An Analysis of the Effects of the Change in Climate and Surface Soil Conditions on the Frequency of Dust Storms: The Case Study of Khorasan Razavi Province

In recent decades, dust storms have intensified due to climate changes, including drought and human interventions. In addition to removing soil particles, dust brings storms bring about severe economic, social, and health problems. Due to its strategic conditions – including its status as an industrial and agricultural hub and the province hosting more than 29 million Iranian and international pilgrims, especially during the seasons and months with specific holidays – should be prioritized in the examination of dust storm frequency. The purpose of this study was to examine and track the frequency of dust storms and analyze the effect of climactic changes on them through the investigation of drought trend as well as the trend of changes in the land surface coverage percentage during the statistical analysis period. The results of counting the dust codes showed that dust storms with local origin had the highest frequency. According to the monthly analysis, Sarakhs and Mashhad stations had the most dust phenomena, with the most dusty days in the study area during summer and spring seasons, especially June and July months. The results of regression analysis of drought index and the monthly local dusty days indicated the existence of a significant, positive relationship between dust increase and drought intensity in Mashhad and Sarakhs stations during the statistical period of 27 years at 99 percent confidence interval. Finally, in the light of the results obtained from the examination of the land surface changes, it is recommended that land use plans be used along with short-term methods of soil stabilization in order to reduce the economic damages and preserve people’s health against dust during busy months and seasons so as to achieve the goals of long-term methods.