PM2.5 Spatial Analyzing and Modeling of Spring Season in Iran Scope by Random Forest Algorithm

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Physical Geography, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran.‎

2 Department of Geography, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran.‎

Abstract

PM2.5 particulate matter represents one of the most critical environmental challenges globally, with far-reaching impacts on human health, quality of life, and ecosystem functionality. In this study, the MERRA-2 dataset—covering the period from 1983 to 2023—was utilized to analyze the long-term behavior and spatiotemporal patterns of PM2.5 concentrations during the months of April, May, and June.The research was conducted in three phases: Preprocessing and Preliminary Analysis: Initial steps involved data cleaning, reconstruction, and exploratory analysis to prepare the dataset for spatial modeling. Spatial Distribution and Trend Analysis: The spatial distribution and temporal trends of PM2.5 were examined, along with their correlations with climatic and environmental variables. Modeling with Random Forest Algorithm: PM2.5 concentrations were modeled using the random forest algorithm to assess predictive accuracy and spatial representation. The spatial analysis revealed that the highest concentrations of PM2.5 occurred in the southwestern regions of the country, while the lowest levels were observed in the northwest. Trend analysis showed a significant positive trend in PM2.5 levels in southwestern areas—particularly in parts of Khuzestan Province—with increases exceeding 4 Mg/m² in April and May, and over 5 Mg/m² in June. The random forest model demonstrated strong performance in spatial modeling of PM2.5. The coefficient of determination (R²) values for environmental parameters were 0.87, 0.88, and 0.98 for April, May, and June, respectively. For climatic parameters, the R² values were 0.86, 0.98, and 0.97. These results confirm the robustness and suitability of the random forest algorithm in capturing the spatial and temporal dynamics of PM2.5 concentrations.
 
Extended Abstract
1-Introduction
Pollutants refer to any natural or artificial substances that enter the atmosphere in abnormal quantities, and their presence has increased at an alarming rate in recent years. Due to their widespread impact on both global and local climate systems, pollutants pose a growing threat—particularly to developing countries. Among the most significant pollutants affecting air quality is particulate matter, especially dust. Dust particles have numerous health and environmental consequences throughout their atmospheric cycle. While they may carry nutrients and salts that enrich agricultural soils, they also contribute to soil degradation, reduce crop quality, contaminate water resources, obstruct roads and communication routes, impair visibility, and lead to airport closures. Additionally, dust can alter wind patterns and contribute to atmospheric scattering, further complicating climate dynamics. Given the extensive influence of particulate matter and airborne microbes on climatic, human, and environmental variables at both regional and global scales, this study employed landfill-based analytical methods in combination with a national-scale random forest algorithm. The goal was to model pollutant behavior and provide data-driven insights to inform and guide environmental policy-making.
 
2-Materials and Methods
This study utilized the MERRA-2 dataset at a monthly temporal resolution, obtained from the Earth Data portal in NetCDF format, to analyze PM2.5 particulate matter across Iran. The research was conducted in four key phases: Data Acquisition and Preprocessing: PM2.5 data were extracted and prepared using MERRA-2 settings. Initial preprocessing included data cleaning, formatting, and drafting operations to ensure consistency and usability for spatial analysis. Spatial Distribution Analysis: Using geospatial techniques, the average spatial distribution and temporal trends of PM2.5 concentrations were mapped and examined. This step provided insights into regional variations and long-term behavioral patterns of suspended particles. Correlation with Climatic and Environmental Variables: The study investigated the relationship between PM2.5 concentrations and various climatic and environmental parameters across Iran. This included assessing how factors such as temperature, humidity, vegetation cover, and land use influence particulate levels. Modeling with Random Forest Algorithm: Finally, the random forest algorithm was applied to model the spatial distribution of PM2.5. This machine learning approach enabled robust prediction and pattern recognition, offering a reliable framework for understanding the dynamics of suspended particulate matter in relation to environmental and climatic variables.
 
