Document Type : Research
Authors
1
Research Assistant Professor, Natural Resources Research Department, Golestan Province Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Gorgan, Iran
2
Research Associate Professor, Soil and Water Research Department, Golestan Province Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Gorgan, Iran.
3
Researcher, Natural Resources Research Department, Golestan Province Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Gorgan, Iran
10.22092/lmj.2026.372066.399
Abstract
Dust is one of the serious environmental challenges in the arid and semi-arid regions of the world, capable of affecting climate, human health, and economic activities. In Iran and Golestan Province, the dust phenomenon is also very susceptible. This study aimed to identify the sources of trans-regional dust masses reaching Golestan Province during the period of September 12–16, 2025, using the NOAA HYSPLIT model and satellite data. The Absorbing Aerosol Index (AAI) was employed to determine air pollution levels and detect dust masses. The 72-hour backward trajectories indicated that on September 12, the dust originated from Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. In contrast, the 24-hour trajectories showed that on September 15, the source was Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Furthermore, the 12-hour analysis revealed that the dust mass entered the region from the northeast (Turkmenistan and North Khorasan). Satellite imagery also showed that on September 16, 2025, northeastern Iran, especially the area around the Caspian Sea, was affected by a high-concentration dust mass. The AAI index values from the eastern Caspian Sea to Golestan Province indicated significant air pollution caused by dust. The analysis results of the HYSPLIT model and satellite images demonstrate that the trans-regional dust entering Golestan during September 12–16 originated from Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. Since the dust mainly entered the province from the northeast during these time intervals, atmospheric conditions and wind patterns played a major role in transporting these dust masses. Additionally, the confirmation of these findings through satellite data indicates that this phenomenon was a real and traceable event.
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