Evaluation of desertification intensity in Kashan plain

Aims & Backgrounds: Desertification is one of the major challenges in today's world, especially in countries like Iran that are affected by arid and semi-arid climates. To prevent and slow down the desertification process and in other words, with the aim of preventing and reducing desertification speed, the first effective and necessary step is to identify the susceptible areas and the factors contributing to this phenomenon. This research aims at assessing level of desertification in Kashan plain using an Iranian model. Methodology: In this comparative study with the use of IMDPA (Iranian Model of Desertification Potential assessment), an Iranian method and model, first the desertification potential of Kashan plain in 2002 and 2016 was investigated and then the conditions of the two periods were compared. The criteria used in this model were the vegetation and climate criteria. Based on this, Landsat 7 NDVI data, CHIRPS precipitation database and MODIS satellite potential evapotranspiration data were used. Findings: Based on the results and findings of this study, in 2002, 3853.1 km2 of the area was classified as moderate desertification and 3294.8 km2 in severe desertification group. But in 2016, there were 1035.22 km2 of moderate desertification intensity, 6019.3 km2 of severe desertification and 124.22 km2 of extreme desertification. Conclusion: As a result, in addition to establishing a very severe desertification in 2016, the extent of the areas with severe desertification has also expanded significantly.