3- Results and Discussion
The spatial distribution map of average column concentrations of PM2.5 over Iran during April, May, and June reveals a relatively consistent pattern, with elevated concentrations primarily observed in the southwest (notably Khuzestan Province) and the northwest (particularly West Azerbaijan). This concentration is largely influenced by a combination of geographical, climatic, and environmental factors, including proximity to major transboundary dust sources such as the deserts of Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen, reduced soil moisture, and intensified agricultural and industrial activities—all of which contribute to increased pollutant levels. In contrast, the lowest PM2.5 concentrations were recorded in Iran’s mountainous regions, including the Alborz and Zagros ranges and parts of the northwest. These areas benefit from higher altitudes, increased rainfall, cloud cover, penetration of humid air masses, and dense vegetation, which collectively reduce the accumulation of airborne particles. Analysis of variable importance across the spring months identified minimum temperature as the most influential climatic factor in April, May, and June. Among environmental variables, soil moisture was most significant in April and May, while soil temperature played a dominant role in June. Modeling results using the random forest algorithm demonstrated strong predictive performance in estimating PM2.5 concentrations. The model achieved an explanation coefficient (R²) exceeding 85%, with an average absolute error below 6% and a root mean square error under 9%. These metrics confirm the suitability of the random forest approach for capturing the spatial and temporal dynamics of suspended particulate matter using climatic and environmental parameters.
 
4- Conclusion
The evaluation of the random forest algorithm's performance in this study demonstrates its strong capability in modeling PM2.5 concentrations based on climatic and environmental parameters. However, discrepancies were observed in certain regions, notably West Azerbaijan and Khuzestan Provinces, where modeled PM2.5 levels diverged from actual measurements. These differences are primarily attributed to the influx of transboundary dust, which is not fully captured in the MERRA-2 dataset, as well as limitations in input data and geopolitical factors such as the instability of local dust sources and complex, uncontrollable environmental conditions. These limitations highlight the need to enhance model accuracy by integrating high-resolution local datasets and conducting simultaneous analyses of climatic and environmental variables. Additionally, greater attention must be paid to transboundary dust sources, which significantly influence regional air quality.  To address these challenges, it is recommended that, alongside local dust mitigation efforts, regional and intercontinental cooperation be strengthened to manage transboundary dust flows. Such collaborative strategies are essential for more effective air pollution control and for informing evidence-based environmental policymaking.
 
 

Keywords

Main Subjects


  • Albugami, S.‎, Palmer, S.‎, Cinnamon, J.‎, & Meersmans, J.‎ (2019).‎ Spatial and Temporal Variations in the Incidence of Dust Storms in Saudi Arabia Revealed from In Situ Observations.‎Geosciences,9(4), 162-173.‎ doi: ‎10.‎3390/geosciences9040162.‎

    Alizadeh choobari, O.‎, & Najafi, M.‎S.‎ (2017).‎ Trends and changes in air temperature and precipitation over different regions of the earth and space physics, 43(3), 569-584.‎ doi: 10.‎22126/ges.‎2020.‎4227.‎2057.‎ (In Persian).‎

    Ansari, M.‎, Ahmadi, M.‎, & Goudarzi, Gh.‎ (2024).‎ Investigation of Temporal – spatial variations of particulate matter (PM2.‎5 and PM10) in Tehran city Using GIS (2013-2020).‎ Journal of Environmental Sciences and Technology, 26(2), 127-140.‎ doi: ‎10.‎30495/jest.‎2022.‎61846.‎ 5441.‎ (In Persian).‎

    Asadi Oskouei, E.‎, Godarzy, L.‎, & Helali, J.‎ (2022).‎ Introducing the SMAP L4 Products and Investigating the Spatio-Temporal Variability of Soil Moisture in Iran.‎ Nivar,46 (116-117), 14-27.‎ doi: 10.‎30467/nivar.‎2022.‎315991.‎1206.‎ (In Persian).‎

    Azari, L.‎, Naji meidani, A.‎, Salehnia, N.‎ (2024).‎ Predicting the Impact of Climate Conditions on the Economic Production of Iranian Provinces with The Approach of Random Forest Algorithm.‎ Quarterly Journal of Applied Theories of Economics, 11(2), 1-34.‎ doi: ‎10.‎22034/ecoj.‎2024.‎60935.‎3292.‎ (In Persian).‎

