year 15, Issue 1 (Spring 2025)
E.E.R. 2025, 15(1): 1-24 |
Back to browse issues page
Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
Baajzadeh Z, Shah-Hosseini M, Shayan S. Evaluating the Effects of Anthropogenic and Tectonic Factors on Landform Changes with the Aim of Improving the Environment (Case Study: Shour River and Eshtehard Plain). E.E.R. 2025; 15 (1) :1-24
URL: http://magazine.hormozgan.ac.ir/article-1-853-en.html
URL: http://magazine.hormozgan.ac.ir/article-1-853-en.html
Department of Geography, Faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran , m.shahhosseini@modares.ac.ir
Abstract: (628 Views)
1- Introduction
Tectonic and human activities, such as land-use changes and urbanization, have directly and indirectly impacted the geomorphic characteristics of landforms. These activities have influenced erosion and sedimentation rates, evaporation and transpiration processes, runoff patterns, river dynamics, and the frequency of mass movements. This study examines the effects of human and neotectonic activities on geomorphological dynamics of the Shour River and Eshtehard Plain. The research aims to (1) Assess geomorphological changes in landforms to identify potential negative consequences and regional instabilities and (2) to identify key factors driving these changes, evaluate their impacts, and determine the most significant contributors to environmental vulnerability. Temporal and spatial changes in landforms were analyzed using aerial photographs, maps, and satellite images, supplemented with field data and observations. The findings were derived by cross-referencing satellite data, fieldwork results, and previous studies. Information sources included documentary references, scholarly articles, library materials, satellite imagery, and geological maps. Field observations were conducted across different seasons to assess the region's response to tectonic and human influences.
2- Results
Human activities are a key driver of geomorphological changes in the Shour River system. Civil construction, road building along waterways and alluvial fans, and the establishment of factories and mines in the erodible formations of the Eshtehard Plain have increased erosion, sedimentation, and river channel displacement. Land uses, such as agricultural fields, abandoned lands, salt marshes, pastures, and urban areas, were identified through satellite imagery, land-use maps, and field observations. The region’s geology and neotectonic activities also significantly influence geomorphological changes. Rivers are sensitive to tectonic displacements, which can alter their longitudinal profiles and geomorphic characteristics. The longitudinal profile of the Shour River is generally concave but shows convexities and fractures in some sections, often coinciding with intersections of the river and fault lines. These features suggest variations in the riverbed’s erodibility or elevation due to fault displacements. Agricultural land in the region has declined due to water scarcity, while urban and industrial zones have expanded. Population growth, increased groundwater extraction, reduced rainfall, higher temperatures, and rising evaporation rates have intensified drought conditions. Many farmers have abandoned their land, leading to reduced agricultural activity. Geological maps and tectonic analyses, combined with comparisons of historical Google Earth imagery, reveal that changes in river slopes and tributary deviations are likely linked to the Eshtehard fault line and ongoing neotectonic activity.
3- Discussion & Conclusions
This study analyzed the impact of human and neotectonic activities on the Shour River basin and the Eshtehard Plain. Human activities, such as road construction, urban and rural development, industrial expansion, and waterway diversion, have disrupted erosion and sedimentation processes. Mining activities have caused significant land-use changes, contributing to water and soil pollution, environmental degradation, and sedimentation in floodplains.
Tectonic activities have reshaped landforms by altering river courses intersecting with fault lines, displacing alluvial fans, and redirecting river flows. Evidence from base-level changes, sequences of alluvial fans, and terraces in the region confirms the influence of neotectonic processes. The downstream sequence of alluvial fans near the Halghedar Heights suggests tectonic activity and shifts in base levels. Channel displacement over time is also linked to fault-induced changes and base-level variations.
In summary, human activities have had the greatest short-term impact on the Shour River and Eshtehard Plain, while neotectonic processes have played a dominant role in shaping the region’s long-term geomorphology.
Tectonic and human activities, such as land-use changes and urbanization, have directly and indirectly impacted the geomorphic characteristics of landforms. These activities have influenced erosion and sedimentation rates, evaporation and transpiration processes, runoff patterns, river dynamics, and the frequency of mass movements. This study examines the effects of human and neotectonic activities on geomorphological dynamics of the Shour River and Eshtehard Plain. The research aims to (1) Assess geomorphological changes in landforms to identify potential negative consequences and regional instabilities and (2) to identify key factors driving these changes, evaluate their impacts, and determine the most significant contributors to environmental vulnerability. Temporal and spatial changes in landforms were analyzed using aerial photographs, maps, and satellite images, supplemented with field data and observations. The findings were derived by cross-referencing satellite data, fieldwork results, and previous studies. Information sources included documentary references, scholarly articles, library materials, satellite imagery, and geological maps. Field observations were conducted across different seasons to assess the region's response to tectonic and human influences.
