Applied Sedimentology

Applied Sedimentology

Distribution pattern of sediment particles under the influence of wind and water flow intensity in the Saleh-abad region - northeast Iran, with reference to environmental impacts

Authors
A. Darrudi 1
E. Pasban 2
M. H. Mahmudy Gharaie 3
A. Karimian Torghabeh 4
1 M. Sc. (graduated), Dept., of Geology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University, Mashhad, Iran
2 Ph. D. (graduated), Dept., of Geology, Faculty of Science, Bu Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
3 Prof., Dept., of Geology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University, Mashhad, Iran
4 Assist. Prof., Dept., of Geology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University, Mashhad, Iran
10.22084/psj.2025.31054.1472
Abstract
Dust storms, as a natural phenomenon, can exert considerable effects on the Earth system, the environment, and human life. To investigate the sedimentological characteristics of dust in the Salehabad region, seven depositional samplers were installed across Salehabad County and six adjacent villages. Dust samples were collected over one year duration and analyzed using laser granulometry. Based on Folk’s (1974) classification diagram, most particles were found to fall within the silt size range. The fine grain size indicates that the dust likely originates from remote sources. Bimodal and polymodal patterns in particle size distribution suggest the influence of multiple dust sources, which vary with wind direction and intensity throughout the year. Wind rose data for the area reveal two predominant wind directions. Additionally, water flows may also contribute to the polymodal nature of the particle size distributions. The abundance of particles smaller than 10 microns in the dust samples highlights their potential to cause environmental and health issues, particularly respiratory disease.
Keywords
Dust storm
Salehabad
Wind erosion
Particle origin
Laser granulometry
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  • Receive Date 05 April 2025
  • Revise Date 11 May 2025
  • Accept Date 15 June 2025