    Banks, J.‎ R.‎, & Brindley, H.‎ E.‎ ( 2013).‎ Evaluation of MSG-SEVIRI mineral dust retrieval products over North Africa and the Middle East.‎ Remote Sensing of Environment, 128(2), 58-73.‎ doi: 10.‎1016/j.‎rse.‎2012.‎07.‎017.‎

    Bashar Doost, A.‎, & Mesgari, M.‎ S.‎ (2024).‎ Spatial Modeling of Airborne Particles (PM2.‎5 and PM10) in Tehran city Using Convolutional Neural Network.‎ Nivar, 48(124-125), 31-49.‎ doi: 10.‎30467/nivar.‎2024.‎430255.‎1276 .‎(In Persian).‎

    Basheer, S.‎, Rashid, H.‎, Nasir, A.‎, & Nawaz, R.‎A.‎ (2019).‎ Spatial and temporal variability analysis of PM2.‎5 concentration in Lahore city.‎ Environmental Contaminants Reviews.‎ 2(1),6-10.‎ doi: 10.‎26480/ecr.‎01.‎2019.‎06.‎10.‎

    Bayat, A.‎ (2013).‎ Classification of atmospheric aeronautics using polarized solar shader data, PhD thesis, Zanjan University of Postgraduate Studies.‎ (In Persian).‎

    Bian, H.‎, Colarco, P.‎ R.‎, Chin, M.‎, Chen, G.‎, Rodriguez, J.‎ M.‎, Liang, Q.‎, & Wisthaler, A.‎ (2013).‎ Source attributions of pollution to the Western Arctic during the NASA ARCTAS field campaign.‎ Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, 13(9), 4707-4721.‎ doi: ‎10.‎5194/ acpd-12-8823-2012

    Borzou, F.‎, Zolfaghari, H.‎, Masoompour Samakosh, J.‎, & Sahraei, J.‎ (2021).‎ Spatial Analysis of Dust Storms in Iran based on Climatic and Vegetation Characteristics.‎ Geography and Environmental Sustainability, 11(1), 1-23.‎ doi: ‎10.‎22126/ges.‎2021.‎6478.‎2395.‎(In Persian).‎

    Buchard, V.‎, Colarco, P.‎ R.‎, da Silva, A.‎ M.‎, Randles, C.‎ A.‎, Kawa, S.‎ R .‎, & Hair, J.‎ W.‎ (2016).‎ Evaluation of PM2.‎5 surface concentrations simulated by version 1 of the NASA MERRA aerosol reanalysis.‎ Atmospheric Environment, 140, 1 10 .‎doi: ‎10.‎1016/j.‎ atmosenv.‎2016.‎05.‎03

    Cai, K.‎, Zhang, Q.‎, Li, S.‎, Li, Y.‎, & Ge, W.‎ (2018).‎ Spatial–Temporal Variations in NO2and PM2.‎5 over the Chengdu–Chongqing Economic Zone in China during 2005–2015 Based on Satellite Remote Sensing.‎ Sensors, 18(11),1-16.‎ doi: ‎10.‎3390/s18113950

    Cakmur, R.‎ V.‎, Miller, R.‎ L.‎, & Torres, O.‎ (2004).‎ Incorporating the effect of small scale circulations upon dust emission in an atmospheric general circulation model.‎ Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, 109(7),2-10.‎ doi: ‎10.‎1029/2003JD004067

    Cheng, B.‎, Ma, Y.‎, Zhao, Y.‎, Zhao, Y.‎, Qin, P.‎, Feng, F.‎, Liu, Z.‎, Wang, W.‎, & Zhang, Y.‎ (2024).‎ Influence of topography and synoptic weather patterns on air quality in a valley basin city of Northwest China.‎ The Science of The Total Environment, 934(4), 173362.‎ doi: ‎10.‎1016/j.‎ scitotenv.‎2024.‎173362.‎

