Study of Spatio-Temporal Changes in the Horizontal Visibility in the Western Half of Iran: Comprehensive Analysis and Management Strategies

Subject Areas :

Mahnaz Saber ¹ , Bromand Salahi ^{2 *} , Roghayeh Maleki Meresht ³

1 - Department of Natural Geography, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
2 - Department of Natural Geography, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
3 - Department of Natural Geography, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

Received: 2025-04-21 Accepted : 2025-06-09 Published : 2025-06-22

Keywords: Mann-Kendall Test, Climate Change, Dust, Horizontal Visibility, Western Iran.,

Abstract :

This study investigated the spatiotemporal variations in the frequency of days with horizontal visibility less or equal 1000 meters in western Iran over a 74-year period (1951–2024). Data from 16 synoptic stations were analyzed using the Mann-Kendall test and Sen's slope estimator. The results show that the highest annual frequency of limited visibility occurred in low-altitude southern stations such as Abadan (2053 days), while the lowest was recorded in Khorramabad (194 days). Spatially, the study area divides into three distinct zones: 1) Southern regions near the Persian Gulf (Abadan, Ahvaz) with the highest annual frequency (2053–1304 days), influenced by high humidity and dust; 2) Western high-altitude areas (Nozheh, Arak) with moderate frequency (1453–1312 days), primarily affected by temperature inversions; and 3) Northwestern regions (Urmia, Khoy) with the lowest frequency (1050–598 days), benefiting from distance from moisture and dust sources. Seasonally, visibility was most restricted in January, February, and December (winter, due to inversions) and least restricted in July, August, and September (summer). Trend analysis showed a significant increase in limit-visibility days in central stations (Arak, Ahvaz, Kermanshah) but a decrease in southern stations (Abadan, Nozheh), attributed to shifting atmospheric patterns, industrial development, land-use changes, and moisture variability. These findings can inform transportation planning, air quality management, and climate change studies.

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