Mahnaz Hosseini Syahgoli; Ismail Soleimanirad; Mohammad Raouf Heydarifar
Abstract
Extended Abstract Introduction Today the costs of building and utilizing industrial centers are too high and thus,any disruption in these centers will have a negative effect on other urban functions.Hence, the presence of sensitive and vital land uses,especially heavy industries in the central urban ...
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Extended Abstract Introduction Today the costs of building and utilizing industrial centers are too high and thus,any disruption in these centers will have a negative effect on other urban functions.Hence, the presence of sensitive and vital land uses,especially heavy industries in the central urban texture of Kermanshah is considered to be one of the most important issues and problems threateningthe city. Unfortunately, despite regulations of Housing and Urban Development organization which bansuch land uses within the city (due to their risks), they still continue their activities. Obviously, identifying the requirements of these land uses adjacency within Kermanshah decreases the vulnerability of the city. Therefore, it seems necessary to solve the problems caused by inconsideration of passive defense with gradual development of Kermanshah and begin the process of downsizing, scattering and decentralizing these industrial centers based on the principles of passive defensein future plans of the city to reduce the vulnerability of strategic and vital areas of city. Moreover, urban planners have always consideredsafety and security to be important issues in planning, constructing and designingurban residences. Policies of urbanplanning such as zoning regulations are important tools of risk management available for local governments. Experts in crisis management try to pay attention to urban land uses, their geographical and political importance, and the economic, military and political value of these places. In this regard, theytake advantage of methods and strategies to reduce vulnerability and damagesof these environmentsintimesofcrisis.Principles of passive civil defense are a set of basic and infrastructural actions implemented with the aim of achieving the goals ofpassivedefense such as reducing damages, limiting the capabilities of target identification systems and targeting capability of the enemy’s offensive facilities and thus increasing the costs of such attacks. Urban strategies may include strategic decisions playing a vital role in urban passive defense through urban decentralization, managing decisions made by urban managers and revising these decisions through executive strategies and criteria. General acceptance of passive defense and participation of all society members in the development of its fundamental principles and foundations are among the most important strategies that can save the society in possible crises. Previous studies suggest a poor understanding of passive defense even in cities of Iran which proves the necessity of more effort and planning in future. Switzerland, meanwhile, ranks first in passive defense in the world. Strategies and plans intended for the development of safety and security in cities should identify different levels of urban crises and analyze, evaluate, and manage potential crisis-causing factors. Identifying these factors will lead to planning, designing, and effectively managing crisis and increase security in cities. This can result in preventing crisis, or minimize the effects of possible crisis. Therefore, careful planning and designing, identifying vulnerable areas, zoning high-risk areas, and supporting organizations involved in crisis management and security can play a vital role in the sustainability of cities in times of crisis. The present study seeks toevaluatespatial importance of vital land uses. Materials&Methods This descriptive- analytical research take advantage of 10 information layers to analyze research data in GISusing fuzzy overlay functions and Gama Operator. Results & Discussion Results indicate that the 4th, 5th and 7th zones which are considered amongperiphery regions of Kermanshah city have a modern urban texture as compared to other 5 regions of the city. Also, these regions are in a better situation and condition in terms of passive defense as compared to other regions of the city because of easy access to open spaces, enough distance between neighboring land uses and etc. But, the 1st and 6thzonesare not in a suitable conditionas compared to the other six regions due to being located in thecrowded and dense regions of downtown. Conclusion Results indicate that five regions (out of 8) of the city have undesirable and unfavorable conditions in terms ofurban passive defense. This shows that Kermanshah is in a critical and inappropriate condition considering urban texture and structure in terms of passive defense, whichrequires the attention of urban planners.
Issues of the border regions of the country
Fariba Karami; Hossein Karimzadeh; Mohamad Javad Ahmadi
Abstract
Extended AbstractIntroductionRecently, Disaster Mitigation and Management Organization of Iran has focused on construction of disaster management and support bases. To reach such an aim, it is necessary to investigate different areas and select an appropriate geographical location for this type of land ...
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Extended AbstractIntroductionRecently, Disaster Mitigation and Management Organization of Iran has focused on construction of disaster management and support bases. To reach such an aim, it is necessary to investigate different areas and select an appropriate geographical location for this type of land use. The selected location must be safe in critical conditions and make the base as efficient as possible. Accurate site selection is a necessary step towards prevention, preparedness and dealing with various disasters. Selecting an appropriate location for these bases is extremely important in their relief operations. Thus, the bases must be properly accessible while having a strong structure unthreatened by any risk. Disaster management measures are based on information analysis and take advantage of geographical information tools for spatial analysis. Geographic Information System (GIS) can be used in all stages of disaster management. Geographic information system is a very useful tool for implementation of logical models, decision making about land use allocation, selection of the most suitable site, evaluation of suitable options and finally reaching an integrated choice. Geographical location of Baneh in vicinity of Iran-Iraq border, and related natural hazards (geological, climatic, and etc.) and unnatural threats (political-security) have made passive defense and especially site selection for disaster management and support bases a crucial issue in this border area. Therefore, the present study seeks to select the best possible site for disaster management and support bases in Baneh. Materials and MethodsData have been collected through library research and questionnaires distributed among experts. Research criteria have also been classified into natural and unnatural (man-made) categories which include altitude, slope, slope direction, vegetation, lithology, distance from fault line, distance from river, climatic factor (precipitation), link roads, distance from city, distance from village, gas stations, health centers, relief agencies, military and police stations, open spaces and distance from the international Iran-Iraq border. Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to analyze the questionnaires and Expert Choice and Arc GIS software were used for data processing. The importance coefficient of the criteria were analyzed in Arc GIS software using AHP FUZZY model and the final results were presented in the form of a map.ResultsResults indicate that unnatural (man-made) criteria received a higher weight as compared to natural criteria. Among these criteria, vicinity to health centers received the highest weight (0.151), while vegetation and slope direction received the lowest weight (0.016). Baneh generally lacks a proper situation for the construction of disaster management and support bases except for the cities in the middle of the county. ConclusionDue to the occurrence of various natural disasters and unnatural (human) threats in the border areas of the country including the county of Baneh which have affected the security of the region by their serious damages and high death tolls, it is necessary to focus on passive defense in site selection for disaster management and support bases in these areas. Results indicated that quick and easy access from bases to health centers and relief agencies, link roads, police stations and proximity to cities have the highest priority in site selection for disaster management and support bases. Other desirable passive defense criteria include distance from Iran-Iraq border and distance from fault lines. The final map shows unacceptable situation of the county in terms of disaster management bases. Except for cities located in the middle of this county such as Baneh, Buin, Armardeh and Kanisour, other cities lack a proper situation for construction of these bases. Such a situation results in higher vulnerability of these areas in probable disasters. Therefore, it is necessary to adopt short-term and practical programs along with important and effective criteria of passive defense to find the most optimal sites for disaster management and support bases in Baneh County.
Hossein Asakereh; Mohammad Darand; Sayed Abolfazl Masoodian; Soma Zandkarimi
Abstract
Extended AbstractIntroductionThe tropopause is a thin layer separating the stratosphere from the troposphere and is often characterized by a large change in the thermal, mass and chemical structure of the atmosphere.Compared to global studies on the tropopause and its various features, studies conducted ...
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Extended AbstractIntroductionThe tropopause is a thin layer separating the stratosphere from the troposphere and is often characterized by a large change in the thermal, mass and chemical structure of the atmosphere.Compared to global studies on the tropopause and its various features, studies conducted in Iran are very few and the methods used are often less inclusive or the length of the statistical period is limited. For this reason, and considering the importance of the tropopause and its effect on exchanges between the troposphere and the stratosphere, and also due to the lack of information about it in Iran, accurate knowledge of the height of the tropopause in the country using more reliable data sources is a fundamental necessity. To calculate the tropopause, we used daily temperatures of ECMWF reanalysis datasets from January 1979 until December 2018. Gridded data witha spatial resolution of 0.25*0.25 were used. In vertical levels, we used 10 standard isobaric surfaces from 700 to 50 hPa. MethodsThe location of the tropopause thermally and dynamically was defined. According to the WMO (World Meteorological Organization), the tropopause is defined as the lowest level at which the lapse rate decreases to 2°C/km or less, provided that the average lapse rate between this level and all higher levels within 2 km does not exceed 2°C/km.In this study, this index was used to identify the tropopause.In this study, to identify the factors affecting the tropopause, the relationship between the tropopause and spatial variables (latitude and longitude) and altitude was evaluated by general and partial correlations. Results & DiscussionThe results of this study showed that in the months of cold season, the tropopause pressure level on Iran is followed by latitude, and the tropopause height decreases with increasing latitude, but in the months of the warm season (June, July, and August), the tropopause pressure level is different from the months of the winter season.In these months, the changes in the tropopause pressure levels do not follow the latitude; on the Zagros and Kerman heights, the tropopause height is at its lowest, while the highest tropopause elevation is in these months at higher latitudes than in other months.The temperature of the upper and lower levels of tropopause also showed that the temperature of the lower levels of the tropopause in all seasons was below the temperature of the upper levels of the tropopause and the temperature of the two levels changed with the changes in the levels of tropopause pressure in different months.The study of low and high levels of tropopause showed that during the cold season, the temperature of the two levels around the tropopause, following the tropopause pressure levels, follows the latitude, and with increasing latitude, temperature increases in the two levels around the tropopause.In two studied seasons, the lowest temperature of the two levels of the tropopause is consistent with the highest level of the tropopause, but the highest two-level temperature is only consistent with the lowest tropopause pressure level during the warm season months, and in other months, this observation coordination failed.Investigating the thermal difference between two levels of tropopause showed that the temperature difference between the two levels of the tropopause in the warm season is more significant than that of the cold season, while in the cold season, the temperature difference in most regions of the latitude is obeyed. Slowly, the difference in temperature decreases with increasing latitude. ConclusionExamination of the characteristics of the tropopause and its related factors for summer and winter showed that in each season due to local conditions and changes in large-scale factors, the height of the tropopause changes, and therefore the tropopause in each season has completely different characteristics from the other season.Examination of the characteristics of the tropopause and its related factors for summer and winter showed that in each season due to local conditions and changes in large-scale factors, the height of the tropopause changes, and therefore the tropopause in each season has completely different characteristics from the other season.