    Colarco, P.‎, da Silva, A.‎, Chin, M.‎, & Diehl, T.‎ (2010).‎ Online simulations of global aerosol distributions in the NASA GEOS‐4 model and comparisons to satellite and ground‐based aerosol optical depth.‎ Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, 115(D14).‎ doi: ‎10.‎1029/2009JD012820

    Dadashi-Roudbari, A.‎ (2019).‎ Analysis of the temporal-spatial variability of vertical and horizontal patterns of dust and evaluation of its climatic feedbacks in Iran.‎ PhD thesis in Meteorology, Shahid Beheshti University.‎ (In Persian).‎

    de Leeuw, G.‎, L.‎ Sogacheva, E.‎, Rodriguez, K.‎, Kourtidis, A.‎K.‎, Georgoulias, G.‎, Alexandri, V Amiridis.‎, E.‎ Proestakis, E.‎, & Marinou, Y.‎ Xue.‎ (2018).‎ Two decades of satellite observations of AOD over mainland China using ATSR-2, AATSR and MODIS/Terra: data set evaluation and large-scale patterns.‎ Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, 18(3):1573-1592.‎ doi: ‎:10.‎5194/acp-18-1573-2018

    Di, M.‎, Liu, Y.‎, Zhang, L.‎, & Wang, X.‎ (2019).‎ Multimodel simulations of a springtime dust storm over northeastern Asia: Model intercomparison and source attribution.‎ Geoscientific Model Development, 12(11), 4603–4625.‎ doi: ‎10.‎5194/gmd-12-4603-2019gmd.‎copernicus.‎org

    Ebrahimikhusfi, Z.‎ (2020).‎ Analysis of Temporal Changes of Dust Events and Determination of the Contribution of Climate Factors Affecting it in Arid Regions Based on the Ridge Regression Analysis (A Case Study: Yazd City).‎ Journal of Hydrology and Soil Science, 24(1), 145-158.‎ doi: 10.‎47176/jwss.‎24.‎1.‎41171.‎ (In Persian).‎

    Farzanehpey, F.‎, Ranjbar-Fordoe, A.‎, Khosravi, H.‎, & Mosavi, S.‎ H.‎ (2024).‎ Evaluation of dust changes and its relationship with temperature (Case study: Khuzestan province).‎ Integrated Watershed Management, 4(1), 16-29.‎ doi: 10.‎22034/iwm.‎2024.‎2014553.‎1112.‎ (In Persian).‎

    Feiznia, S.‎, Roghani, R.‎, & Soltani, S.‎ (2019).‎ Seasonal and spatial variations of PM2.‎5, PM10 and TSP particles in the suburbs of Isfahan and their relationship with meteorological parameters.‎ Rangeland and Watershed Management (Iranian Natural Resources), 73(2), 393-404.‎ doi: 10.‎22059/jrwm.‎2018.‎250800.‎1220.‎ (In Persian).‎

    Gelaro, R.‎, McCarty, W.‎, Suárez, M.‎ J.‎, Todling, R.‎, Molod, A.‎, Takacs, L.‎, Randles, C.‎ A.‎, Darmenov, A.‎, Bosilovich, M.‎ G.‎, Reichle, R.‎, Wargan, K.‎, Coy, L.‎, Cullather, R.‎, Draper, C.‎, Akella, S.‎, Buchard, V.‎, Conaty, A.‎, da Silva, A.‎ M.‎, Gu, W.‎, & Zhao, B.‎ (2017).‎The Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications, Version 2 (MERRA-2).‎ Journal of Climate, 30(14), 5419–5454.‎ doi: ‎10.‎1175/JCLI-D-16-0758.‎1.‎

    Ghanghermeh, A.‎, & Shokrollahi, D.‎ (2023).‎ An investigation of the relationship between atmospheric boundary layer height changes and air pollution variables in the cities of Isfahan.‎ Climate Change Research, 3(12), 69-90.‎ doi: 10.‎30488/ccr.‎2023.‎386658.‎ 1117.‎(In Persian).‎

