Assessing Impact of Extreme Precipitation Events on Wind Erosion Intensity: Western Region of Makran Coastal Plain, Iran

Erosion is a delicate balance influenced by climate and land management practices.Understanding the impact of climate change on erosion is crucial for developing effective management strategies.While wind erosion is a global phenomenon, its severity depends on the natural environment's support (Chorley et al., 2000).Particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, wind erosion is a significant challenge leading to desertification (Jebali & Zare Chahouki, 2021); In these areas, the natural environment has contributed and wind has become the main factor of desertification (Yan, 2004).Dust storms resulting from wind erosion not only degrade soil but also deteriorate air quality in downwind areas (Jiang et al., 2018).Given the detrimental effects of wind erosion on food security and human health, accurately simulating and predicting this process in arid regions is essential (Wang et al, 2020).This study aims to investigate the impact of extreme precipitation events on wind erosion intensity.The research area encompasses the western plain of Makran, including Jask and Sirik counties in Hormozgan province, southern Iran, covering an area of 366,879 square kilometers.This low-lying coastal region is characterized by frequent intense winds, especially during the summer, contributing to various erosion processes, including wind and coastal erosion.The region's climate is arid, with low rainfall concentrated in the winter months.The average temperature is 27 degrees Celsius, with the highest rainfall occurring in January.The region experiences a dry period all months annually, with humidity ranging from 60-80%.The warmest month is July, with temperatures below 34C. 2-MethodologyThe research data include soil moisture indicators, vegetation abundance from MODIS's satellite images, precipitation data, and geomorphological features.The IRIFR model, ArcGIS, and Excel software were utilized for analysis.Homogeneous study units were established based on geomorphological characteristics.The IRIFR model was employed to assess wind erosion intensity in each unit.Precipitation data from the Jask synoptic station were used to determine rainfall patterns.Extreme precipitation events were identified and extracted.Since most IRIFR criteria are constant, soil moisture and vegetation density measures were derived from satellite images and statistical relationships.Wind erosion intensity was calculated at 10, 20, and 30 days post-extreme precipitation events. 3-ResultsThe average wind erosion intensity in the western plain of Makran, specifically Sirik and Jask, is 11.4 tons per hectare per year, indicating moderate erosion levels.Extreme rainfall events temporarily reduce wind erosion by enhancing soil moisture and vegetation abundance.Meteorological data demonstrated that extreme precipitation events have a significant impact on mitigating wind erosion in the region.