Evaluation of some indicators to identify and monitor dust storm (case study: dust storms 10 August 2008 East the Iran)

Abstract

Purposes of this research are introduction acceptable index for detection of dust storms and also identifying sources and pathways affected by this phenomenon in the East of Iran by studying a the dust storm using MODIS satellite images. For this purpose were used dust storm hourly data, satellite images of Modis and also digital and visual indexes including NDDI, BTDI, BTD, LRDI and false color composing for identifying dust storms. Finally, the studied dust storms were monitored using satellite images. Results indicated that LRDI index and false color composing have the higher resolution than the other indexes for detection of dust storms. Results monitoring dust storm event in the eastern Iran in summer indicated that storms sources of east area are dry beds of Hamoon lakes, Rigistan, Margo and Khas deserts at the convergence of the borders of Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan and central Iran. The results of this research can be used in identifying of dust sources and pathways affected from this phenomenon by organizations and institutions to national and international planning.

Keywords

• dust storms
• modis sensor
• detection and monitoring