    Haghighi, E.‎, Gholizadeh, M.‎ H.‎, Doostkamian, M.‎, & Ghaderi, F.‎ (2017).‎ Nature and structure of the atmospheric circulation in pervasive rains of spring, Iran.‎ Physical Geography Research, 49(3), 523-539.‎ doi: 10.‎22059/jphgr.‎2017.‎218909.‎1006955 .‎ (In Persian).‎

    HKhoshakhlagh, F.‎, Azizi, Gh.‎, & Rahimi, M.‎ (2012).‎ The Synoptic Patterns Of Wintertime Drought And Wet Period In Southwestern Of Iran.‎ Journal Of Geographical Sciences, 12(25), 57-77.‎ http://jps.‎khu.‎ac.‎ir/article-1-652-fa.‎html.‎ (In Persian).‎

    Höflinger, Wilhelm.‎, & Laminger, Thomas.‎ (2017).‎ PM2.‎5 or respirable dust measurement and their use for assessment of dust separators.‎ Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers.‎ 94.‎ 10.‎1016.‎ doi: 10.‎1016/j.‎jtice.‎2017.‎07.‎035

    Hu, K.‎, Kumar,R.‎K.‎, Kang,N.‎, Boiyo,R.‎, & Wu,J.‎ (2018).‎ Spatiotemporal characteristics of aerosols and their trends over mainland China with the recent Collection 6 MODIS and OMI satellite datasets.‎ Environmental Science and Pollution Research.‎ 25(7): 6909-6927.‎ doi: 10.‎1007/s11356-017-0715-6

    Huang, R.‎ J.‎, Zhang, Y.‎, & Bozzetti, C.‎ (2021).‎ Nighttime temperature and surface inversions as drivers of PM2.‎5 pollution in semi-arid regions.‎ Environmental Science & Technology, 55(6), 3474–3483.‎ https://www.‎nature.‎com/articles/nature13774

    Hughes, A.‎, Brown, T.‎, & Silva, M.‎ (2022).‎Comparison of Random Forest and Support Vector Machine classifiers for satellite image classification.‎ Remote Sensing, 14(8), 1552.‎ doi: ‎10.‎3390/rs14081552

    Hussain, A.‎, Mir,H.‎, & Afzal, M.‎ (2005).‎ Analysis of dust storms frequecny over pakistan during 1961-2000 .‎ Journal of Meteorology 2(3).‎https://www.‎researchgate.‎net/publication/ 285097369.‎

    Javadi, P.‎, Asadi, H.‎ & Vazifehdoust, M.‎ (2022).‎ Prediction of Spatial Variations of Soil Moisture Using Random Forest Method and Environmental Features derived from Satellite Images in Marghab Basin of Khuzestan.‎ Iranian Journal of Soil and Water Research, 52(11), 2859-2874.‎ doi: 10.‎22059/ijswr.‎2021.‎331962.‎669094 (In Persian).‎

    Kahrari, P.‎, Khaledi, S.‎, Keikhosravi, G.‎, & Alavi, S.‎ J.‎ (2025).‎ Investigating the effects of criteria air pollutants and meteorological parameters on the change of black carbon concentration in Tehran and Tabriz.‎ Journal of Natural Environmental Hazards, 14(43), 35-58.‎ doi: 10.‎22111/ jneh.‎2024.‎47935.‎2028.‎ (In Persian).‎

    Kang, L.‎, Huang, J.‎, Chen, S.‎, & Wang, X.‎ (2016).‎ Long-term trends of dust events over Tibetan Plateau during 1961–2010.‎ Atmospheric environment.‎ 125(2), 188-198.‎ doi: ‎10.‎1016/j.‎ atmosenv.‎2015.‎10.‎085.‎

    Kaskaoutis, D.‎ G.‎, Nastos, P.‎ T.‎, Kosmopoulos, P.‎ G.‎, Kambezidis, H.‎ D.‎, Kharol, S.‎ K.‎, & Badarinath, K.‎ V.‎ S.‎ (2010).‎ The aura–OMI aerosol index distribution over Greece.‎ Atmospheric Research.‎ 98(1), 28-39.‎ doi: ‎10.‎1016/j.‎atmosres.‎2010.‎03.‎018

