In this research, DESERTIFICATION intensity of sistan plain was evaluated using (IMDPA) the newest method of ASSESSMENT of DESERTIFICATION POTENTIAL in arid and semi arid regions of Iran. For this purpose 4 criteria selected including vegetation cover, soil, climate and wind erosion. Each criterion was assessed based on the selected indices which result in qualitative mapping of each criterion cased on geometric average of the indices. Then, sensitive map of region was extracted using geometric average of all criteria. Thematic databases, with a 1:50000 scale resolution, were integrated and elaborated in a GIS based on arc/info8, arc view3.2 and especially ILWIS. By laminate of thematic databases layers and using this formula DM=(SI×WEI× VI×CLI)1/4 to Calculate the geometric mean Criteria. Then DESERTIFICATION intensity map was obtained with analysis (IMDPA) MODEL. The result showed that 51.09% of study area was found to be in medium and about 45.09% in high class of DESERTIFICATION. And while 3.82% of the region in clouding Residential and Water tanks (CHAH NIME) there aren’t in any classification. Analysis of DESERTIFICATION criteria in Sistan region showed that among study criteria, wind erosion criteria is a major problem with a geometric average of 1.67 which shows high class while soil with a weighted average of 1.34 has lowest effect in DESERTIFICATION. Also vegetation cover and climate criteria with a geometric average of 1.51 and 1.57 show middle class DESERTIFICATION.

The Derakhte Senged area is located in south of Neishaboor town at Khorasan Razavi province. In this research, DESERTIFICATION intensity of Derakht senged area was evaluated using (IMDPA), one of the newest method to Assess DESERTIFICATION POTENTIAL in arid and semi arid regions of Iran. To evaluate DESERTIFICATION intensity, based on the primary research in this area, 4 criteria were selected including vegetation cover, soil, climate, geology and geomorphology. Each criterion was assessed based on the selected indices which result in qualitative mapping of each criterion cased on geometric mean of the indices. Then, sensitive map of region was extracted using geometric mean of all criteria. By laminate of thematic databases layers and using geometric mean of main criteria intensity map was obtained. The results showed that 0.37 % of study area categorized in low class, 80% was medium and 19.63% involved high class of DESERTIFICATION. Analysis of DESERTIFICATION criteria in this region showed that among study criteria, vegetation cover criteria is a major problem with a geometric average of 3.05 which shows high class, while geology and geomorphology with a weighted average of 1.8, has moderate effect in DESERTIFICATION. Also, climate and soil criteria with a geometric average of 2.04 and 2.21 show medium class DESERTIFICATION.

Aims & Backgrounds DESERTIFICATION is one of the major challenges in today’ s world, especially in countries like Iran that are affected by arid and semi-arid climates. To prevent and slow down the DESERTIFICATION process and in other words, with the aim of preventing and reducing DESERTIFICATION speed, the first effective and necessary step is to identify the susceptible areas and the factors contributing to this phenomenon. This research aims at assessing level of DESERTIFICATION in Kashan plain using an IRANIAN MODEL. Methodology In this comparative study with the use of (IMDPA) (IRANIAN MODEL of DESERTIFICATION POTENTIAL ASSESSMENT), an IRANIAN method and MODEL, first the DESERTIFICATION POTENTIAL of Kashan plain in 2002 and 2016 was investigated and then the conditions of the two periods were compared. The criteria used in this MODEL were the vegetation and climate criteria. Based on this, Landsat 7 NDVI data, CHIRPS precipitation database and MODIS satellite POTENTIAL evapotranspiration data were used. Findings Based on the results and findings of this study, in 2002, 3853. 1 km2 of the area was classified as moderate DESERTIFICATION and 3294. 8 km2 in severe DESERTIFICATION group. But in 2016, there were 1035. 22 km2 of moderate DESERTIFICATION intensity, 6019. 3 km2 of severe DESERTIFICATION and 124. 22 km2 of extreme DESERTIFICATION. Conclusion As a result, in addition to establishing a very severe DESERTIFICATION in 2016, the extent of the areas with severe DESERTIFICATION has also expanded significantly.

