Territorial conditions and security of border areas
kamyar Emami; Hamid Ganjaeian
Abstract
Extended AbstractIntroductionThe importance of the issue of security has caused the protection of borders and the defense of border areas to be considered by the rulers in all historical periods, and in a way, the protection of borders means the continuation of the governance system of each country. ...
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Extended AbstractIntroductionThe importance of the issue of security has caused the protection of borders and the defense of border areas to be considered by the rulers in all historical periods, and in a way, the protection of borders means the continuation of the governance system of each country. Throughout history, all countries have faced some degree of insecurity, chaos, crisis and border wars to stabilize their country. Many ethnic, racial, and religious groups have coexisted in turbulent political and social contexts in recent years and have lived on borders. Iran has been one of the countries whose borders have been in turmoil in recent years. In fact, Iran's borders have historically seen the most tangible state-nation conflicts; therefore, the issue of borders has always been one of the basic and important issues of governments. Iran's geographical location and the political situation of neighboring countries, along with the intervention of foreigners, have caused us to witness various tensions in the country's border strip in recent years, including Iran's eastern borders. One of the eastern border areas of the country that has faced tension in recent years is the borders of Khorasan Razavi province. In view of the above, the development of military infrastructure in the border strip of Khorasan Razavi province is very important. Due to the fact that the border strip of this province is not uniform in terms of environmental conditions, so the identification of areas prone to the development of military infrastructure, including military bases and observation posts, is very important in this study. Been paid.Materials and methodsIn this research, in order to achieve the desired goals, descriptive-analytical methods as well as an integrated model of fuzzy logic and network analysis (ANP) have been used. The research data include a 30 m high SRTM digital model, 1: 50000 topographic maps and information layer related to the population points located in the study area. The most important tool used in this research is ArcGIS software. In this research, fuzzy logic and ANP models have been used to identify areas prone to military infrastructure development. According to the objectives, this research has been done in two stages. In this first stage, in order to analyze the role of geomorphological factors in the security of the border strip of Khorasan Razavi province, a map of elevation status and geomorphological units of this region has been prepared. In the second stage, using 8 parameters including slope, slope direction, field of view, altitude, distance from the river, distance from the communication road, distance from the border and distance from population points, as well as a combined model of fuzzy logic and ANP to identify areas prone to development. Military infrastructure (including military bases and reconnaissance) is discussed.Discussion and resultsThe study of the geomorphological status of the border strip of Khorasan Razavi province indicates that the border strip of this province has a high geomorphological diversity. The border strip of Khorasan Razavi province consists of 4 units of mountains, slopes, plains and alluvial fans, as well as hills. The mountain unit mostly includes the northern border strip of this province, which leads to the border of Turkmenistan. Due to its high altitude as well as being difficult to cross, this unit can play an important role in controlling the border strip as well as monitoring other areas. Therefore, one of the strengths of the northern borders of Khorasan Razavi province is the existence of a high mountain range and difficult to cross. Mahour hill unit is scattered in the border strip of this province, which has a lower height and slope than the mountain unit. Due to fewer obstacles and more visibility, this unit has a high potential for the establishment of military facilities, including military bases. The slope unit is located between the mountains and the plain, which has a high potential for military purposes, including various defense sites, because a large part of these slopes have eastern slope directions. However, the plain and alluvial fan unit, which is mostly located on the border with Afghanistan, can be vulnerable due to fewer geomorphological obstacles. Although this unit has a high potential for military transport and other military purposes, it is more vulnerable than other units. According to the mentioned cases, the border strip of Khorasan Razavi province has a great variety of geomorphology and each of its parts has different potential for different purposes.ConclusionThe results of the study of the geomorphology of the border strip of Khorasan Razavi province have shown that this province has a high geomorphological diversity and this issue has caused the defense capability in different areas of the border strip of this province is not the same. Also, based on the results, the border strip of this province has a big difference in terms of environmental parameters, so the potential of each region for different military and civilian activities is different. Considering that in this research, the identification of areas prone to the development of military infrastructure has been considered with emphasis on military bases and observation posts, so the desired parameters have been defined in accordance with the objectives of the research and based on these parameters have been identified as areas prone to the development of military infrastructure. Based on the results, parts of the border strip of Khorasan Razavi province have a high potential for the development of military infrastructure and parts of it have a high vulnerability. According to the results, the northern regions of the border strip of this province, due to having a wide field of view, high altitude, the presence of slopes and directions of the eastern slope, have the highest potential to establish military bases and observation posts, as well as middle areas. Due to the lack of a wide field of view, low altitude and being located in the plain unit, this province has little potential for the development of military infrastructure (military bases and observation posts). Due to the above, the middle areas of the border strip of Khorasan Razavi province have a high potential for vulnerability, so it is necessary to make the necessary plans to control and monitor these areas.
