Spatial Analysis of Environmental Hazards

Spatial Analysis of Environmental Hazards

Transmission routes and climatic identification of potential dust storm hotspot areas in Sistan and Baluchestan province during the period 1980 to 2021

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research

Authors
Ghasem Hasani
Mohsen Hamidianpour
Taghi Tavousi
Hamid Nazaripour
Mahmood Khosravi
University of Sistan and Baluchestan
10.22034/jsaeh.2026.127554.0
Abstract
Dust is one of the most significant environmental hazards in arid and semi-arid regions, with adverse effects on human health, agriculture, and the economy. Due to its geographical location and specific climatic conditions, Sistan and Baluchestan Province is recognized as one of Iran's critical areas. This research aims to identify the sources and pathways of dust movement using the hybrid single-particle Lagrangian integrated trajectory (HYSPLIT) model and the particle backward trajectory method over the period 1980–2021. The results of this study indicate that Zabol, Zahedan, and Iranshahr stations are identified as the main dust hotspots, with the highest frequency of events occurring in summer and between 09:00 and 15:00 GMT. The implementation of the HYSPLIT model led to the identification of seven dust sources, including two local sources (Hamoun and Jazmurian wetlands) and five transboundary sources in the deserts of neighboring countries and the dried plains of Razavi Khorasan, South Khorasan provinces, and in limited cases, the Lut Desert in the northwest of the province. Approximately 82% of the dust originates locally, while 18% comes from transboundary sources, with the dominant transport pathways being northeast–southwest and southwest–northeast. The findings of this research can provide a suitable basis for management planning, mitigating the environmental and health impacts of dust, enhancing public awareness, and formulating policies compatible with the climatic conditions of the province.
Keywords
HYSPLIT model
Climate tracking
Transport pathways
Sistan and Baluchestan
Spatial Analysis of Environmental Hazards

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 03 November 2026