In this research, DESERTIFICATION intensity of saravan region was evaluated using (IMDPA) a the newest method of ASSESSMENT of DESERTIFICATION POTENTIAL in arid and semi arid regions of Iran. For this purpose 4 criteria including climate, vegetation cover, soil and wind erosion were selected. Each criterion was assessed based on it's indices which result in qualitative mapping of each criterion based on geometric average of the indices. Then, sensitive map of region was extracted using geometric average of all criteria. Thematic databases were integrated and elaborated in a GIS. By laminate of thematic databases layers and using this formula DM=(SIA WEIA VIA CLI) 1.4 to a Calculate a the geometric mean Criteria, the DESERTIFICATION intensity map was obtained with analysis (IMDPA) MODEL. The result showed that 45.24% of study area was found to be in medium and about 54.39% in high class of DESERTIFICATION And 0.37% of the region including residential are nat in any classification. Analysis of DESERTIFICATION criteria in Saravan region showed, climate criteria is a major problem with a geometric average of 3.1 which shows high class while soil with a geometric average of 2.35 has lowest effect in DESERTIFICATION. Also vegetation covers and wind erosion criteria with a geometric average of 2.62 and 2.87 show high class DESERTIFICATION.

Above 80 percent of Iran is currently located in arid and semi-arid to dry and sub-humid climates and they have sensitive conditions given the climatic conditions and natural characteristics of these regions and improper utilization methods, hence they are POTENTIALly and actually subject to the phenomenon of DESERTIFICATION. In this research, the sensitivity of the lands of Masjed Soleiman basin to DESERTIFICATION is evaluated by using (IMDPA) MODEL, which is one of the methods of DESERTIFICATION ASSESSMENT in arid and semi-arid regions. For this purpose, after initial ASSESSMENTs 3 criteria, including Climate, Soil and Water, were selected as the effective criteria in DESERTIFICATION of the region with different indices. By using the above-stated method, the scales of each index was obtained in the related criterion and the value of each criterion was calculated using geometric average of the scales of the indices. Then each criterion was elaborated in ArcGIS as database layers. By integrating raster layers of the stated criteria, calculating geometric average of the criteria and analyzing them by using the mentioned MODEL, DESERTIFICATION intensity map of the studied regions was obtained. The results showed that about 2774 square kilometers of the studied area was found to be in medium class of DESERTIFICATION and about 23 square kilometer of the region was in two classes of low and high DESERTIFICATION. Climate with the numerical value of 2.46 and Water with the numerical value of 1.25 had respectively the highest and lowest effects in DESERTIFICATION of the region. Soil, with the numerical value of 2.13, shows the medium DESERTIFICATION intensity.

1-Introduction: DESERTIFICATION means land degradation in the arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid regions because of natural or anthropogenic factors. DESERTIFICATION is accounted as the third most important global challenge after the crisis of water shortage and drought in the 21st century. DESERTIFICATION is a problem for many countries, especially the developing countries. Identifying the regions exposed to DESERTIFICATION is so important for combating DESERTIFICATION and leads to better planning. Also the awareness of inappropriate management practices can reduce the intensity of this phenomenon, and prevent its development. There are many MODELs for preparing DESERTIFICATION maps in the world that the most common of which includes UNEP-FAO, ASSOD, GLASSOD, LADA, and MEDALUS. Also in Iran ICD, MICD and recently, (IMDPA) MODELs have been presented. (IMDPA) MODEL includes some criteria affecting DESERTIFICATION, and some indicators for the quantitative ASSESSMENT of the criteria. In this research (IMDPA) MODEL was used for the ASSESSMENT of IRANIAN DESERTIFICATION condition....

Risk ASSESSMENT provides the possibility of planning and management to prevent and reduce the risk of DESERTIFICATION. The present study is aimed to assess the hazard and risk of DESERTIFICATION and to develop management programs in the semi-arid western regions of Golestan Province in Iran. DESERTIFICATION rate was obtained using the IRANIAN MODEL of DESERTIFICATION POTENTIAL ASSESSMENT. Since the rating system was considered for the indicators, data analyses were carried out according to the Mann-Whitney test. The risk of DESERTIFICATION was calculated based on hazard, elements at risk and vulnerability ASSESSMENT maps. The intensity of DESERTIFICATION was estimated to be medium. Among the factors affecting DESERTIFICATION, agriculture by the weighted average of 3.22 had the highest effect, followed by soil, vegetation, water and wind erosion criteria by weighted averages of 2.45, 2.32, 2.15 and 1.6 respectively.DESERTIFICATION risk ASSESSMENT results also showed that about 78% of central and northern parts of the region, with the largest population and residential centers, surface and underground water resources, agriculture and horticulture, is confronted with a high to very high degree of risk. Management plans and control measures, based on risk values were presented in four activities (with two management priorities under critical and non-critical conditions). For the management program with the largest area. Control measures and strategies such as the establishment of halophytic and xerophytic plants, drainage networks, resilient facilities and infrastructure were proposed. Reducing the risk of DESERTIFICATION, could play a crucial role in the sustainable development of drylands and desert ecosystems.