2- Results
Human activities are a key driver of geomorphological changes in the Shour River system. Civil construction, road building along waterways and alluvial fans, and the establishment of factories and mines in the erodible formations of the Eshtehard Plain have increased erosion, sedimentation, and river channel displacement. Land uses, such as agricultural fields, abandoned lands, salt marshes, pastures, and urban areas, were identified through satellite imagery, land-use maps, and field observations. The region’s geology and neotectonic activities also significantly influence geomorphological changes. Rivers are sensitive to tectonic displacements, which can alter their longitudinal profiles and geomorphic characteristics. The longitudinal profile of the Shour River is generally concave but shows convexities and fractures in some sections, often coinciding with intersections of the river and fault lines. These features suggest variations in the riverbed’s erodibility or elevation due to fault displacements. Agricultural land in the region has declined due to water scarcity, while urban and industrial zones have expanded. Population growth, increased groundwater extraction, reduced rainfall, higher temperatures, and rising evaporation rates have intensified drought conditions. Many farmers have abandoned their land, leading to reduced agricultural activity. Geological maps and tectonic analyses, combined with comparisons of historical Google Earth imagery, reveal that changes in river slopes and tributary deviations are likely linked to the Eshtehard fault line and ongoing neotectonic activity.
3- Discussion & Conclusions
This study analyzed the impact of human and neotectonic activities on the Shour River basin and the Eshtehard Plain. Human activities, such as road construction, urban and rural development, industrial expansion, and waterway diversion, have disrupted erosion and sedimentation processes. Mining activities have caused significant land-use changes, contributing to water and soil pollution, environmental degradation, and sedimentation in floodplains.
Tectonic activities have reshaped landforms by altering river courses intersecting with fault lines, displacing alluvial fans, and redirecting river flows. Evidence from base-level changes, sequences of alluvial fans, and terraces in the region confirms the influence of neotectonic processes. The downstream sequence of alluvial fans near the Halghedar Heights suggests tectonic activity and shifts in base levels. Channel displacement over time is also linked to fault-induced changes and base-level variations.
In summary, human activities have had the greatest short-term impact on the Shour River and Eshtehard Plain, while neotectonic processes have played a dominant role in shaping the region’s long-term geomorphology.
Received: 2024/06/15 | Published: 2025/03/23
References
1. Abate, M. & Nyssen, J. & Steenhuis, T. S. & Moges, M. M. & Tilahun, S. A. & Enku, T. & Adgo, E. (2015). Morphological changes of Gumara River channel over 50 years, upper Blue Nile basin, Ethiopia, Journal of Hydrology, Vol.525, pp:152-164. [DOI:10.1016/j.jhydrol.2015.03.044]
2. Abdolalipouradl, A. (2020). Analysis of morphotectonic and hydrologic effects on rivers morphology by considering environmental planning (Case study: Givi Chai river, Ardabil province). Master's thesis, Natural geography, Tendency of theoretical geomorphology, Faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran. (in Persian). https://parseh.modares.ac.ir/
3. Abdullahi, M. & Haji Ali Beigi, H. (2018). Structural analysis of the elevations of the ring in the north of Eshtehard, southwest of Tehran, the 11th National Geological Conference of Payam Noor University and the 21st Symposium of the Geological Society of Iran, (2018-11-14), Qom. (in Persian). https://civilica.com/doc/857629/
4. Abdullahi, M. & Haji Ali Beigi, H. (2019). Analysis of neotectonic activities in North-West of Central Iran (Saveh area), using geomorphological methods, International Conference of New Horizons in Geology and Geographical Sciences, (2019-3-16). Tehran. (in Persian). https://civilica.com/doc/883432
5. Ahmadi, H. (2012). Applied Geomorphology (Desert-wind Erosion), Tehran University Publications, Volume 2, 4th edition. (in Persian). http://press.ut.ac.ir.