Aliakbar Anabestani; Zahra Anabestani; Ebrahim Akbari
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction
Determining landscape changes and the impact of urban development requires analyzing land surface changes and identifying appropriate algorithms. And it cannot be ignored that traditional methods for examining land use change and land cover, such as land surveying, are ...
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Extended Abstract
Introduction
Determining landscape changes and the impact of urban development requires analyzing land surface changes and identifying appropriate algorithms. And it cannot be ignored that traditional methods for examining land use change and land cover, such as land surveying, are generally time-consuming and costly and require special skills. In this regard, the advent of remote sensing techniques, GIS has enabled researchers, planners and city managers to have a comprehensive view of land and land use change over time at a lower cost. However, these tools alone cannot describe the main trends and patterns of the city and urban development; Therefore, a combination of land use metrics and development index was proposed, which, along with remote sensing and GIS, lead to more desirable and accurate results. As a result of the present study, with the aim of analyzing the structural changes of the landscape and urban development patterns of Mashhad city using multi-time satellite images during the years 2000, 2010 and 2020 has been done. Also, in this regard, the main research questions are as follows: 1- Which direction will the growth and development of Mashhad city from 2000 to the horizon of 2040? 2- What kind of growth has followed the expansion of Mashhad from 2000 to 2040?
Materials & Methods
The present study is descriptive-analytical in nature. Information was prepared and adjusted through Landsat TM satellite images of 2000 and 2010, OLI sensor for 2020. Before performing the operations related to image processing, radiometric and atmospheric corrections were used using ENVI5.3 software and the FLAASH method was used for atmospheric correction. The images were then categorized using the maximum probability algorithm. In this method, educational samples were used to classify the pixels. Markov chain model in TERSET software was used for prediction on horizons 2030 and 2040. Then the generated maps were entered into FRAHSTATS4.2 software to measure the metrics of the landscape. Also, the Urban Growth Type Outlook Development Index (LEI) was evaluated using GIS software.
Results & Discussion
According to the land use map prepared for a period of 20 years, land related to the city in this period for the city of Mashhad due to population growth and demand for land as a result of urbanization growth in recent decades has the most area changes. So that the area of these lands has increased from 7% in 2000 to 12% in 2020 and this shows a 5% growth in the land area of this land use during this period. Agriculture and gardens from 2000 to 2020 has had an increasing trend 1. Therefore, the area of this user has increased from 11% in 2000 to 17% in 2010 and this shows a 6% growth in the area of this user. But from 2010 to 2020, the area of agricultural use and gardens has been drastically reduced. As a result, the area of this user in 2010 is equal to 17% and for 2020 is equal to 8%, which indicates a 9% decrease in the area of this user. Desert land use has been declining over the period, with a 4% reduction in area. The use of rangelands has not changed much during this period.
The analysis of metrics on the surface of the land for the horizon of 2030 Mashhad showed that the area of this city will not change. The number of spots will decrease, indicating that the shape of the city will become more cohesive over time. The index of the largest spot and the density of the margin will have a decreasing trend, and this indicates that the city will become more cohesive on the horizon of 2030. Landscape shape index will have a decreasing trend. Also, the analysis of metrics on the surface of the land for the horizon of 2040 Mashhad showed that the area of this city will not change. The number of spots will decrease, indicating that the shape of the city will become more cohesive over time. The index of the largest spot and the density of the margin will have a decreasing trend, and this indicates that the city will become more cohesive on the horizon of 2030. Landscape shape index will have a decreasing trend.
Conclusion
In examining the first question based on the growth and development of the city of Mashhad from 2000 to 2040, which direction will it be? According to the maps classified in a period of 20 years and the projected maps for the horizons of 2030 and 2040 for the city of Mashhad, it was determined that the most change is related to the city limits, so that in this period, the constructions and physical growth of the city have been in the northwest direction, and on the other hand, because the constructions are usually done on lands related to gardens and agriculture. In this part of the city, we are witnessing a decrease in agricultural lands and gardens, followed by an increase in urban areas. According to the map of 2020, agricultural lands and gardens in the southeast side still remain and one of the reasons could be the lack of development of the city in this direction. Also, in reviewing the second research question, what kind of growth has followed the expansion of Mashhad from 2000 to 2040? Findings showed that according to the urban development index and based on the numerical value given to the buffer, it was found that the development of Mashhad in the period between 2000 to 2040 is of the type of development from the edge of the city (edge-expansion).
Gholam Gholami; Rahim Sarvar; Ali Tavakolan
Abstract
Extended AbstractIntroductionUrban managers and designers are looking for ways to solve problems caused by population growth and increasing migration to large cities. Designing new cities on the outskirts of metropolitan areas to accommodate their overflowing population is one of these solutions. However, ...
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Extended AbstractIntroductionUrban managers and designers are looking for ways to solve problems caused by population growth and increasing migration to large cities. Designing new cities on the outskirts of metropolitan areas to accommodate their overflowing population is one of these solutions. However, new cities will face demographic and ecological crises caused by rapid growth and sudden influx of population without purposeful and organized control and proper infrastructure. Developing new cities was first approved in 1985 as a policy to curb the uncontrolled population growth and migration to large cities in Iran. New cities are mainly developed to ensure proportional distribution of population in the desired urban area, decentralization of the metropolis, improvement of living and service standards, and prevention of unreasonable increase in land and housing prices. In accordance with the policies assigned for the development of new cities and serious restrictions on further development of Tehran metropolitan area especially on agricultural lands, and due to the high slope of land in the northern parts of the city, high groundwater level and inadequate soil penetration resistance in the southern parts of the city, the city being earthquake-prone, existing restrictions on the development of infrastructure, facilities, transportation network and water supply, inversion phenomenon and limitations the ecosystem will face with more population, development of 5 new cities in the suburban area of Tehran was approved by authorities. Materials & MethodsQuestionnaire and interview-based survey methods have been used in the present descriptive and analytical study. Data collection was performed using documentary and field study methods. Qualitative research techniques and content analysis tools have been used to select commonly used important research indicators from related literature. Following data collection from relevant organizations and institutions, a binary comparison questionnaire was prepared for each group of criteria. Using the Delphi method, urban planning experts were asked to comment on these tables. To evaluate and weight the obtained criteria, AHP method and Expert Choice 11 were used and the average was calculated in EXCEL. Pardis was selected as the case study to evaluate the opinions of new cities' residents. In survey and field study, tools such as questionnaires, interviews and observations were used to investigate the social and economic status in the new city of Pardis. A questionnaire was prepared based on Likert five-point scoring scale to determine the level of satisfaction in residents of Pardis city and to see whether in practice residents benefit more from the criteria assigned a higher weight by experts. The questionnaire was randomly distributed among 450 people and the results were evaluated in SPSS. Results & DiscussionFindings indicate that proximity to the capital, acceptable roads, fair weather condition, fewer traffic jams, and lower house prices are among the reasons for satisfaction of Pardis residents. However, previous residents of Tehran expect a living standard similar to living standards in this city so there is still a long road ahead for Pardis city to fulfil its basic plans of offering settlements and employment for at least a population of 200 thousands and obviating the need for daily commutes. Findings indicate that 40% of the employed population commute daily which results in dissatisfaction and an unnecessary increase in household monthly expenses while turning the city into an unproductive dormitory town. Based on what was analyzed theoretically in the present study, as well as our knowledge of the prosperity, dynamism, population, and civilization level of new cities, it seems that a technocratic view based on instrumental rationality in a rent-seeking economy has ultimately led into the present situation in which large-scale urban development projects have been reduced into a series of housing projects. Therefore, various social issues and the problem of identity and dynamism have become a major issue in the urban system of new cities. However, paying attention to vitality and sustainable social development, as well as reviewing and redefining patterns and procedures have made an important turning point and created the required capacity for urban development management and foresight which shall be expanded to reach a useful executive plan and develop its theoretical and practical basis. ConclusionResults indicate that the new city of Pardis has achieved objectives of the detailed plan to some extent, but poor infrastructure, lack of sufficient number of employments for the households and lack of economic dynamism have created a city dependent on external employment and thus failing to achieve the utmost goals of the plan.
