Geography

Geography

Spatiotemporal Patterns of Atmospheric Aerosol Distribution in Khuzestan Province Based on MODIS AOD Data Using the Google Earth Engine Platform (2018–2023)

Document Type : Research Article

Authors
Atefeh Bosak 1
Zahra Bigom Hejazizadeh 2
Mostafa Kabolizadeh 3
1 PhD candidate of Climatology, Department of Natural Geography, Faculty of Geographic Sciences, Kharazmi University .of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
2 Department of Climatology, Faculty of Geographical Sciences, Kharazmi University
3 Associate Professor of Remote Sensing and GIS, Faculty of Erath Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz Iran
10.22034/jiga.2025.2062892.1431
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction
Air pollution has emerged as one of the most critical environmental and public health challenges in recent decades, with profound impacts on human health, climate change, and ecosystem degradation. Among the primary components of air pollution are atmospheric aerosols and suspended particulate matter, which significantly reduce air quality and contribute to various adverse phenomena such as horizontal visibility reduction, increased ambient temperature, disruption of precipitation cycles, and respiratory and cardiovascular disorders. Aerosols are classified into two categories based on their origin: natural and anthropogenic. Natural sources include desert dust storms, wildfires, and volcanic activity, while anthropogenic sources mainly consist of emissions from industries, transportation, and agricultural activities. Khuzestan Province, located in southwestern Iran, has been increasingly affected by dust storms and elevated aerosol concentrations in recent years. This is primarily due to its geographical location, proximity to vast deserts in Iraq and Saudi Arabia, reduced vegetation cover, wetland desiccation, and regional climate change. These conditions not only threaten human health but also create significant socio-economic and environmental consequences. Therefore, identifying and analyzing the temporal and spatial patterns of aerosol distribution and dust events is crucial for risk management, urban and regional planning, and the development of effective environmental policies.
 
Methodology
The primary objective of this study is to analyze the spatiotemporal variations of Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) in Khuzestan Province over a five-year period from July 2018 to July 2023. To achieve this, MODIS satellite data were employed, and AOD maps were processed and extracted using the Java programming language within the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform. Analyses were conducted at three temporal scales—monthly, seasonal, and annual—to provide a comprehensive understanding of both short-term and long-term variations and to identify the dominant spatial and temporal distribution patterns of aerosols. In addition, a second-degree polynomial nonlinear regression model was applied to examine the temporal trends of AOD, as it demonstrated better adaptability to the fluctuations in aerosol concentrations compared to linear models.
 
Results and Discussion
The findings of this study indicate that the temporal distribution of AOD in Khuzestan Province exhibits an inverted U-shaped pattern, with peak values occurring during the warm seasons and the lowest values recorded during the cold seasons. The maximum AOD values were observed in June 2023 (8.5) and August 2020 (7.9) in the southern parts of the province, particularly in areas adjacent to desiccated wetlands and arid desert regions. Conversely, the minimum AOD values occurred during winter, especially in December 2018 and December 2020, with values ranging between 0 and 0.14. Monthly mean analysis further revealed that the highest mean AOD was recorded in May 2022 (0.7), whereas the lowest mean occurred in February 2021 (0.16). These patterns clearly demonstrate that dust storm activity and aerosol concentration in Khuzestan Province are highly dependent on seasonal and climatic conditions. Southern regions are the most affected due to their proximity to dust hotspots, wetland desiccation, and the reduction in vegetation cover caused by both climatic factors and human activities
 
Conclusion
This study highlights the significant potential of MODIS satellite data and the GEE platform for monitoring and analyzing dust phenomena and atmospheric aerosols in arid and semi-arid regions. The results emphasize the importance of utilizing remote sensing technologies for environmental monitoring and management, particularly in areas prone to dust events. Furthermore, the spatial and temporal analyses of aerosol distribution can assist policymakers and environmental authorities in designing targeted mitigation strategies. Based on the findings of this research, recommended actions include the restoration of wetlands and water resources, the expansion of vegetation cover using drought-resistant species, the management of anthropogenic dust sources, and the establishment of early warning and prediction systems for dust storms. Implementing these measures can play a critical role in reducing the environmental and public health impacts of dust and aerosol pollution in Khuzestan Province
Keywords
Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD). Atmospheric Aerosols
Dust Storms
MODIS Satellite Data
Google Earth Engine (GEE)

Subjects

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Geography
Volume 23, Issue 86
Autumn2024, pp.1-200.
Autumn 2025
Pages 1-24