visibility field helps planners and decision-makers in performing and selecting executive operations to reduce and control dust storms in Khuzestan province.