Extraction, processing, production and display of geographic data
Hamid Ganjaeian; Fatemeh Menbari; Afshan Ghasemi; Mozhgan Nosrati
Abstract
Extended AbstractIntroductionSubsidence risk, unlike many risks such as floods and earthquakes, is insignificant and in the long run causes a lot of damage such as cracking of buildings, sloping of high facilities, destruction of agricultural lands, subsidence, etc. So the areas at risk are facing a ...
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Extended AbstractIntroductionSubsidence risk, unlike many risks such as floods and earthquakes, is insignificant and in the long run causes a lot of damage such as cracking of buildings, sloping of high facilities, destruction of agricultural lands, subsidence, etc. So the areas at risk are facing a lot of challenges. Among the areas that are at risk of subsidence are the plains of arid and semi-arid regions, including the plains of Iran. In fact, the location of a large part of Iran in the arid and semi-arid region has caused these areas to face a shortage of surface water resources, and this has led to overuse of groundwater resources in recent years and the occurrence of the risk has subsided. One of the areas that is at risk of subsidence is Kaboudar Ahang-Famenin plain in Hamadan province. Due to the lack of limiting geomorphological barriers, this plain has been associated with the development of many agricultural lands and due to the lack of sufficient surface water resources, the utilization of groundwater resources in this plain has been more than allowed and this has caused a decline. Extreme groundwater resources in this area and eventually the risk of subsidence. Due to the importance of the issue, in this study, the subsidence of Kaboudar Ahang-Famenin plain has been evaluated and the effective factors in its occurrence have been analyzed. Materials and methodsIn this study, in accordance with the subject and objectives, statistical information (information about 13 piezometric wells in the study area), library and video (radar images related to Sentinel 1 satellite, Landsat satellite images and also 30 m high digital model SRTM) has been used as research data. The tools used in the research include GMT software (to prepare subsidence mapping using radar interference and Russian SBAS time series method), Google Earth (to monitor area and identify subsidence) and ArcGIS (to prepare final maps). According to the objectives, this research has been done in three stages. In the first stage, using the digital model of 30 m altitude SRTM and Landsat satellite images, the geomorphological status and land use of the region have been studied. In the second stage, in the second stage, using information related to 13 piezometric wells, the groundwater depletion situation of the region was investigated and in the third stage, using Sentinel 1 radar images and SBAS time series method, the amount was evaluated. Subsidence of Kaboudar Ahang-Famenin plain has been studied. Discussion and resultsThe study of the altitude situation of the region shows that there is a very small difference in height between the cities of Kaboudar Ahang and Famenin and also there are no significant obstacles and landforms in this distance. Also, the study of the slope classes of the region shows that the area of Kaboudar Ahang-Famenin plain is less than 10% in the slope class and the region does not have steep and restrictive areas. According to the prepared maps, Kaboudar Ahang-Famenin plain, in terms of geomorphology, has no limiting obstacles for the development of agricultural lands as well as residential areas. In fact, the lack of restrictive barriers has led to the development of agricultural lands in this region, especially irrigated agricultural lands in recent years, and this has led to excessive pressure on groundwater resources in recent years. The results of the study of the decline in groundwater resources in the region indicate that the rate of decline in water levels during a period of 24 years has been between 14.7 (Hemehkasi well) to 78.1 (Einabad well) meters. Also, according to the calculations, most of the studied wells have faced an average of more than 2 meters of water level drop annually. Also, the results of the assessment of subsidence in the region indicate that the study area has had a subsidence of 29 to 216 mm during a period of 5 years (from 16/01/2015 to 14/01/2020). ConclusionThe results of studying the natural state of Kaboudar Ahang-Famenin plain have shown that this plain has a high subsidence potential due to its geomorphological and hydro-climatic conditions. In fact, in terms of geomorphological status, this plain is without limiting obstacles for the development of agricultural lands, and this issue has led to the development of irrigated agricultural lands regardless of environmental capabilities, including the hydro-climatic situation of the region. According to the above cases, the development of agricultural lands, regardless of the capacity of water resources in the region, has led to over-harvesting of groundwater resources and as a result, a sharp drop in groundwater levels Based on the results of the evaluation of 13 wells studied, most of the studied wells, with an average annual water level drop of more than 2 meters and this issue has caused the Kaboudar Ahang-Famenin plain during The 5-year period (from 16/01/2015 to 14/01/2020) should have a subsidence of 29 to 216 mm. Also, the results of the study of the spatial distribution of subsidence have shown that the highest amount of subsidence is related to the middle areas of the region and the distance between Kaboudar Ahang and Famenin cities, and considering that in these areas there was the highest level of groundwater loss, Therefore, it can be said that the main cause of subsidence in the region has been a sharp decline in groundwater resources. The sum of the results of this study has shown that Kaboudar Ahang-Famenin plain is in danger of subsidence and this issue has led to the emergence of numerous depressions in this plain which is a serious threat to human facilities and habitat.
