The study of desertification process on the basis of climate using IMDPA model (Case Study: Kashan Plain, Iran)andnbsp;

Desertification is a major challenge in Iran. In this study, four variables of rainfall, drought duration, aridity index and standard precipitation index (SPI) have been used for monitoring extent of desertification in Kashan plain, Iran. Required data were prepared and scored according to IMPDA scoring table. The obtained criteria were integrated and elaborated in ArcGIS9 software as information layers .Then, each of above mentioned variables were regionalized using proper Krigging method. The andnbsp;maps of each index were generated for three time periods: 1975-1990, 1991-2000 and2001 to 2010. Ultimately, corresponding maps of these three periods were synthesized using geometric average method, and a final climatic map of Kashan plain based on IMDPA model was produced. The results indicated that the severity of desertification increased from south west towards the central and north east parts of the region. The standard precipitation index with the average value of 2.99 had the most significant effect on desertification severity while drought duration with the value of 0.14 had the least influence. Two other indices i,e. drought index and rainfall amount with the values of 2.97, 2.59 ranked in between. In general, it can be concluded that desertification would intensify in future decades.andnbsp;