A Research on Technogenic Desertification Indices (Case Study: Yazd)

Abstract

There have been different indices identified for desertification. Among these is technogenic desertification index which seems much more efficient. In this study, some of technogenic desertification indices were studied and evaluated. First land use maps of the region were taken from IRS-PAN satellite image and aerial photos analysis. After evaluating the area of different uses, lands that had productions (like agricultural and horticultural lands) were taken apart. The ration of production per surface unit was also calculated. The region roads map was also derived from satellite image. Finally per capita production, road and mine density and per capita green space indices were used. The per capita production index 9.1, population pressure with 59, road and mine density with 3.6 km/km2 and green space with 18.2 m2 for each person were the other indices calculated. According to the proposed table on these indices, per capita production and per capita green space in the region show very high level of desertification but road and mine density identifies lower level.