Synoptic and Satellite Analysis of a Dust Storm in Central Iran: A Case Study of the Naein–Ardakan Transportation Route

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Professor, Department of Geography, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran.

2 PhD Student, Department of Geography, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran.

10.29252/aridbiom.2026.4206

Abstract

Environmental crises, including droughts, floods, dust storms, and air pollution, are among the most significant natural hazards affecting human societies and ecosystems. Owing to its geographical location and predominantly arid and semi-arid climate, Iran is highly vulnerable to these environmental phenomena. In recent years, the frequency and intensity of dust storms have increased, particularly across central Iran, resulting in substantial impacts on transportation, public health, and economic activities. This study investigates a severe dust storm that occurred over central Iran during 11–12 March 2022, with a particular focus on the Naein–Ardakan transportation corridor. Synoptic meteorological data, including sea-level pressure (SLP), 500- and 850-hPa geopotential heights, wind components, relative humidity, MODIS satellite imagery, and the Shiraz station Skew-T diagram, were analyzed to examine the atmospheric conditions associated with this event. The results revealed that the development of a deep low-pressure system over the Arabian Peninsula, with a central pressure of approximately 1005 hPa, intensified the pressure gradient and strengthened northwesterly winds over central Iran. Consequently, the maximum wind speed reached approximately 30 m s⁻¹, while horizontal visibility along the Naein–Ardakan corridor decreased to less than 50 m. MODIS satellite imagery confirmed the large-scale transport of dust from major desert source regions toward central Iran. Furthermore, the K Index (KI) and Showalter Index (SI) reached approximately 21.30 and 2.98, respectively, indicating unstable atmospheric conditions during the event. Overall, the findings demonstrate that the interaction between the Arabian low-pressure system and the regional topographic characteristics played a dominant role in the initiation and intensification of this severe dust storm.

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References

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Journal of Arid Biome
Volume 16, Issue 1
March 2026
Pages 1-15

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