Geographic Data
Mehran Maghsoudi; Mohamad Fathollahzadeh; Hamid Ganjaeian
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction
Surface winds move and transport soil particles on the ground and thus, affect the intensity of erosion to a great degree (Tage Din et al, 1986: 118). Various studies have found a decreasing trend for surface wind speed in different parts of the world in recent years. ...
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Extended Abstract
Introduction
Surface winds move and transport soil particles on the ground and thus, affect the intensity of erosion to a great degree (Tage Din et al, 1986: 118). Various studies have found a decreasing trend for surface wind speed in different parts of the world in recent years. This decrease has been more widely reported in mid-latitudes (McVicar et al, 2008). Continuous drought in consecutive years is one of the factors that can reduce soil moisture and stop the growth of vegetation cover. (Hereher at el, 2009). Iran is located in the arid belt of the world and two thirds of its total area is located in these arid regions (Maghsoudi, 2006). Previous studies have shown that 17 provinces of the country are affected by wind erosion, among which Kerman faces a more severe conditions. Iran has more than 20 relatively large ergs and several small ergs covering an area of approximately 36,000 square kilometers (Mahmoudi, 1991). The present study investigates different characteristics of winds and its effects on morphology and displacement of sand dunes using Sentinel-2 optical and Sentinel_1 radar images.
Materials and Methods
Due to the lack of any synoptic station in the Lut Desert, related data including wind direction and speed were collected from 6 neighboring stations (Bam, Dehsalm, Zabol, Shahdad, Nusratabad and Nehbandan). Then, a wind rose and a sand rose graph were prepared for each station using WR Plot and Sand Rose Graph software. Resultant force vector acting in the displacement of sands and formation of sand dunes was determined. Following an examination of wind characteristics in the study area using Sentinel-2 optical images collected in the 2016 - 2019 reference period, changes of sand dunes and direction of their movements were also analyzed. In order to investigate vertical displacement in the region, radar interference method and SBAS time series have been used. This method only uses pairs of images in which vertical component of the baseline is less than its critical value, and also have a minimum baseline time. 45 Sentinel_1 radar images were used in the present study to measure radar interference.
Results
Recorded data in Dehsalm, Nehbandan, and Nosrat Abad stations indicate that winds blowing in these stations affect the Lut Desert. The prevailing wind recorded in Dehsalm station blows in northwest to southeast direction of the Lut Erg, while in Nehbandan station, the prevailing wind blows in north to south direction of this Erg. The prevailing wind in Nosrat Abad station blows in southeast to northwest direction of this erg. Sand rose graphs show that DPt in Dehsalam station equals 422.6 and in Nehbandan station equals 484.2. Since both DPts are more than 400, wind in this region has a high energy level and is potentially capable of sand displacement. Changes of sand dunes and direction of their movements were analyzed using Sentinel-2 and Sentinel-1 images in 2016-2019 reference period.
Discussion and Conclusion
Hourly wind speed and direction data in Nehbandan, Dehsalam, and Nosratabad stations were investigated in the present study to evaluate their impact on geomorphological changes in the Lut Erg and its sand dunes. Results indicate that the prevailing wind in these stations blows in north, northwest and southeast direction towards the Lut Erg, respectively. Investigating wind speed changes in Nehbandan station shows that during the last 34 years, average monthly wind speed in this station has decreased from 3.7 meters per second in 1986 to about 2.2 meters per second in 2020, which means a 1.5 meters per second decrease has occurred during this period. Apart from wind speed and direction data, Sentinel-2 optical images were also used to monitor changes in sand dunes of the Lut Erg. Results indicate that during the 2017 - 2018 reference period, most changes have occurred in the sand dunes of the northwest and northeast regions and the margins of this erg, while in the 2018 - 2019 reference period, most changes have occurred in the northwest and southeast regions of the Lut Erg. Analysis of satellite images indicates that the direction of wind force vectors is consistent with the direction of sand transport vector. In other words, sand dune changes in the Lut Erg have occurred under the influence of winds blowing in northwest and southeast directions, which is consistent with the direction of the sand transport vector in plots prepared for the three stations (Nehbandan, Dehsalam, and Nusrataba).
