Application Landscape Metrics in Assessing Geomorphodiversity of Desert Areas the Case Study of Masileh Playas

The desert areas of the playas are important due to the diversity of geomorphological landforms and the great potential for geo-tourism development. These areas can be provided using statistical and quantitative models to determine the areas with a higher geomorphological diversity value to land planners for the sustainable development. This research was conducted to evaluate the geomorphodiversity in Mesileh playas in Namak Lake and Hoz-e- Sultan region. The geomorphological landforms in this area were extracted using satellite images and field studies, Fragstats software and the eight quantitative indicators of the landscape metrics include Patch Richness Density, Relative Patch Richness, Simpsons Evenness Index, Index Shannon Evenness, Shannons Diversity Index, Simpson's Diversity Index, Modified Simpson's Diversity Index, Modified Sahanon Evenness Index were exerted to evaluate the richness of geomorphological units in Masileh playas. The results indicate that the geomorphological units of alluvial fans, salt flats, salt mud flats and dunes, respectively, have the highest value among the landscape metrics. In addition, from the point of view of the landscape metrics, the northwest regions of Kashan and Abuzeydabad have the most incredible variety of geomorphology. This research showed that geomorphological units could be used as a suitable indicator in evaluating the diversity of the landscape, especially in flat areas with morphometric and geological diversity.