Yousef Alipour; Naser Bayat; Ali Osanlu
Abstract
Extended AbstractIntroductionTemperature is considered to be an important element of climate whose changes have important consequences for human life. The present study seeks to detect trends and significant changes in the temperature at the 1000 hPa level in Iran. Due to its geographical location, Iran ...
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Extended AbstractIntroductionTemperature is considered to be an important element of climate whose changes have important consequences for human life. The present study seeks to detect trends and significant changes in the temperature at the 1000 hPa level in Iran. Due to its geographical location, Iran climate is affected by various patterns of sea level pressure such as subtropical high-pressure, Siberian high-pressure, Monsoon low-pressure, the Mediterranean low pressure, Black Sea low pressure and Sudan low pressure during warm and cold seasons. These patterns have changed in different time series leaving adverse effects such as decreased precipitation and increased temperature, while probably changing Iran climate from semi-arid to arid and causing climate hazards. Having enough information on the temperature characteristics and its future trends, it is possible to decide on macro politics and a comprehensive method for the management of an area. Therefore, the present study aims to detect trends and significant changes in air temperature at the 1000 hPa level. Materials & Methods45 ° to 64 ° Eastern longitude and 45 ° to 64 ° latitude were selected to study temperature changes at the 1000 hPa level in Iran. In this study, temperature data of 1000 hPa level recorded in a 70-year statistical period (1950 to 2020) and data retrieved from NCEP/NCAR with a spatial resolution of 2.5 by 2.5 degrees have been used to prepare time series and necessary maps. The Kendall Man test was used to analyze the trend of time series. The 70-year statistical period (1950 - 2020) was divided into 10 decades and average seasonal temperature was used. Results & DiscussionThe average temperature of Iran at the 1000 hPa level is rising by 1.34° C per century and its standard deviation has reached its maximum value in recent decades. In the last two decades of the statistical period, 30 ° C contour line has approached Iran from southwest. Temperature trend at the 1000 hPa level is investigated in 4 different seasons of Iran.Summer: according to the Mann-Kendall test, average temperature in summer shows a significant trend and has increased by 0.2 ° C every decade.Autumn: time series of temperature data in autumn shows a significant trend and the slope of the regression line (temperature) has increased with a rate of 0.0451 ° C every decade.Winter: average temperature has decreased at the beginning of the study series and increased at the end of the series. 15.26 ° C and 8.18 ° C (in 1966 and 1972) were the highest and the lowest average temperature recorded in winter, respectively.Spring:The average temperature in Iran has increased by 0.197 ° C every decade. In this 70-year statistical period, average temperature of Iran in this season was 24.37 ° C with the highest annual average temperature recorded as 27.18 ° C in 2008 and the lowest annual average temperature recorded as 21.83 ° C in 1972 and 1992. ConclusionAverage temperature in Iran is raising with a rate much higher than the global average (0.74 ° C per hundred years), due to wide fluctuations in the general circulation patterns of the atmosphere and changes in sea level pressure pattern. Thus, it can be predicted that the temperature in southern Iran may reach over 60 ° C by the end of the century threatening southern riparian provinces with dangerously rising water level and the risk of drowning. Wildfires will still be common in Iranian forests, the number and intensity of floods will increase sharply, and water resources will reach a critically low status.
Zeinab Zaheri Abdehvand; Marzieh Mokarram; Fatemeh Meskini Vishkaei
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction
Ecological agricultural zoning is a tool for proper assessment of land resources, better planning and management of cultivation in order to achieve sustainable agriculture. Due to the importance of Khuzestan province in the country's agriculture and the strategic ...
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Extended Abstract
Introduction
Ecological agricultural zoning is a tool for proper assessment of land resources, better planning and management of cultivation in order to achieve sustainable agriculture. Due to the importance of Khuzestan province in the country's agriculture and the strategic nature of wheat production, in this study, the zoning of wheat production potential in the DashtBagheh region of Khuzestan was done. Modern GIS technology is widely used in such studies to prepare land suitability. Separated agro-climatic zones can provide the ground for optimizing and expanding the growth of agricultural products (Balgaku, 2016). Cultivation of land can be attributed to the potential of the region in terms of food distribution and the availability of climatic factors. In a study using GIS and RS, Beijing region of China was divided into four regions in terms of winter wheat cultivation based on the weight of variables: appropriate, relatively appropriate, inappropriate and very appropriate (Wang et al., 2011).In another study evaluating arable lands such as wheat, barley and sunflower in Spain, environmental factors, topography and soil including altitude, slope, soil texture, temperature, rainfall, day length and the impact of each on this The plants were studied and then combined with the above data by weighing each layer in the GIS environment and finally mapped the susceptible areas (Khan et al., 2010). Due to the importance of the subject, the aim of this study is to use fuzzy methods and multi-criteria decision models (Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)) in order to identify suitable areas for wheat cultivation in Bagheh plain of Shousha city in Khuzestan province. It is worth mentioning that in this study, the most important parameters affecting wheat cultivation before entering the model were selected using statistical methods, which distinguishes it from previous studies.
Materials and methods
Climatic characteristics included average, minimum and maximum temperatures as well as annual rainfall. Also, environmental factors including topographic characteristics (slope) and soil characteristics (chemical and physical) were considered. Soil characteristics were determined from the data of 96 soil profiles obtained from semi-detailed studies in the region. Zoning of different soil characteristics and climatic variables was done the inverse distance weighting (IDW) method. Then, using membership functions, a fuzzy map of each of the effective parameters in determining the areas prone to wheat cultivation was prepared. Then, using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) model, the weight of each layer was determined and finally, in the GIS environment, a land suitability map was prepared for wheat cultivation. In this study, linear membership functions have been used. This function has four parameters that determine the shape of the function. Trapezoidal, triangular, S-shaped or L-shaped membership functions can be defined by selecting appropriate values for different states (Carter and Grime, 1994). Weighing to the layers was done to prepare the final map of land suitability. The weight parameter is an important parameter for relating the factors used in land suitability. Because each of the characteristics has a different effect on wheat cultivation, weighting was done using AHP method.the AHP is a method that makes it easy to weigh parameters. AHP relies On a pairwise comparison of each of the parameters. Each of the factors is in the range of 1 to 9 according to the importance of determining the suitable areas for wheat cultivation, according to Table 2.
Results
To prepare an interpolation map for each input data was used IDW method. The accuracy of the IDW method in mapping each of the variables showed that the climatic parameters have higher accuracy than the soil variables. Based on the evaluation statistics, the highest and lowest accuracy in climatic variables were obtained for the mean temperature (R2 = 0.99) and maximum temperature (R2 = 0.96), respectively. However, the highest interpolation accuracy in the studied soil properties was related to the percentage of exchangeable sodium (R2 = 0.81) and the lowest accuracy was observed in the interpolation and zoning of soil clay. The results of the AHP method showed that the greatest importance in preparing the land suitability map is related to rainfall with the highest weight and the least importance is related to the slope with the lowest weight. The results showed that the western part of the study area is suitable for wheat cultivation based on soil, climate and topographic characteristics of the area. It occupies about 46% of the total area of the study area (4220 hectares) and parts of the south and north of the study area have the most unsuitable conditions for wheat cultivation.
Conclusion
In this study, suitable areas for wheat cultivation were studied using the fuzzy AHP method in the GIS environment. For this purpose, the zoning map of each parameter was first determined using the IDW model method. Then, using membership functions, a fuzzy map of each of the effective parameters in determining the areas prone to wheat cultivation was prepared. Then, using the AHP model, the weight of each layer was determined and finally, in the GIS environment, a land suitability map was prepared for wheat cultivation. According to the results, it is clear that this method has high accuracy in determining areas prone to wheat cultivation.
Morteza Najafi; Mojtaba Rafieian; Rama Ghalambor Dezfuli
Abstract
Introduction Nowadays, spatial models and techniques are widely used to analyze challenges at urban and regional levels. These models and techniques can identify the relations between different variables, evaluate their impact on spatial spheres, and thus aid urban planners and managers. Recently, solid ...
