EVALUATION AND MAPPING OF DESERTIFICATION CONDITION IN FAKHRABAD- MEHRIZ REGION WITH THE ICD AND MICD MODELS

Abstract

There are different models for mapping and evaluation of desertification condition, such as global <br />FAO_UNEP model. There are also several models for evaluation of desertification in Iran. In this study, tow <br />fol/owing methods was used: <br />1-ICD method, (Iranian Classification of Desertification). <br />2- MICD method, (Modified Iranian Classification of Desertification). <br />In this research, at first, these models were considered and indices and factors were improved. Then, working <br />unit map in this region was made by geomorphologic method and land use of each working unit was <br />determined. This map has 14 working unit. At last, evaluation of desertification condition was determined in this <br />region by ICD and MICD methods. The results methods were: <br />- In ICD method, from an intensity of desertification point of view, Fakhrabad -Mhriz region is in low and medium <br />classes. In this region the low class is about 82351 hectare (91.59%) and the medium class is about 7565 <br />hectare (8.41%) of total area. <br />In MICD method, this region has four classes of calm, low, medium and high. <br />The calm class is about 33327 hectare (37.06%), low class is about 8346 hectare (9.28%), medium class is <br />about 37245 hectare (41.42%) and high class is about 10998 hectare (12.23%). <br />According the results of this investigation and by comparing them with the condition which have been observed <br />in the Fkhrabad-Mehriz region, the MICD is better method for evaluation of desertification condition in this <br />region.