Climatology analysis of the Dust Storms in Kerman in period (2000-2023)

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Professor of Climatology, Faculty of Planning and Environmental Sciences, University of Tabriz

2 Professor, Department of Physical Geography (Climatology), University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran

3 Student

10.22034/gp.2025.66982.3394

Abstract

Objective: “Atmospheric dust, as a climatic phenomenon with environmental and human consequences, is of particular importance, especially in arid regions such as Iran. This study was conducted with the aim of performing a climatological analysis of dust storms in Kerman Province over the statistical period 2000–2023.

Methods:Data from 11 synoptic stations were examined, focusing on meteorological codes related to dust (6–9, 30–35, and 98) and parameters such as horizontal visibility and wind speed.For trend analysis, the Mann-Kendall test and Sen’s slope were used.

Results:The results showed that the highest frequency of dust storm days was associated with internal (63%) and external (37 %) sources, occurring in March (501 days) and May (382 days), respectively. The seasonal distribution indicates that the province is more affected by dust events in spring (38%) and summer (29%) than in other seasons. The hourly pattern also revealed peaks at 15:30 and 12:30 local time (24/4% and 20/8%, respectively), attributed to surface heating. Spatial dispersion further indicated an increase in days with external sources in the southeast (43%) and a decrease in the northwest (32%).

Trend analysis using the Mann-Kendall test revealed a significant decrease at the Bam and Shahrebabak stations (with a 99% confidence level) and a significant increase at the Sirjan and Rafsanjan stations (with a 95% confidence level).

Conclusions:These findings underscore the necessity for effective local resource management and enhanced cross-border cooperation to mitigate the impact of this phenomenon in Iran’s arid regions.

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Main Subjects

Journal of Geography and Planning

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 02 September 2025

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