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Introduction Nowadays, spatial models and techniques are widely used to analyze challenges at urban and regional levels. These models and techniques can identify the relations between different variables, evaluate their impact on spatial spheres, and thus aid urban planners and managers. Recently, solid waste and the amount of waste generated in urban areas have gained attention as a major global challenge and the World Bank has highlighted the importance of an acceptable global approach to the issue of urban waste in 2016 (World Bank, 2016). Urban waste impacts the city and its urban management system in different ways such as urban environment degradation, economic impacts and the challenges of urban landscape. Different factors impact urban solid waste generation and investigating the relation between these variables can help urban planners and managers formulate general plans and policies to reduce urban waste. But a mere examination of the relationship between factors affecting urban waste generation and the variables proposed by the World Bank cannot provide a good estimate of the future status, since spatial factors always impact the quantity of urban waste generated. Therefore, spatial models and artificial neural networks were proposed and discussed. Geographically Weighted Regression is one of these methods used to investigate the relationship between different factors affecting urban waste generation. Geographically Weighted Regression can investigate the relationship between different variables, examine their impact on the city and predict the relationship between different variable of urban waste generation and their impact on the city in the future. The artificial neural network was also used to assess the nature of data and predict the future status of urban waste. Materials & Methods The study area consists of 22 districts, 123 zones (116 zone due to the availability of supplementary information of 2011-2012 regarding the districts of Tehran), 40323 statistical areas and 895247 land uses of Tehran. Data were classified in three stages. The first phase includes the information collected from Tehran waste management organization regarding urban waste in 1996 to 2016. In the second phase, information was collected from statistical center of Iran regarding demographic segments and social components. Finally, data were collected from Tehran municipality in the third phase providing useful information about urban performance (Land use). Results & Discussion Physical-environmental components and especially land use directly impact urban waste generation. However, results indicate that some land uses such as institutional and publicbuildings gradually stop the increasing process of urban waste generation due to a decrease in their population as compared to residential land use. Population density and income ratio are investigated as the first and second rank variables. These two variables have directly impacted the amount of urban waste generation in most districts of Tehran. From central areas of the 6th district to the southern areas of the 20th district, southeastern areas of the 18th district and eastern areas of the 4th district of Tehran were influenced by population variables. In other words, the amount of urban waste generation is increased with increased population density in these district. However, the amount of urban waste generation in the 22nd and 21st districts do not change with the above mentioned variables. Results indicate that different urban development plans and policies increase population and area dedicated to different land uses and thus, play an important role in urban waste generation. The 22nd and 21st districts are in a desirable status regarding variables such as area, population, and urban waste generation, but predictions indicate that they will reach a similar status and face challenges related to urban waste generation in 10 years. Spatial distribution pattern of urban waste generation in Tehran indicates that the eastern and southern districts produce the highest amount of urban wastes. This pattern is gradually moving from central to western and central districts, and without a plan to control the situation, the pattern will move from east to west and south to north of Tehran in the next 10 years. Based on the results of spatial autocorrelation and a comparison with the results of the least squares method, Geographically Weighted Regression was considered as a suitable method of predicting urban waste variables in Tehran. This indicates that spatial variables affect urban waste generation in Tehran. Moreover, artificial neural network is capable of predicting non-spatial nature of relations among different variables of urban waste generation and thus can predict the amount of urban waste generation in Tehran. Conclusion Results not only identify (physical-environmental, economic and social) variables affecting urban waste generation, but also indicate superiority of Geographically Weighted Regression technique at spatial and non-spatial levels as compared to the least-squares regression and artificial neural network.
Spatial planning with regard to military defense
Mahshad Bagheri; Amir Ansari; Azadeh Kazemi; Mahmoud Bayat; Sahar Heidari Masteali
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction
Proper distribution of urban green space is one of the most important issues in urban planning and especially in management of urban green space. In other words, the physical expansion of cities destroys surrounding natural environments and arable lands. It also results ...
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Extended Abstract
Introduction
Proper distribution of urban green space is one of the most important issues in urban planning and especially in management of urban green space. In other words, the physical expansion of cities destroys surrounding natural environments and arable lands. It also results in fundamental changes in ecological structure and functionof urban landscape, along with gradual changesin spatial structure and patterns of this landscape (Wang et al., 2008). Since ecosystem processes depends on its structure, landscape metrics have been accepted as a very useful tool for expressing the structure of urban green space and its human-causedchanges (Hessburg et al., 2013).There has always been discussion onacceptable per capita green space or changes in green space over time and place. Iranian cities are no exception in this regard, thougheven a city enjoying a high ratio of green space per capita may still lack enough green space per capita in some districts. This suggests the necessity of investigating various measures and avoiding studies limited to per capita green space and urban forestry. (Botequilha and Ahren, 2002). If as an ecological structure,green space is proportional to populationcomposition and distribution, ecological performance and land use type of an urban area, it can have important ecological functions. Since most studies on urban green space have primarily focused onfinding a proper location, calculating appropriate per capita green space and introducing suitable species for green space, investigatingthe spatial distribution of urban green spaceseems to be of great importance. Therefore, the present study seeks to investigate the spatial pattern and distribution of public green space in Khomein using a landscape approach.
Materials and methods
Study area
The study area, Khomein, is bounded by agricultural lands and gardens in its northeast, west, and partly in its south. Only the main area of urban texture is located on barren lands (Abbasi et al., 1986). The study area includes four districts of Khomeinin which the pattern of green space distribution isinvestigated.
Methods
Sentinel-2 images were used in the present study. Satellite images were processed and then, their geographical effects were extracted inthe first step of classification. Different indices were defined for each patch of the image and using supervised method, images were classified into four classes of agricultural lands, barren lands, urban parks and residential areas in accordance with the training data. Visual method was used to improve classification results. In this method, classification results are matched with the imagesand possible errors are rectified. Google Earth was used to evaluate the accuracy of results obtained from classification of satellite images. In the next step,the base map of the present study was produced and then, the layer containing urban parkswas integrated with the layers prepared for four districts of Khomein. It should be noted that the present study focuses on urban parks prepared by the municipality for public use and does not include other urban green spaceareas such as the green belt or private gardens, etc.
To study the spatial distribution of green space, measures of land cover were calculated and analyzed in each of the four districts. Geographic Information System (GIS) and Landscape Measurement Analysis Program (FRAGSTATS) were among the tools used to calculate and measure landusein the present study. Landscape metrics used in the present study included:
Landscape Shape Index (LSI) which measures the area of the largest patch in a class divided by the total area of that landscape (multiplied by 100 to convert to percent)
Euclidean Nearest Neighbor distance (ENN) which is the average distance between patches in a class. Meter is used as the standard unit of measurement for this index.
Perimeter /Area Ratio (PARA) which is the ratio of the perimeter of the patch (m) to its area (m2). This measure lacks a specific unit and for PARA> 0 it is without a limit.
Number of Patches (NP) equals the number of patchesof the corresponding patch type (class).
Shape Index:sum of patches’ perimeter divided by the square root of the area of the patch (ha) for each class (class surface) or the entire patch (land surface). This index iscalculated for circle standard (polygon), or square standard (grid) and divided by the number of patches.
Largest Patch Index (LPI) which measures the area of the largest patch in a class divided by the total area of the landscape (multiplied by 100 to convert to percent)
Mean Patch Size (MPS) which measures the average size of a patchin the landscape.
Results and Discussion
District 3 ranked highest and district 1 ranked lowest in ENN indexindicating that urban green space patches in this district were closer together, while green space patches in the third district were limited and far apart from each other. Regarding LPI index, the second district ranked thehighest and the third district ranked the lowest indicating that the largest urban parks in this districtwere much smaller than other districts. Other district had a relatively acceptable statusin this respect. In MPS index, district 2 with 697 patches ranked highest and district 1 with 564 patches ranked lowest indicating that average green space patches in district 1 were smaller. This was also confirmed by maps prepared based on other metrics.Regarding the LSI index, district 1 ranked highest and district 2 ranked lowest, while districts 3 and 4 had a similar status in this measure. The first district had the highest number of patches (NP), while the third district had the lowest NP. The highestPARA ratio was observed in District 1, and the lowestin District 4, while districts 3 and 2 ranked near the middle. In Landscape shape index which increases with the heterogeneity of patches,district 1 (with 13.12) ranked highest and District 3(6.64) ranked lowestwhiledistricts 2 and 4 ranked near the middle.This indicates the heterogeneous shape of green space patches in district 1, while showing that patches of green space in district 3 are very simple and homogeneous.Finally it should be noted that calculating landscape metrics for the four districts ofKhomein indicated a very low per capita green space in this city and also absence of a proper and equitable spatial distribution.
Conclusions
Calculatinglandscape metrics in the four districts of Khomeinindicated thatcompared to other districts, district 1, located in the southern part of the city, has a more desirable status in indices such as PARA, LSI, NP, and ENN. At the same time, district 3, located in the southeastern part of the city, has the least appropriate status regarding these metrics indicating the necessity of a comprehensive analysis of green space areas in this district in near future. Urban managers and planners need to focus on this district and its green space, and if possible find appropriate sites for future green space areas in this district.Although the status of districts 2 and 4, located in the west and north of the cityrespectively, were not very desirable, theyranked higher than districts 3in NP, LPI, and MPS. Using GIS in combination with satellite imagery, and land use metrics provided an innovative way to study the gradual spatial changes in urban green space. Results of landscape metrics analysis indicated an unbalanced distribution of land use in the four urban districts in this study.
