Desertification Assessment of Fidoye Garmosht Plain (Southern Iran)
Using Medalus Approach

A.M. Hassanli¹, A. Sepehr¹ and M.R. Ekhtesasi²

¹ Department of Desert Regions Management, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
Presenting Author: Dr. A. M. Hassanli
e-mail: hassan@shirazu.ac.ir

² Arid lands and Desert Research Institute (ADRI), Yazd University, Yazd, Iran

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to develop a desertification assessment model for arid and semi-arid areas. The specific objective was the assessment of the most important factors affecting desertification at the regional scale for the study area by modifying the MEDALUS method.  A regional model, based on the characteristics of study area (Fidoye-Garmosht Plain, Southern Iran) using GIS was developed. Six main factors as desertification indicators including soil, climate, erosion, plant cover, groundwater and management were considered for evaluation. Then several sub indicators affecting the quality of each main indicator were identified. Based on the MEDALUS approach, each sub indicator was quantified according to its quality and a number of “1 to 2” was denoted to each as a weight. Ultimately, based on the geometric mean of the main layers; the present status of desertification map was developed. Results indicated that 12% area classified as very severe class, 81% classified as severe class and 7% of area classified as moderate class of desertification. The developed model may be used to assess desertification process and distinguish the sensitive areas to desertification in the study region and the regions with the similar characteristics.

Keywords: Drylands degradation, Desertification assessment, Desertification mapping, Medalus, GIS