    Katorani, S.‎, Ahmadi, M.‎, & Dadashi-Roudbari, A.‎ (2024).‎ Investigating the Spatial Distribution and Trend of Dust Mass Density in West Asia and Its Relationship with Climate Variables.‎ Water and Soil, 38(3), 427-411.‎ doi: ‎10.‎22067/jsw.‎2024.‎86233.‎1367.‎ (In Persian).‎

    Liu, C.‎, Yin, Z.‎, He, Y.‎, & Wang, L.‎ (2022).‎ Climatology of dust aerosols over the Jianghan Plain revealed with space-borne instruments and MERRA-2 reanalysis data during2006–2021.‎ Remote Sensing, 14(17), 44-14.‎ doi: ‎10.‎3390/rs14174414.‎

    Liu,J.‎, & Ding, W.‎(2023).‎ Spatial and temporal distribution of PM2.‎5 and O3 in north China from 2011 to 2020: Patterns and influence mechanisms.‎ Atmospheric Pollution Researc,14)11(, 101906, 1309-1042, doi: ‎10.‎1016/j.‎apr.‎2023.‎101906.‎

    Mahmoudi, L.‎, & Ikegaya, N.‎ (2023).‎ Identifying the distribution and frequency of dust storms in Iran based on long‑term observations from over 400 weather stations.‎ Sustainability, 15(16), 12294.‎ doi: ‎10.‎3390/su151612294

    Mathew, B.‎ B.‎, Singh, H.‎, Biju, V.‎ G.‎, & Krishnamurthy, N.‎ B.‎ (2017).‎ Classification, Source, and Effect of Environmental Pollutants and Their Biodegradation.‎ Journal of Environmental Pathology Toxicology and Oncology 36(1),5.‎ doi: ‎10.‎1615/JEnvironPatholToxicolOncol.‎ 2017015804

    Middleton, N.‎ J.‎, & Sternberg, T.‎ (2013).‎ Climate hazards in drylands: A review.‎ Earth-Science Reviews, 126, 48-57.‎ doi: ‎10.‎1016/j.‎earscirev.‎2013.‎07.‎008.‎

     Movahedi, S.‎, Soltanian, M.‎, Halabian, A.‎h.‎, & Porshehbazi, J.‎ (2013).‎ Analysis of precipitation trends in the central desert of Iran during the period 1951-2007.‎ Journal of Desert Ecosystem Engineering, 2(2), 47-56, https://deej.‎kashanu.‎ac.‎ir/article_ 112496.‎html.‎-(In Persian).‎

    Mukaka, M.‎ M.‎ (2012).‎ A guide to appropriate use of correlation coefficient in medical research.‎ Malawi Medical Journal, 24(3), 69-71.‎ PMID: 23638278; PMCID: PMC3576830.‎

    Omidvar, K.‎, narangifard, M.‎, & Hatami Bahman Beiglou, K.‎ (2014).‎ Identification CirculationsPatterns of DustPollutantDays with Applying ClusteringAnalysis in Shiraz.‎ Journal of Natural Environmental Hazards, 3(4), 81-93.‎ doi: 10.‎22111/jneh.‎2014.‎2470.‎ (In Persian).‎

    Rahimian, M.‎, Poormohammadi, S.‎, Hasheminejhad, Y.‎ & Meshkat, M.‎ (2013).‎ Impact of Climate Change on Salinization in Iran.‎ Iranian Journal of Soil Research, 27(1), 1-11.‎ doi: 10.‎22092/ijsr.‎2013.‎126216.‎(In Persian).‎

    Raispour, K.‎ (2021).‎ Evaluation of Spatiotemporal Column Particulate Matter Concentration (PM2.‎5) Due to Dust Events in Iran Using Data from NASAN / MERRA-2 Reanalysis Model.‎ Journal of the Earth and Space Physics, 47(2), 333-354 .‎ doi: 10.‎22059/jesphys.‎2021.‎316499.‎ 1007273.‎ (In Persian).‎