Reyhaneh Modirzadeh; Rashed Emami; Sayad Asghari Sareskanrod; Aref Rostami
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction
Earthquake is a natural disaster which sometimes causes injury and loss of life to many people and generates tsunamis. As one of the most frequently occurring natural phenomena, it is considered by many as the most frightening and dangerous natural hazard. With recent ...
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Extended Abstract
Introduction
Earthquake is a natural disaster which sometimes causes injury and loss of life to many people and generates tsunamis. As one of the most frequently occurring natural phenomena, it is considered by many as the most frightening and dangerous natural hazard. With recent developments of remote sensing, radar interferometry is accepted as an efficient and relatively accurate method of measuring ground surface displacement. The present study has investigated June 25, 2020 earthquake in Qotur (the city of Khoy).
Materials & Methods
The present study have utilized InSAR and PSI techniques to estimate the amount of displacement caused by the earthquake. Remotely sensed images collected in the upstream passages were processed in Sarproz software. Radar interferometry and other advanced methods such as PSI have made detection of vertical surface displacements possible even in a few millimeter range. The present pairs of images have been selected with a good correlation from Sentinel-1 data.
Results & Discussion
The present study seeks to estimate the extent of ground heave and subsidence caused by earthquakes. Images selected from statistical periods before and after the earthquake were processed, and outputs were presented as figures and diagrams. Graphs showed the accuracy of the work and annual cumulative displacement. Results indicated the presence of a surface displacement between -16 and +16. The most intense subsidence and ground heave have happened in the northeastern regions (Gogerd village) and the southern regions (Kotanabad, Mir Omar, Grenavik villages), respectively.
Conclusion
Maximum displacements (heave and subsidence) and other data collected from the earthquake show that the Bashkala left-Lateral Strike-Slip fault has caused this earthquake.
Geographic Data
Ghorban Vahabzadah Kbriya; Aref Saberi
Abstract
Extended AbstractIntroductionFrom ancient times, stone has always been a symbol of stability and strength, and ancient human beings took refuge and chose to settle in mountains and mountainsides (Santos et al, 2018: 2). However, rocks on the ground or near its surface decay and decompose gradually due ...
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Extended AbstractIntroductionFrom ancient times, stone has always been a symbol of stability and strength, and ancient human beings took refuge and chose to settle in mountains and mountainsides (Santos et al, 2018: 2). However, rocks on the ground or near its surface decay and decompose gradually due to factors such as weathering (Memarian, 2000: 2). Climatic geomorphology is a scientific field in which shape and distribution of landforms are analyzed according to climate type. Specific weathering processes affected by the climate are in place in different morphological zones (Jafaria Aqdam et al., 2012: 1). The present study seeks to investigate the lithology of southwestern mountainsides of West Azerbaijan province using Lewis Peltier model.Methods: Peltier weathering and morphogenetic models were used in the present study. Topographic, geologic, isothermal and isohyetal maps were produced using Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) method in GIS environment. Temperature and precipitation were analyzed using different graphs and tables to determine drought and humidity conditions. ResultsResults indicated that the northern mountainside is wider and thus, its precipitation 407-477 mm and temperature of 15-17 ° C have the greatest impact on the region. Data collected from four synoptic stations in the province with a common 30-year reference period (1986 to 2018) were used to investigate weathering and morphological condition of rocks in the study area. Table (1) shows the location of these stations. Climatic data such as average annual temperature and precipitation were reviewed and corrected in ArcGis environment. Then, ArcGis was used to create a basic database to store data and prepare relevant maps. Weathering regimes are determined based on the Peltier chart (1950). In this diagram model, two variables -average temperature and annual rainfall- are used and weathering regimes are divided into seven classes each of which represents a type of weathering condition. The model of morphogenetic regimes is more similar to a climatic or vegetation classification than a weathering model. In this model, two variables of average temperature and annual precipitation are used and morphogenetic regions are divided into nine different classes. Areas having a low temperature are mainly classified as glacial areas and areas having a high temperatures and low rainfall are classified as arid and semi-arid areas. Areas having a high precipitation and temperature classified as temperate and cold areas. To apply Peltier model to the study area, the specifications of synoptic stations were first presented separately in a table. Then, zoning was performed based on the square value of temperature and precipitation using IDW method and then, the percentage of area covered by each temperature and precipitation class was determined. Precipitation class of 407-477 mm covers 32.67 percent of the area. Moreover, temperature changes in the region indicated that 15-17 ° C temperature range has covered the largest part of the study area with a percentage of 39.41. The values of temperature and precipitation along with the results of Peltier model indicated that a very low level of weathering is present in the study area. Farahmand et al. (2015; 10) have shown that temperature and precipitation parameters in this region depend on elevation. To determine the morphological condition of the region, it was divided based on its climatic conditions. To determine the accuracy of weathering results, a map of geographical directions in the region was produced. Vegetation and soil in western and northwestern parts of West Azerbaijan province have a pretty good condition. These were divided into three different classes and weighed based on the weighing parameter. Result was presented as a map and a table in which mechanical weathering with a lower-intensity had a weight of 1 and chemical weathering with a higher-intensity had a weight of 3. The classification results are consistent with Hanafi et al. (2002; 72) who introduced mechanical weathering as a factor leading to rock disintegration in northwestern Iran due to climatic conditions. They are also consistent with Maghsoudi et al. who used climatic parameters of temperature, precipitation, and weathering intensity to determine weights for the Peltier model. In mountainous areas of the country such as Zagros, Alborz and northwestern Iran, low temperature and frost may lead to a low level of mechanical weathering (Maghsoudi et al., 2010; 36).
Hadi Soleimani Moghadam
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction
Recent scientific and technological development have provided comfort and well-being for communities while also resulting in new challenges such as environmental pollution. As a source of environmental pollution, fossil fuels emit toxic gases into the air while burning ...
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Extended Abstract
Introduction
Recent scientific and technological development have provided comfort and well-being for communities while also resulting in new challenges such as environmental pollution. As a source of environmental pollution, fossil fuels emit toxic gases into the air while burning and thus trap heat in atmosphere, increase air temperature and result in wide-ranging climate changes. As the most significant source of energy, the sun can provide us with a proper alternative to fossil fuels. Related information can be collected through direct measurement of solar energy using devices such as a pyrometer. So far, various approaches such as remote sensing have been adopted to universalize solar irradiance maps. Due to their high accuracy and speed in estimating net radiation, remote sensing techniques can be an appropriate alternative to old experimental methods. Having access to precise information on the amount and intensity of solar radiation at low latitudes, including Iran is essential for the development of solar sites. The present study assesses solar energy and the feasibility of generating solar power or a photovoltaic (PV) system in rural areas of Joveyn County.
Materials and method
Elevation and related maps, sunshine hours, direct and indirect radiation, and total radiation were first collected and calculated. GIS-based solar radiation analysis was conducted in the present study and a zoning map was generated showing total solar radiation in 113 villages of Joveyn County. Atmospheric transmittance and diffuse radiation were extracted from the total radiation and extraterrestrial radiation of the studied stations. Then the annual radiation received in 2017 was estimated using the radiation analysis method and 30-meter resolution Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of the study area. Finally, the feasibility was assessed based on the consumption requirements of the villages and solar energy production capacity in the study area.
Discussion and results
GIS radiation analysis sub-program was used to zone the total solar radiation in Joveyn County. Atmospheric transmittance and diffuse radiation were then estimated separately using the radiation recorded in each station and entered the model to determine the radiation. Elevation and related maps, sunshine hours, direct and indirect radiation, and total radiation were first collected and calculated in the present study. The highest altitude was recorded in the southern parts of the study area including Jalambadan, Ramshin, and Bid rural areas.
Sunshine duration was the most important climatic parameter in the present study. Except for the southern elevations, the study area generally experienced long sunshine hours. The longest sunshine duration was observed in spring with an average of 1177.81 W/m², while the shortest was in winter with an average of 904.269 W/m². Tarsak village and Ghaem town have experienced the longest sunshine hours. The highest direct solar radiation was observed in the southern elevations of Joveyn County. Results indicate that the highest amount of direct solar radiation is observed in spring in rural areas of Karimabad, Rahmatabad, and Beyhagh, while the lowest is received in autumn.
The highest amount of total radiation was observed in Jalambadan and Rahravi Bidkhor villages in spring, while the lowest was observed in autumn. Observed differences in radiation and altitude show that both parameters were affected by topographic conditions such as degree and aspect of slope and obstacles blocking direct radiation. Results indicated that Rahravi Bidkhor, Kalateh Fazel, and Bidkhor have received the highest total radiation throughout the study area.
Finally, the total radiation potential was calculated. Accordingly, the highest solar radiation energy potential was recorded in Helamabad and Qale-e-Now villages. Results indicated that solar energy can be utilized in scattered and sparsely populated rural areas. Potential measurement map showed that 89.07% of the study area had an excellent potential, 8.58% had very good potential, and 2.33% had good potential. Finally, wind speed and direction were also evaluated. The highest wind speed was observed in the western and northwestern regions of the study area which results in a high potential for wind energy harvesting. Moving from east toward the study area, the potential decreases.
