Spatial?Temporal Monitoring of Ecotonal Belt Using Landscape Ecological Indices in the Central Elburz Region: Remote Sensing and GIS Analysis
Journal: Pollution (Vol.1, No. 2)Publication Date: 2015-04-01
Authors : Ahmad Reza Yavari; Hamid Reza Jafari; Seyyed Mahmood Hashemi;
Page : 231-246
Keywords : Environmental Quality; Central Elburz; Urban region of Tehran-Karaj; Ecotone; Landscape Transformation;
Abstract
Iran has mountainous landscapes and half of its surface is occupied by highlands. Moreover, Iran is an arid country and deserts are located at lower altitudes. Most metropolitan areas are positioned in mid-altitudes between mountain and desert. Cities grow upwardly toward the highlands under pressures of urbanization and desertification. Foothill ecotones are a zone between upland mountains and midland plains. Upwardly sprawl of urban centers has transformed the structures and functions of these ecologically strategic belts. In this article, we analyzed the transformational trend of the ecotonal zone in the southern slopes of the central Elburz (Tehran-Karaj urban region). Landsat 7 ETM+ (2000) and 8 OLI (2013) are used to monitor spatial and temporal variability of landscape metrics. The land covers are grouped into four classes: vegetation cover, open space, built area, and water body. Seven landscape metrics are used including: NP, CAP, MPS, AW-MPS, MNND, PARA, and TE. Our results indicate that NP, AW-MPS, TE, and PARA increased whereas CAP and MPS decreased. These results are a sign of the fragmentation process across the ecotonal strip.
Other Latest Articles
- Comparison of the environmental indicators of phosphorus efficiency and the balance between saffron and wheat production systems in the Qaenat region, Iran
- Laser land levelling as a strategy for environmental management: the case of Iran
- Studies on removal of Zinc and Chromium from aqueous solutions using water Hyacinth
- Collection and recycle bin location-allocation problem in solid waste management: A review
- Remote sensing technology for mapping and monitoring vegetation cover (Case study: Semirom-Isfahan, Iran)
Last modified: 2016-07-02 01:31:02