Utilizing NASA Giovanni and Google Earth Engine for Dust Analysis in Northeast and East Iran: A 40-Year Study Using MODIS, MERRA-2, and Sentinel-5 Data to Assess Relationships with Wind and Vegetation

Subject Areas : Environment

Sajad Jalil ¹ , Alireza Nouri ² , Ali Akbar Jamali ³

1 - Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Yazd Branch, Islamic Azad University, Yazd, Iran
2 - Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Yazd Branch, Islamic Azad University, Yazd, Iran
3 - Associate Professor, Department of GIS-RS and Watershed Management, Maybod Branch, Islamic Azad University, Maybod, Iran

Received: 2021-02-24 Accepted : 2021-07-25 Published : 2024-05-30

Keywords: Dust, EVI, Google Earth Engine, Remote Sensing, Wind speed,

Abstract :

Background and objective: Dust storms have been a persistent environmental challenge in eastern and northeastern Iran, exacerbating air pollution and affecting human health, agriculture, and infrastructure. This study aims to analyze the spatial and temporal variations of dust levels over the last 40 years, with a focus on assessing the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) and wind speed on dust intensity and distribution. The research uses satellite data to explore the relationship between environmental factors and the occurrence of dust storms, providing insights into the role of drought-induced vegetation loss in dust formation. Materials and methods: This study utilized data from MODIS, MERRA-2, and Sentinel-5, processed through the NASA Giovanni and Google Earth Engine (GEE) platforms. Dust concentration levels were analyzed using satellite imagery and meteorological data. The relationship between wind speed, EVI, and dust levels was assessed by extracting time-series data for the study region. Temporal and spatial variations were analyzed to identify trends, with a particular focus on the influence of environmental factors such as, wind speed, and vegetation decline. Results and conclusion: The results indicate a strong inverse correlation between vegetation cover and dust intensity, with declining EVI values corresponding to increased dust levels. Wind speed also significantly influenced dust distribution patterns, with higher speeds contributing to more severe dust storms. Over the 40-year period, a marked increase in dust levels was observed, particularly in areas where vegetation cover had diminished due to recurrent droughts. The findings highlight the critical role of wind and vegetation in controlling dust storms and suggest that improving vegetation cover could mitigate dust storm severity in the region.

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