Conclusion
The present study has measured solar radiation reaching the Earth’s surface using the solar energy analyzer function of remote sensing and GIS with the aim of assessing the feasibility of using photovoltaic systems in the study area. Results indicated that solar radiation of the study area is between 27605 and 383675. Since a 1000 watts per square solar radiation is needed for photovoltaic cells, solar radiation in the study area has the necessary potential for solar photovoltaic systems. The wind speed potential in the study area decreases from west to east. Therefore, construction of wind power plants in the western parts of the study area is possible and economical. Moreover, environmental conditions show that solar panels can be installed and solar energy can be utilized in the mentioned region.
Consistent with the present study, Sherbafian (2008) has assessed the feasibility of using solar energy in four provinces of Khorasan, Gilan, Qazvin, and East Azerbaijan, and concluded that Iran enjoys a high potential for solar energy generation. Findings are also consistent with Safaei et al. (2015) who have studied the potential of clean energy production in Esfarayen city.
Esmaeil Aliakbari; Mostafa Taleshi; Mohammadreza Karami; Kioumars Maleki
Abstract
Introduction
On average, an earthquake with the force of 6 magnitude of the Richter scale hits Iran every year and a 7.0 earthquake strikes the country every ten years. The fact that urban areas face serious damages due to these natural disasters makes it clear ...
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Introduction
On average, an earthquake with the force of 6 magnitude of the Richter scale hits Iran every year and a 7.0 earthquake strikes the country every ten years. The fact that urban areas face serious damages due to these natural disasters makes it clear that a crisis plan is quite necessary. City is a multi-layered structure consisting of closely related physical and non-physical components (functional, spatial, and social) with two levels of interaction among them. Providing a clear understanding of the consequences of hazards and evaluating vulnerable urban areas seem to be a necessary step toward decreased vulnerability to natural hazards. This will be definitely reached through policy making, making the right decisions and taking the right actions. The present study seeks to analyze zoning and vulnerability of Kermanshah metropolis in regard to possible earthquakes. Findings of the present study can be used to prepare an appropriate plan for the future of this city. The present study also explains physical, social and natural components, and uses a combination of these components to prepare different quantitative models and the necessary indicators (basic studies). It also attempts to provide methods of implementing these models and indicators (operational methods). And finally it seeks to prepare a hazard map to facilitate the identification of critical areas and impenetrable residential zones in Kermanshah metropolis, while determining optimal directions for future physical-spatial development of Kermanshah based on seismic risk zone. This is achieved through a new approach using Analytic hierarchy process.
Methodology
GIS and multi-criteria decision making methods are used in the present study for seismic zoning of natural, physical, social, and economic dimensions of Kermanshah. To reach this end, statistical, non-statistical and online sources were used and necessary maps were collected from relevant organizations and departments. In general, 1, 25000 topographic maps (AutoCAD Versions), Parcel maps of the 2016 census, land use maps showing the present situation (AutoCAD Versions), and etc. were used in the present study. Except for parcel map which was prepared in Shapefile (a well-known format prepared in ARCGIS software) and thus ready for GIS analysis, other layers were prepared in CAD format and had to be edited, revised, and then converted to Coverage format and Shapefile for final editing in GIS models. It is noteworthy that many of these maps were completed and edited by the authors. Then, maps required for each cluster were standardized using the classification method. Related weights and pairwise comparison matrix were defined for each cluster using scientific resources.
Results and Discussion
Due to the large number of sub-indicators used in the present study, each indicator was rated and graded separately. Results indicate that Kermanshah metropolitan area enjoys a desirable status regarding the economic indicator since69.6% of the city lies in the low vulnerability range of this indicator. Regarding the social indicator, the city is in an unfavorable status since56.6% of its area lies in a very high vulnerability range and only a small percentage of the city area (1.5%) lies in the low vulnerability range. Regarding the physical indicator, 57% of the city lies in the medium vulnerability range and 33.2% in the low vulnerability range. Regarding the natural indicator, 55.4% of the city lies in the medium vulnerability range, 36.5% in the high vulnerability range, 1.8% in the very high vulnerability range, and 6.3% in the low vulnerability range. The unfavorable status of the social indicator is due to the presence of areas facing high or very high levels of vulnerability. Findings of the economic indicator imply the distribution of an economic class with an average income in the city. Regarding the physical indicator, about 30% of the city area is covered by old vulnerable settlements constructed with unsustainable materials in direct contrast with urban planning rules. These areas require improvement, reconstruction, and renovation. Regarding the natural indicator, Kermanshah and its neighboring cities are built on earthquake fault lines. Dealing with this situation requires strengthening and modernization of old urban contexts, increasing permeability of arterial roads, development of non-physical spaces, making a greater use of empty spaces, and building new residential spaces (brownfield lands). Findings indicate the significant role of natural factors (including proximity to earthquake fault lines), physical factors (old contexts, inefficient materials, and etc.), and above all, lack of engineering supervision in the present constructions of the city. Land uses facing earthquake hazards in Kermanshah include residential (about 16% located in the very high vulnerability range), road network (about 15% located in the very high vulnerability), and emergency operation, military and medical centers. This will definitely jeopardize any rescue operation in possible future earthquakes.
Conclusion
Earthquake and its related devastating mechanism constitute a very complex process in which various factors play a role. These factors can reduce destructive effects of earthquakes on urban settlements. High population density, patterns of spatial distribution, vast man-made environment and different characteristics and conditions of its constructions have made analyzing the situation if not impossible (without computer and advanced software), quite difficult. The present study has analyzed different indicators and sub-indicators, and introduced inappropriate status of physical elements, inefficient road network, overcrowded and worn-out urban fabric in the city center, high density, and inappropriate distribution of open and green spaces in the city as the key factors resulting in increased vulnerability of land uses in the current zoning of the city. Due to the close relationship between damages of an earthquake and proximity to earthquake fault lines, development of a physical-spatial model in Kermanshah metropolis before the occurrence of future earthquakes seems necessary. Results indicate that in case rules and principles of urban planning are followed, endogenous and horizontal development of the city toward southern and northwestern direction seem to be logical. Furthermore, considering factors such as slope, slope direction and the east-west direction of faults, development of the city toward west or east is not recommended unless principles of urban planning and reinforcing is completely followed. Rough and rugged topography of the northern and northeastern parts of the city is also another obstacle to the physical development of the city in these directions. Therefore, physical-spatial development in the southern and southwestern direction, along with infill and endogenous development according to the potential of the city are recommended
Geographic Information System (GIS)
Mohamad Amin Daneshfar; Mehdi Ardjmand
Abstract
Extended AbstractIntroductionSuitable sites for waste disposal must leave the least environmental effects while being executable in various aspects. Combination of AHP and GIS is a popular approach used for selecting suitable waste disposal sites, since AHP classifies and prioritizes selected sites ...