Currently، DESERTIFICATION phenomenon is being spread throughout the world including Iran. This problem not only imposes the arid and semi-arid regions but also affects semi-humid regions. DESERTIFICATION event is induced by both natural factor and improper anthropogenic activities. Therefore، combating DESERTIFICATION needs MODELing the effective factors and characteristics. This study aims at evaluating DESERTIFICATION hazard using IRANIAN MODEL of DESERTIFICATION POTENTIAL ASSESSMENT ((IMDPA)) MODEL which is adapted to the holistic MODEL. This research is conducted at Gandomban plain، Ghasr-e-Shirin، Iran. However، quantities evaluation of DESERTIFICATION hazard is carried out based on three main factors including climate، water، and geomorphology. The factors comprise 11 indices. Each index estimated، mapped and prioritized based on its weighted mean using Arc GIS software. The result explored that the study area can be classified into three classes including low (5. 38%)، moderate (72. 53%) and high (22. 08%) indicating moderate class for the study area. The effect of climate on DESERTIFICATION was found moderate، while water and geomorphology factors share severe development of DESERTIFICATION event. By and large، the prioritized indices were found deficit of groundwater، geological formation and electrical conductivity (EC)، respectively. In contrast، sodium absorption ratio (SAR) and chloride were lower and neutral agents. It is concluded that the study area is suffering from DESERTIFICATION hazard inducing the shortcoming of groundwater phenomenon.

Background and Objective: DESERTIFICATION is a global issue with serious implications worldwide on biodiversity, eco-safety, poverty eradication, socio-economic stability, and sustainable development. The most efficient methods for assessing DESERTIFICATION intensity are experimental methods. The aim of this study was to assess DESERTIFICATION hazard in Sabzevar using the GIS and (IMDPA) MODEL. Method: The (IMDPA) MODEL was applied to evaluate the DESERTIFICATION intensity in Sabzevar. For this purpose, first the land unit map (geomorphologic facies) was created using slope, geology, vegetation cover, land use, Landsat 5 and Google Earth satellite images in 4 units, and 10 types and 96 facies were identified. Then, in each work unit, all the criteria were valued based on the selected indices which resulted in the qualitative mapping of each criterion based on the geometric mean of the indices. The mapping of each group was done based on the geometric mean of the studied criterion. Then, the DESERTIFICATION intensity map of the region was obtained using a geometric average of all groups. Findings: The results showed that water, irrigation, and erosion have the most severe impact on DESERTIFICATION with weighted means of 2. 94 and 2. 72, respectively. Sabzevar was divided into two classes of moderate (II) and intensive (IV) classes, with the largest area covered by the moderate class (85. 07% ) Discussion and Conclusion: Sabzevar has a diverse variety of geomorphologic terrains from high mountains to Playa, and dividing it into two classes indicates the simplicity of the IMPDA in preparing DESERTIFICATION. The reason for this peculiarity is the diverse features, geometric mean and unbalanced classification. The mentioned hazard map along with key factors in DESERTIFICATION can be used by the related managers for combating DESERTIFICATION and moving towards sustainable development in Sabzevar.

The eastern part of Esfahan especially Varton and Segzi plains are considered as the arid lands of the country. In this area due to the existence of sensitive soils, DESERTIFICATION is increasing. (IMDPA) MODEL was selected to study the most effective criterion and indicator in DESERTIFICATION process in the Segzi region. In this case study three criteria including: water, vegetation cover and land were studied and some indicators for each criterion were considered based on the local condition. Then the final map of DESERTIFICATION intensity of the region was prepared by composing the layers and using of their geometrical average. According to the three selected criteria, the map of DESERTIFICATION shows the high and very high levels of DESERTIFICATION in the Segzi region. The water criterion with average value of 3.97 was settled in very high class while the land criterion with value of 3.26 and vegetation criterion with value of 3.12 were considered as in high class of DESERTIFICATION.