    Rangzan, K.‎, Zarasvandi, A.‎, kabolizadeh, M.‎, mohammadi, S.‎, & mayahi, J.‎ (2022).‎ Spatiotemporal evaluation of PM2.‎5 concentration in Khuzestan province and examining the factors affecting it.‎ Environmental Sciences, 20(2), 199-222 .‎ doi: 10.‎52547/envs.‎2022.‎33613.‎ (In Persian).‎

    Rienecker, M.‎ M.‎, Suarez, M.‎ J.‎, Gelaro, R.‎, Todling, R.‎, Bacmeister, J.‎, Liu, E.‎, & Woollen, J.‎ (2011).‎ MERRA: NASA’s modern-era retrospective analysis for research and applications.‎ Journal of Climate, 24(14), 3624-3648.‎ doi: ‎10.‎1175/JCLI-D-11-00015.‎1.‎

    Rossel, R.‎ V.‎, McBratney, A.‎ B.‎ (2008).‎ Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy as a tool for digital soil mapping.‎ In Digital soil mapping with limited data.‎ 165-172.‎ Springer:Dordrecht.‎ doi: ‎10.‎1007/978-1-4020-8592-5_13.‎

    Shamsoddini, A.‎, & Ahmadi, W.‎ (2020).‎ Spatio – Temporal Estimation of Carbon Monoxide and Nitrogen Dioxide based on Remote Sensing Data and Ancillary Data in Tehran.‎ Geography and Environmental Sustainability, 10(3), 107-124.‎ doi: 10.‎22126/ges.‎2020.‎4227.‎2057.‎ (In Persian).‎

    Shao, Y.‎, Ishizuka, M.‎, Mikami, M.‎, & Leys, J.‎ (2011).‎ Parameterization of size-resolved dust emission.‎ Geoscientific Model Development, 4(5), 853–868.‎ doi: ‎10.‎1029/2010JD014527.‎

    Shao, Y.‎, Wyrwoll, K.‎ H.‎, Chappell, A.‎, Huang, J.‎, Lin, Z.‎, McTainsh, G.‎ H.‎, & Yoon.‎ S.‎ (2011).‎ Dust cycle: An emerging core theme in Earth system science.‎ Aeolian Research, 2(4): 181-204.‎ doi: ‎10.‎1016/j.‎aeolia.‎2011.‎02.‎001

    Shin, S.‎ K.‎, Müller, D.‎, Lee, K.‎ H.‎, Shin, D.‎, Kim, Y.‎ J.‎, & Noh, Y.‎ M.‎)2015(.‎Vertical variation of optical properties of mixed Asian dust/pollution plumes according to pathway of airmass transport over East Asia.‎ Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics Discussions.‎15(3), 3381-3413.‎ doi: ‎10.‎5194/acpd-15-3381-2015

    Solgi, E.‎, & Parsi Mehr, M.‎ (2023).‎ Predicting and Modeling of Daily Concentration of Particulate Matter (PM2.‎5 & PM10) in Hamadan Winter with Multilayer Perceptron Neural Network.‎ Environmental Researches, 13(26), 99-114.‎ doi: 10.‎22034/eiap.‎2023.‎169982.‎ (In Persian).‎

    Squizzato, S.‎, Masiol, M.‎, Rich, D.‎ Q.‎ and Hopke, P.‎ K.‎ )2018(.‎ PM2.‎5 and gaseous pollutants in NewYork State during 2005–2016: Spatial variability, temporal trends, and economic influences.‎ Atmospheric Environment.‎ 183(2), 209-224.‎ doi: ‎10.‎1016/j.‎atmosenv.‎2018.‎03.‎045

    Sun, J.‎, L.‎ Zhao, S.‎ Zhao.‎, & Zhang, R.‎ )2006(.‎ An integrated dust storm prediction system suitable for east Asia and its simulation results.‎ Global and Planetary Change.‎ 52(1-4), 71-87.‎ doi: ‎10.‎1016/j.‎gloplacha.‎2006.‎02.‎005