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Extended AbstractIntroductionSuitable sites for waste disposal must leave the least environmental effects while being executable in various aspects. Combination of AHP and GIS is a popular approach used for selecting suitable waste disposal sites, since AHP classifies and prioritizes selected sites based on different types of information layers and GIS provides an effective way for data management and display. Various studies have been recently conducted to select suitable sites for waste disposal using GIS and AHP. Rahimi et al. selected a sustainable site for urban solid waste disposal in Mahallat, Iran, using AHP and GIS. Fourteen environmental, economic and social parameters affecting sustainability of landfills were examined in this study and a site was selected in vicinity of this city as the most suitable landfill for solid waste disposal. Improper disposal of waste produced in oil-based drilling of oil and gas wells not only increases costs, but also cause the aforementioned problems. Thus to prevent these problems, it is necessary to select appropriate landfills for this kind of waste.Although, Iranian Offshore Oil Company (IOOC) is responsible for most of oil and gas extraction from Iranian fields in the Persian Gulf, no specific solution has been provided for selection of suitable locations for drilling waste produced in these areas. The present study seeks to select suitable sites for disposal of drilling waste produced in east of the Persian Gulf Iranian oil and gas fields in Lavan Island using AHP method and GIS software. Material and methods Case study Oil and gas fields in Qeshm, Kish, Siri and Lavan operational areas are located in the eastern part of the Persian Gulf. Lavan is one of the islands of Hormozgan province in the Persian Gulf. It is about 2.5 kilometers long and 4.8 kilometers wide. Oil Based Drilling Fluid used in Iranian Oil and Gas Fields in the Persian GulfDue to the type and depth of formation (layers of shale and deep reservoirs), oil based drilling fluids are generally used in Iranian oil and gas fields in the eastern Persian Gulf (Qeshm, Kish, Siri and Lavan). The main component of oil based drilling fluid is petroleum hydrocarbons, especially those with high flashpoint. Usually diesel fuel is used as the main component, which may be added up to 90% to the fluid used in drilling operations. Drilling waste produced in Iranian oil and gas fields in the Persian GulfBased on the latest statistical information provided by IOOC, annually drilling waste is generated by this company in the Persian Gulf, which has declined in recent years due to a reduction in excavation activities. The volume fractions of humidity and oil in the drilling waste are 65% and 30%, which according to the standards of Iranian DOE and HSE unit of IOOC must be reduced to 15% and 1%, respectively after the recycling process. Analytic hierarchy processThe analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is a logical framework that divides complex decisions into hierarchical structures and thus, simplifies their understanding and analysis. This process can be used when decision-making faces some alternatives. GIS Site selection in land-related sciences is an operation through which an expert presents needs, objectives, and information related to the current situation to find the best choice among available alternatives for the concerned land use. The main objective of site selection is to ensure that considering all limitations and available facilities, human activities in the selected site is consistent with the surrounding environment. Nowadays, GIS is used to reach a more scientific and realistic site selection. GIS is a coherent system of hardware, software, data, which allows the storage, analysis, transfer, and recovery of input data and makes it possible to publish the output data as maps, tables, and models of geographical zones. MethodologyThe present study is applied in terms of its objectives and descriptive-analytical in terms of its methodology. The criteria and sub-criteria (layers) involved in site selection for drilling waste disposal in Lavan Island were chosen based on the specifications of the region, recommendations of experts, and related literature. Base data were collected from various sources such as IOOC, Iranian department of environment, and geological survey and mineral exploration of Iran. Accordingly, 15 information layers (sub-criterion) affecting waste disposal site selection in Lavan Island were introduced and classified into three indices. These information layers include industrial building, slope, elevation, gas lines, oil lines, oil storages, roads, population centres, industrial regions, land use, airport, fault line, vegetation, river, and geology which have been classified as technical-economic, social-cultural, and environmental indices (criteria). Figure 1 depicts the hierarchical tree of site selection for disposal of drilling waste produced in eastern Persian Gulf Iranian oil and gas fields in Lavan Island. Figure 1. The hierarchical tree of site selection for oil based drilling waste in Lavan Island Results and discussionProperties of each layer (layer values) were weighted in GIS environment based on al-saati method and experts’ opinions. Classification, weighting and normalization of effective layers used for selecting appropriate sites for oil drilling waste disposal in Lavan Island were performed and results were used to prepare a weighed map for each layer. These maps were combined in the final step to obtain the proposed map for waste disposal site. Figures 2 shows the weights assigned to information layers prepared for waste disposal in lavan Island. Figure 2. Weights assigned to information layers prepared for oil based waste disposal in lavan Island After the internal weighing of each layer, the AHP model was used to prepare the final map for the optimal site. Weighing each of these 15 layers is one of the most important stages of this model in which significance of each layer is expressed compared to other layers. The ultimate normalized weight of each layer was calculated by an AHP matrix with an inconsistency rate lower than 1.0. Chart 1 shows the ultimate normalized weight of each layer which will be used in overlapping operations to find appropriate sites for oil based drilling waste disposal in Lavan Island. Chart 1. Importance of weights assigned to layers in the selection of oil based waste disposal site in Lavan IslandResults indicate that distance from population centers, distance from roads, distance from rivers and distance from airport are the most important parameters used to select appropriate sites for oil based waste disposal in Lavan Island. Results confirm the sensitivity of environmental and socio-cultural criteria for oil based drilling waste disposal in Lavan Island.Then, information layers were integrated using weighted overlay method in AHP to obtain the final map of the appropriate region for waste disposal. In this stage, the layers were overlapped based on their level of effectiveness in GIS environment and the final site selection map was prepared for waste disposal in Lavan Island (see Figure 3). The appropriate sites for waste disposal were classified into 5 classes (from “very good” to “very poor”) and depicted in this map. Figure 3. Classification of selected sites for oil based waste disposal in Lavan Island Spatial analysis of final maps shows that some regions in the center of Lavan Island (sites number 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5)are appropriate for drilling waste disposal due to their distance from population centers, roads, rivers, and the airport. These barren lands are the farthest sites from urban centers, roads, rivers, and the airport. Therefore, construction of waste disposal sites in these regions of Lavan Island is suggested in the final map to decision-makers. Figure 4 shows the prioritized waste disposal sites in Lavan Island. Figure 4. Prioritization of oil based waste disposal sites in Lavan Island ConclusionsThe present study was performed due to the lack of similar studies on waste disposal site selection in this region. GIS and AHP were used to select suitable sites for the disposal of drilling waste in Lavan Island. This drilling waste is produced in the Iranian oil and gas fields in the eastern parts of the Persian Gulf. Effective factors were weighted in different layers of GIS environment and weighted maps were prepared. Priorities were selected using the AHP, and site selection for drilling waste disposal was performed in GIS. Distance from rivers was recognized as the top priority parameter in environmental criteria due to the importance of environmental standards and avoiding surface water pollution. Moreover, distance from population centers, roads, and the airport were selected as top priorities in social-cultural sub-criteria due to the importance of the Island residents’ health and beauty of the landscape. Information layers were thus produced and combined using weighted overlay method in AHP to reach the final maps of suitable locations for oil based waste disposal in GIS. In accordance with effective criteria in the waste disposal site selection, suggested sites were classified into five classes ranging from “very good” to “very poor”. Accordingly, some sites located in the central part of Lavan Island were selected as appropriate sites for the disposal of drilling waste due to their distance from urban and population centers, roads, rivers, the airport, and so forth
Geographic Information System (GIS)
Abolfazl Ghanbari; Vahid Isazadeh
Abstract
Extended AbstractIntroductionAir pollution is a major problemin large industrial cities and affects the life of urban citizens.Due to population growth,significant increase in the number of motor vehicles as well as the concentration and accumulation of industries, Tehran is in the grip of an air pollution ...
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Extended AbstractIntroductionAir pollution is a major problemin large industrial cities and affects the life of urban citizens.Due to population growth,significant increase in the number of motor vehicles as well as the concentration and accumulation of industries, Tehran is in the grip of an air pollution crisis. Previous studies have indicated that once every three days, Tehran faces increased levels of pollutants and air pollution.Ozone is produced through photochemical reactions between hydrocarbons in carexhaust and nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere. Producedthrough reactions between atmospheric pollutants,this pollutant is not primarily released into the environment by a specific sourceand thus, it is called a secondary pollutant.Concentration of ground-level ozone has doubled over the last century.Exposure to this pollutant is very harmful for human health, especially those who exercise outdoors because it severely damages their lungs.Therefore, increased concentration of pollutants has become a major challenge for the management of metropolises such as Tehran. Having information about the spatial distribution of pollutants allows urban managers to take appropriate measures and reduce pollution related risksfor areas and people in danger.Due to excessive concentration of industries and factories inside the geographical boundaries of Tehran, along with its specific geographical condition, topography and climate, Tehran has become one of the seven most polluted cities of the world.The present study seeks to model the spatial and temporal changes of ozone and nitrogen oxidesin Tehran metropolis. Methods and MaterialsIn this cross-sectional descriptive study, spatial analysis of pollutants (ozone(O3) and nitrogen oxides)is performed based on data measured by Tehran air quality monitoring stations for the 2008, 2009, and 2018reference periods. For 2008 reference period, data were collected on a monthly basisfrom the website ofTehranair quality control company,while for 2008 and 2018, data were collected annually. Arc GIS 10.5 released by ESRI was usedfor spatial analysis, and Microsoft Excel 2013 was usedto drawdiagrams and perform other analysis.Inverse distance weighting (IDW) model was used for spatial analysis of ozone and nitrogen oxidesin Tehran metropolitan area inthe three reference periods. Finally, the reference periods were compared and the most polluted one was zoned using the IDW model. In the second method, Google Earth Engine was used to model the spatial distribution of ozone and nitrogen oxides. In this method, Sentinel-5p NRTI O3: Near Real Time Ozone product was used to model ozone and nitrogen oxideson an annual basis (11/01/2018 and 28/03/2020).This is the date in which sentinel has started monitoring ozone and nitrogen pollutants. As the most important product available for measuring the average rate of change,column of ozone and nitrogen oxides’ changes in the atmosphere (O3_Column_number_density) was used in this study. Annual average concentration of ozone and nitrogen pollutants in Tehran was compared with the Sentinel-5 product in Google Earth Engine. Results & DiscussionIn 2018, average annual concentration of ozone and nitrogen oxides in studied stations equaled 12.7 ppb. The accuracy of modeling was also calculated using the coefficient of determination(R2) or coefficient of detection (CD). The average annual concentration of ozone and nitrogen oxides in 2008 was also measured for all air quality control stations to determine their correlation.All independent variables used in this model had an acceptable level of significance (P.> 0.001).In other words, all parameters improved the performance of the model in estimating the concentration of ozone and nitrogen oxidespollutants. The model was developed and R2 rate for 2008 monthly average equaled 0.9188%.The coefficient of determination (R2)for ozone and nitrogen oxides’ concentration in 2009 equaled 0.9134%, but the annual average of 2018showed a much lower R2which equaled 0.476%.It should be noted that not all stations have been evaluated in this study, because the concentrations of ozone and nitrogen oxidesin some air quality monitoring stations equaled zero. Thus, only stations showing a greater than zero value have been used in this study. ConclusionAs previously mentioned, various models have been proposed for modeling the concentration of ozone and nitrogen oxides, each showing a different result. In the present study, the inverse distance weighting (IDW) model was used for three reference periods (2008, 2009 and 2018), and the concentrations of ozone and nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere were also modeled using the variables related to air quality monitoring stations.Ozone concentration modeled by inverse distance weighting method was compared with the average annual change of ozone concentration derived from Sentinel-5 product in Google Earth Engine. Results obtained from the concentration of ozone and nitrogen oxides in the three reference periods were investigated using thecoefficient of detection.The resulting coefficient of determination for ozone concentration in 2008 and 2009 equaled 0.9188% and 0.9134%, respectively. The lowest coefficient ofdetermination for ozone and nitrogen oxidesconcentration was obtained for 2018 which equaled 0.476%. Regarding the spatial distribution of ozone and nitrogen oxides in 2008, the highest concentrations were observed inMasoudiyeh, Punak, Rose Park and Aqdasiyeh stations, and the highest concentration of nitrogen oxides was observed in District4, Crisis Management Headquarterand Sadr Expressway(District 3). In 2009,the station in Rose Park (District 22) showed the highest concentration of ozone and nitrogen oxides.In 2018, IDW modelling and spatial distribution of ozone and nitrogen oxidesshowed a different result. In this reference period, the station in district 4 received the highest annual concentration of ozone and nitrogen oxides, and north eastern areas ofTehran was regarded as the most polluted areas based on the concentration of these pollutants. But stations in16th, 19th and 20th districts and Masoudieh station (15th district) had the lowest annual concentration of ozone and nitrogen oxides. In general, it can be said that spatial modeling with Sentinel-5 product has been able to model the concentration of ozone and nitrogen oxides inall stationsof Tehran on a pixel by pixel basis.
