Smart System for Identifying and Monitoring Dust Sources Introduced

The secretary of the National Headquarters for Dust Storm Policy-Making and Coordination announced the system's capabilities for identifying, monitoring and prioritizing dust sources across the country.

According to Ambassador Arjan's reporter, in the 24th meeting of the National Headquarters for Policymaking and Coordination of Dust Management, which was held at the Environmental Protection Agency, Behzad Raigani, the secretary of the National Headquarters for Policymaking and Coordination of Dust Management, explained the capabilities and functions of the system for identifying, monitoring and prioritizing dust centers.

Referring to the necessity of integrating information related to dust centers, Mr. Raagii stated: After gathering information from various sources and devices and preparing a single map of dust centers, the necessity of creating a dynamic system to monitor the changes of these centers over time was determined; A system that can show the status of active and inactive foci in different years and provide a basis for more accurate decision-making for managing resources and implementing preventive measures.

He added: This system was developed with the aim of creating an integrated approach between the secretariat and the members of the national headquarters, improving the allocation of resources, identifying priority centers and strengthening proactive measures in the face of the dust phenomenon. Also, monitoring of cross-border hotspots and providing the information needed to pursue environmental diplomacy are other expected capacities of this system.

Annual monitoring of hotspots using satellite images

The secretary of the country's national dust management policy and coordination headquarters, explaining the different parts of this system, said: This tool provides the possibility of identifying potential dust centers in different geographical areas and selected time frames. In this process, satellite images are analyzed and by using filtering and masking methods, areas such as water areas, areas with dense vegetation, sloping lands, and built-up areas that have different conditions from dust production centers are excluded from the initial analysis.

He continued: After identifying and refining the possible ranges, a dust intensity map will be prepared and it will be possible to check the changes in the activity of each center over time. Also, system outputs can be provided in the form of location files and data exchange with other related departments.

Emphasizing the importance of accurate information in management decision-making, Graegani stated: One of the important capabilities of the system is to provide the possibility of prioritizing dust centers based on indicators such as the intensity and frequency of occurrence, the area of the center, wind conditions, and the affected population. The combination of this information can help to identify the foci that need more attention and direct management resources and actions in a more targeted manner.

According to him, examining the activity of the centers in different time frames also provides the possibility of identifying changes in their status and can be a basis for preventive planning and evaluation of the status of new centers or centers whose activity has decreased or stopped.

Identifying the population exposed to dust and determining the moisture requirement of wetlands

The secretary of the country's national dust management headquarters listed the monitoring of the population exposed to dust as one of the other capabilities of this system and said: using satellite information, the population affected by the dust phenomenon can be investigated in different areas and reports can be prepared on a provincial and urban scale and in monthly, seasonal and annual time frames. This information can be used in identifying critical areas and planning to reduce the effects of dust.

He also pointed to the prediction of the third strategy of the comprehensive plan to deal with dust regarding the provision of moisture needed by wetlands to reduce dust generation and stated: The system provides the possibility to provide an estimate of the wetland's moisture requirement to reduce the possibility of dust generation by selecting the wetland area and checking dust records and variables such as precipitation, evaporation and transpiration and water losses.

Raigani emphasized: Estimating the moisture requirement of the wetland in this system does not mean determining or calculating its value, but the goal is to support the implementation of the third strategy of the comprehensive plan to deal with dust and provide the information needed to manage the moisture of wetlands with the approach of reducing dustiness.