Dust Detection and Mapping in Kermanshah Province Using MODIS Satellite Imagery

The aim of this study was to investigate the status of dust storms in Kermanshah province, Iran, using climatic and remote sensing data. Dusty days recorded at 12 meteorological stations were obtained and analyzed at monthly and yearly scales from 1990 to 2011 and then the relationship of visibility data (0.77) with rainfall, wind direction and speed parameters. The results of MODIS dust mapping showed that the performance of dust indices differs from one event to another. According to dust classified maps and visibility data, the Ackerman index performed best, followed by TDI and Miller indices.