Zahra Servati; Gholamreza Latifi
Abstract
Introduction
Development of cities and vehicles used in urban areas have resulted inenvironmentalcrisisin most metropolises all over the world and caused physical and psychological damages to the residents of those areas. Comfort, especially thermal comfort, is one of the main factorsaffectingquality ...
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Introduction
Development of cities and vehicles used in urban areas have resulted inenvironmentalcrisisin most metropolises all over the world and caused physical and psychological damages to the residents of those areas. Comfort, especially thermal comfort, is one of the main factorsaffectingquality of space and people’s satisfaction in using that space. Thus, it is necessary to create a suitable environment for human beings through protection against adverse climatic conditions. Providing thermal comfort in open urban spaces is an important principle of urban planning, which affects physical and mental health of human beings and consequently, improves their performance. Compared toindoor and private spaces, fewer researches have focused on thermal conditions of public space, which is most possibly due tospatial diversity, wide range of activities performed in open spacesin urban areas, andthe complexity of parameters affecting outdoor comfort.Urban spaces are the scene in which the story of collective life unfolds. Thermal comfort in these areas is considered to be one of the most important and influential issues in various aspects of life. Natural ventilation in public urban spaces and squares is one of the best and cheapest methods of ventilation in which wind enters the urban square and its surrounding space resulting in thermal comfort of people in that area .
Materials & Methods
The present study evaluates and compares the impacts of two effective criteria of quality and direction of prevailing wind on thermal comfort in urban public spaces. These criteria are usedin a structural and physical model ofNabovat Square in east of Tehran with the aim of determining the most important and effective criterion in geographical modeling of urban squares.Therefore, different scenarios are defined changing several factors of direction, speed and wind quality in urban space in ENVI-met 4 basic environment.Through a three-dimensional simulation and measurement of urban microclimatic conditions,the level of thermal comfort in the study area is measured based on the PMV criterion (average temperature predicted in the modeling space).
Results & Discussion
Results indicate that identifying optimal geographical and geometric orientation of a building can play an effective role in getting the maximum benefits of prevailing wind while minimizing possible hazards of high winds, and thus creating thermal comfort for citizens. Another important issue is the effect of wind direction on urban public spaces. This is one of the main factors preventing an increase in the temperature range for comfort, and thus a proper direction of the prevailing wind will lead to thermal comfort in the study area.
Conclusion
Results of quantitative analysis inENVI-met 4 basic environment indicate that the most appropriate orientation of public urban spacesin Tehran is southwestwith a rotation of about 10 degrees. Assuming that several factors such as vegetation and physical properties of the surrounding buildings are constant, the present study has evaluated the impact of factors related to the direction, quality and wind speed. The impact of other factors should be considered in future studies. Finally, it is suggested that planting trees in a suitable place can decrease direct radiation and along with thespecific properties of buildings surrounding the square provide thermal comfort for citizens.In other words, surrounding buildings and the vegetation create an independent microclimate affecting thermal comfort.
Heidar Lotfi
Abstract
Introduction In the present century, the world has been divided into six regions, and other regions falling outside this division are considered to be of little importance. Each of these regions -North America, Western Europe,Middle East (Persian Gulf), Southeastern Asia, Moscow-Leningrad axis, and India-is ...
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Introduction In the present century, the world has been divided into six regions, and other regions falling outside this division are considered to be of little importance. Each of these regions -North America, Western Europe,Middle East (Persian Gulf), Southeastern Asia, Moscow-Leningrad axis, and India-is considered to be a geo-economic power (Barzgar, 2009). Most of these regions are large manufacturers with a large export value, while only one is used for the export of raw materials. The Persian Gulfis the most important corridor used for the transportation of raw materials (oil and gas) from the region to the Strait of Hormuz and from there to the Makran (Oman) Sea and Indian Ocean. In fact, Sea of Makran and its coastline play the most important role in improving the economic position of the region (Turkan and Shahbazi, 1394: 41). The Persian Gulf connects coastal countries to open waters, which apart from the military aspects, provides them with several economic benefits including: transport of their export by water which is considered to be the cheapest type of transportation, the richest human food resource and an important mineral resource, beautiful beaches attracting many tourists and many trade opportunities in the ports and free-trade zones (Salehi, 2009). Human geography and population distribution are the first group of geographical and geopolitical variables affecting the role of Makran coast in the regional security ofthe Persian Gulf. Concentration of population in certain areas may result in vulnerability to anti-urban practices of possible enemies. However, the Makran region is considered to have some advantageswith which it can face these practices and related defense strategies. Accordingly, examining issues such as population distribution in the region and determining concentration or decentralization of population in specific areas are very important. Economic geography, indicating the concentration of economic activities in the region, is the second variable affecting the role of Makran coast in the regional security of the Persian Gulf. The spatial distribution of industrial hubs throughout the region and provinces of neighboringcountriessignificantlyimpactsselected strategies andtheir roles in the regional security. Concentration of industrial hubs in a single region makes the country more vulnerable and necessities more conservative roles. Similarly, concentration of mineral resources (such as oil and gas resources) in a singleregion and the presence of strategic competitors in neighboring countries raises the issue of defense capabilities nations need. On the other hand, the more a region is geographically difficult to occupy, the more that region is important in terms of security. The presence of mountains, forests, deserts and communication networks in an area greatly reduces its permeability. Examining components of physical geography inMakranCoast can result in greater understanding ofits important role in security of the region. It should also be noted that the principle of decentralization can be implemented in this region which once more indicate the importance of the area in the security of the Persian Gulf. Extensive lands,and the presence of vast deserts and plains makes decentralization possible. Moreover, sparse population in many areas of the region significantly impacts the process of designing defense or offensive security strategies. Results and discussion According to the SWOT analysis diagram, the most important roles of Makran Coast in Regional Security of the Persian Gulf includes: 1- Defensive Role (WT)which pays attention to security capabilities of Makran Region in regard to threats in the Persian Gulf and seeks to improve domestic capabilities and deterrence against external threats. 2- Competitive Role (ST) which is related to the status of Iran outside its territory and evaluates negative points (threats) related to this status. This role aims to increase deterrence against external threats as much as possible. 3- Conservative Role (WO) which seeks to take advantage of opportunities in Makran Region and compensate for security weaknesses inthe Persian Gulf. Conservative Role is related to the internal situation of Makran region. 4- Offensive Role (SO) can rely on internal strengths and create a kind of synergy in Makran Region. To play such a role, the region must take full advantage of external opportunities using its capabilities. Conclusion The following variables affect the role of Makran region in the security of the Persian Gulf: - Human geography and a sparse population affecting the selection of defensive or offensive strategies. - Economic geography and concentration of economic activities in the region which require a conservative role and defensive strategies. - Physical geography (a combination of mountains, forests and deserts) creating a permeablecommunication network and anespecially important position in the security of the region. - Regional geography which affects national security strategies. The offensive dimension of regional geography increases the expenses related to the security role.