    • Veefkind, P.‎, Van Oss, R.‎‎, Eskes, H.‎, Borowiak, A.‎, Dentner, F.‎, & Wilson, J.‎ )2007(.‎ The Applicability of Remote Sensing in the Field of.‎ https://publications.‎jrc.‎ec.‎europa.‎eu/ repository/handle/JRC35373

    Velletri, S.‎, Giannaros, T.‎ M.‎, & Zittis, G.‎ (2023).‎ Dust in western Iran: The emergence of new sources and the role of regional atmospheric patterns.‎ Scientific Reports, 13(2), 14616.‎ doi: ‎10.‎1038/s41598-023-42173-3.‎

    Vorpahl, P.‎, Elsenbeer, H.‎, Märker, M.‎, & Schröder, B.‎ (2012).‎ How can statistical models help to determine driving factors of landslides Ecological Modelling, 239, 27-39.‎ doi: ‎10.‎1016/j.‎ecolmodel.‎2011.‎12.‎007

    Wang, J.‎, Li, Q.‎, Zhang, L.‎, & Chen, H.‎ (2024).‎ Impact of precipitation on air quality and PM₂.‎₅ concentration: Evidence from observational data in China.‎ Atmospheric Pollution Research, 15(1), 120-130.‎ doi: ‎10.‎1016/j.‎apr.‎2024.‎01.‎015.‎

    Xu, G.‎, Ren, X.‎, Xiong, K.‎, Li, L.‎, Bi, X.‎, & Wu, Q.‎ (2020).‎ Analysis of the driving factors of PM2.‎5 concentration in the air: A case study of the Yangtze River Delta, China.‎ Ecological Indicators.‎ 110(3), 105889.‎ doi: ‎10.‎1016/j.‎ecolind.‎2019.‎105889

    Yang, X.‎, Dengpan, X.‎, Jianzhao, T.‎, & Wei, W.‎ (2022).‎ Spatiotemporal Distributions of PM2.‎5 Concentrations in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region From 2013 to 2020.‎ Frontiers in Environmental Science, 10(5), 2296-665X.‎ doi: ‎10.‎3389/fenvs.‎2022.‎842237.‎

    Zare Shahneh, M.‎, & Arhami, M.‎ (2022).‎ Source apportionment of fine particulate matter using combined receptor models in Tehran.‎ Sharif Journal of Civil Engineering, 37.‎2(4.‎2), 51-58.‎ doi: ‎10.‎24200/j30.‎2021.‎57146.‎2889.‎ (In Persian).‎

    Zhang, Y.‎, Li, Y.‎, & Wang, W.‎ (2019).‎ Influence of soil temperature on aerosol emissions.‎ Environmental Pollution, 248(7), 203–211.‎ doi: ‎10.‎1316/j.‎soilbio.‎2020.‎107756

    Zhang, Y.‎, Liu, X.‎, Zhou, Y.‎, & Chen, X.‎ (2024).‎ Land-use classification using Random Forest, SVM, and ANN: A comparative study in tropical urban regions.‎ Frontiers in Environmental Science, 12(5), 1130- 1134.‎ doi: ‎10.‎3389/fenvs.‎2024.‎01134

    Zhu, Y.‎, Liu, Y.‎, Wang, X.‎, & Zhang, L.‎ (2021).‎ Inverse modeling of the 2021 spring super dust storms in East Asia.‎ Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, 22(10), 6393–6411.‎ doi: ‎10.‎5194/acp-22-6393-2022research.‎tudelft.‎nl+1acp.‎copernicus.‎org+1.‎

    Zolfaghari, H.‎, Sahraei, J.‎, Masoompoor Samakoosh, J.‎, & Borzoi, F.‎ (2016).‎ Study of Sensible Heat Flux and its Relationship with Temperature Changes and Wind during Warm Periods of Year in Iran.‎ Physical Geography Research, 48(3), 431-450.‎ doi: 10.‎22059/jphgr.‎2016.‎60100.‎ (In Persian).‎

    Zou, X.‎ K.‎, & Zhai, P.‎ M.‎ (2004).‎ Relationship between vegetation coverage and spring dust storms over northern China.‎ Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, 109(D3), 3104-3110.‎ doi: ‎10.‎1029/2003JD003913