In order to validate the results of wind direction and speed analysis and remote sensing of optical images, vertical displacement of the erg surface was measured in 4-year periods using Sentinel_1 radar images and SBAS time series. In general, southern parts of the Lut Erg and especially sand dunes in these parts have experienced an increase in elevation, while the northern parts of Erg have experienced a decrease in elevation. This can be due to erosion and deposition of sediments in the southern regions of the Lut Erg, which is consistent with the sand rose and wind rose graphs prepared for the region .
Shirin Mohammahkhan; Hamid Ganjaeian; Somaieh Shahri; Amirali Abbaszade
Abstract
Extended Abstract Introduction Cities have always been under the influence of various factors and developed under such conditions. Countries around the world are increasingly moving toward urbanization. Physical development of cities occurs in the form of human activities or changes in urban (or rural) ...
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Extended Abstract Introduction Cities have always been under the influence of various factors and developed under such conditions. Countries around the world are increasingly moving toward urbanization. Physical development of cities occurs in the form of human activities or changes in urban (or rural) land use, and lead to widespread use of lands and adverse environmental effects. In some cases, urban growth leads to environmental hazards and threats human societies. Although the effects of natural factors such as geomorphological phenomena have not been scientifically considered in the development of the study area, there factors had a leading role in this development. Due to geomorphological situation, elevations and steep areas, scattered fault lines and rivers full of water, development of human settlements in the study area faces many constraints. Therefore, it is necessary to plan urban development in the study area based on the geomorphological situation of the region. Accordingly, the present study seeks to evaluate the trend of changes occurred from 1992 to 2017 in the residential districts of Marivan. It also aims to determine the extent of urban growth towards areas facing geomorphological hazards, and finally to predict this trend for 2035. Materials and Methods The present study takes advantage of an analytical and statistical research method, along with the necessary software. Moreover, it seeks to study the trend of urban development from 1992 to 2017, and also predict the future trend of development for 2035. Thus, satellite images received in June 1992, 2001, 2011, and 2017 are collected. After preprocessing the images, a land use map is extracted based on the situation of the study area in 1992, 2001. 2011 and 2017. Then, based on these maps and using effective variables, a map is produced based on the predictions made for the residential areas in 2035 by LCM model. Modeling and prediction are performed using LCM model in four steps: 1. Examination of Land Use Changes; 2. Mapping Potential Transfer using Markov Chain. 3. Extracting a predictive map. 4. Evaluating the accuracy of prediction. After predicting and extracting a map of residential areas for each time period, distribution of geomorphologic hazards in these areas is evaluated. In fact, development trend of high risk residential areas has been evaluated. Discussion and Results A large part of the study area is mountainous, and these elevations have somehow limited the development of human settlements. Since the present study seeks to determine the trend of human settlements development in areas facing geomorphological hazards, a map has been extracted for these prohibited areas before evaluating the trend of development. These prohibited areas have been mapped in order to identify hazardous areas, and to evaluate development of residential settlements toward these areas. To prepare this map, multiple criteria have been selected based on the situation in the region and experts’ opinion. Then in accordance with the purpose of this research, an information layer was produced using these criteria. Regarding geomorphology, regions with an altitude of more than 1700 m, slopes of more than 30%, north-south direction of the slope, area within 1000 m radii around fault lines and within 200 m radii around rivers are referred to as prohibited areas. After determining prohibited areas, human settlements in the study area were mapped based on 1992, 2001, 2011, and 2017 information. Then, trend of settlement development in prohibited areas was estimated and projected for 2035. Conclusion Based on the evaluation of results, there is an increasing demographic trend from 1992 to 2017, so that residential area has increased from 7.8 km in 1992 to 10.9 km in 2017. Maximum development occurred from 2001 to 2011. During this period, settlements developed 3.6 km2 and reached around 14.5 km2 in 2011. From 2011 to 2017, settlements area reached 16.6 km2. Apart from the increasing trend of development in residential areas during these years, this development has mostly occurred toward hazardous areas. So that in 1992, around 1.7 km2 of total residential area was located in prohibited areas, most of which included steeped areas and rivers’ border lines. In 2001 and 2011, this trend has increased from 2.3 to 2.9 km2, and reached 3.3 km2 in 2017. Considering the increasing trend of population toward Marivan, increased constructions in peri-urban and rural areas of Marivan and also along the main road of this city, development of settlements toward prohibited areas has mostly occurred in these areas. According to the main purpose of the present research, development of residential areas is projected for 2035 based on land use in pre-specified years. Results indicate that total area of settlements will increase to about 24.3 km2 in 2035, about 5.7 km2 of which will be in prohibited areas.
