Impact of drought on dust storms: case study over Southwest Iran

Abstract

Dust storms are common meteorological events in arid and semi-arid regions, particularly in Southwest Iran (SWI). Here we study the relation between drought events in Iraq and dust storms in SWI between 2003 and 2018. The HYSPLIT model showed that central and southern Iraq are the main dust sources for SWI. Mean annual aerosol optical depth (AOD) analysis demonstrated that 2008 and 2009 were the dustiest years since 2003 and there is an increased frequency of summertime extreme dust events in the years 2008 and 2009. The Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index revealed that drought in Iraq significantly affects dust storms in Iran. Similarly, dramatic desiccation of Iraq wetlands has contributed to increasing fall dust events in SWI. AOD in SWI is highly correlated (−0.76) with previous-month vapor pressure deficit (VPD) over Iraq, demonstrating the potential of VPD for dust event forecasting.

Global Dust Variability Explained by Drought Sensitivity in CMIP6 Models

“…Javadian et al. (2019) also showed significant dust‐drought correlations over the Middle East. Achakulwisut (2018) and Javadian et al.…”

“…Achakulwisut (2018) showed that US Southwest and northern Mexico drought is highly correlated with the increases in Southwest dust. Javadian et al (2019) also showed significant dust-drought correlations over the Middle East. Achakulwisut (2018) and Javadian et al (2019) defined drought incorporating both precipitation and evapotranspirative demands.…”

“…Dust emission response to precipitation drought shows strong regional contrast (Javadian et al., 2019; Zender & Kwon, 2005). Over most regions drought enhances dust emission due to decreased soil moisture that constrains soil erodibility.…”

Integration of Satellite Observation and Dust Trajectory Modeling for Dust Transport and Dispersion Monitoring

“…Cao et al (215) indicated that the shrinkage of Horolazim wetland, especially in the southern and southwest parts of the wetland areas is the result of phenomena such as climate change, low-water periods, as well as negative effects of human activities that a conclusion supported by Javadian et al (2019) who found these wetlands to be one of the three most important dust centers affecting the other cities of Iran. Anthropogenic activities include extreme harvesting of water from wetland resources, wetland drying and converting into cropland, dams construction on the rivers, increasing human access to a wetland through construction roads inside wetland, an oil company drilling and undeniable impacts of Iran-Iraq war that have undesirable effect on the wetlands (Gerivani et al 2011).…”

“…The cumulative effects of the threats have a high risk on this part of the wetland. Due to the construction of several dams and the implementation of irrigation network development projects in recent years, the drought has led to changes in the vegetation cover of these wetlands, which was identi ed as a source of dust (Javadian et al 2019). Rahimi Blouchi and Malekmohammadi (2013) showed that instead of the change in natural habitats, change in hydrological patterns due to dam construction and also water pollution has been identi ed as the most important risks of the Shadegan international wetland.…”