6. Batalla, R.J. & Iroume, A. & Hernandez, M. & Llena, M. & Mazzorana, B. & Vericat, D. (2018). Recent Geomorphological Evolution of a Natural River Channel in a Mediterranean Chilean basin, Geomorphology, Vol. 303, pp: 322-337. [DOI:10.1016/j.geomorph.2017.12.006]
7. Berberian, M. (1976). The 1962 earthquake and earlier deformations along the Ipak earthquake fault, Contribution to the Seismotectonics of Iran, Publisher: Geol. Surv. Iran. Editors: Manuel Berberian. pp: 419-428. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/288908349
8. Burbank, D. & Anderson, R. (2011). Tectonic Geomorphology. John Wiley & Sons, 480 pp. doi:10.1002/9781444345063 [DOI:10.1002/9781444345063]
9. Das, G. & Krishnendu, G. (2019). Morphotectonic analysis of the Sali River basin, Bankura district, West Bengal, Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 12(7), pp:1-14. [DOI:10.1007/s12517-019-4406-0]
10. Demoulin, A. (2011). Basin and river profile morphometry: A new index with a high potential for relative dating of tectonic uplift, Geomorphology, Vol.126, pp: 97-107. [DOI:10.1016/j.geomorph.2010.10.033]
11. Du, Y. & Bao, A. & Zhang, T. & Ding, W. (2023). Quantifying the impacts of climate change and human activities on seasonal runoff in the Yongding River basin, Ecological Indicators, Vol. 154, 110839. [DOI:10.1016/j.ecolind.2023.110839]
12. Eshtehard Geological map (1:100,000), Geological survey & Mineral Exploration of Iran. (in Persian). http://csw.ngdir.ir/productinfo/20931
13. Esmaeili, R. & Motevally, S. & Hosseinzadeh, M. M. (2012). The Morphotectonic Effects of the River in the Catchment Area of Lavij Rood River, North Alborz, Sarzamin Geographical Quarterly, 9(33), 77-89. (in Persian). https://sid.ir/paper/116282/fa
14. Fazelpoor, Kh. & Yousefi, S. & Martínez-Fernández, V. & Jalon, D. G. (2021). Geomorphological Evolution along International Riverine Borders: The Flow of the Aras River through Iran, Azerbaijan, and Armenia, Journal of Environmental Management, Vol. 290, 112599. [DOI:10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112599]
15. Fryirs, K. & Brierley, G. J. (2013). Geomorphic analysis of river systems (an approach to reading the landscape), translated by Nohegar, A. & Ghashghaei, N. & Honarkhah, R. (2020), Tehran University Press. (in Persian). http: press. ut.ac.ir [DOI:10.1002/9781118305454]
16. Goli Mokhtari, L. & Beiramali, F. (2017). Calculation and analysis of terrestrial diversity (geodiversity) case study: Eshtehard city, Natural Geography Research, 50(2), 307-322. (in persian) doi: 10.22059/jphgr.2018.226075.1006996
17. Javadi, Sh. (2016). The role of agriculture in soil degradation of desert lands (case study of Eshtehard), master's thesis, University of Tehran, Department of Natural Resources, Tehran. (in Persian)
18. Leopold, L. B. & Gordon Wolman, M. & Miller, J. P. (1964). Fluvial processes in Geomorphology, Dover Publications, W. H. Freeman, San Francisco, California. https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/70185663
19. Maghsoudi, M. & Sharfi, S. & Maghami, Y. (2010). The process of changes in the morphological pattern of Khorram Abad river using RS, GIS and Auto Cad. Spatial Planning and Preparation, 14(3), Section 67, 275-294. (in Persian). https://sid.ir/paper/171974/fa
20. Maghsoudi, M. & Ebrahim Khani, N. & Yamani, M. (2012). The influence of neotectonics on the Haji Arab River alluvial fan (Qazvin Plain) by examining morphometric and sedimentological data, Journal of Geography, 10(33), 87-106. (in Persian). https://sid.ir/paper/150505/fa
21. Mahmoudi, F. & Jafari, R. & Karimzadeh, H. & Ramezani, N. (2015). Soil salinity zoning in the southeastern region of Isfahan province using ground data and satellite TM sensor, Water and soil sciences (agricultural sciences and techniques and natural resources), 19(71), 31-44. (in Persian) https://sid.ir/paper/14599/fa [DOI:10.18869/acadpub.jstnar.19.71.31]
22. Morriss, M. C. & Wegmann, K. W. (2017). Geomorphology of the Burnt River, eastern Oregon, USA: Topographic adjustments to tectonic and dynamic deformation, Journal of Geomorphology, Vol.278, pp:43-59 . [DOI:10.1016/j.geomorph.2016.09.015]
23. Najafi Lapavandani, A. (2019). A model of monitoring and early warning system of desertification (case study: Eshtehard). Master's thesis in field of Environmental natural resource engineering, Environment and Sustainable Development Research Institute, Tehran. (in Persian).
24. Naseri, N. (2016). Analysis of hydrogeomorphologic river change by drought in semiarid climate ( Alvand Roud River, Ghasre shirin), Master's thesis in the field of hydrogeomorphology in environmental planning, faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat modares university, Tehran. (in Persian)
25. Nayebzadeh, F. & Madadi, A. & Azizi, Q. (2018). Investigating the tectonic activity of Eshtehard basin using radar interferometer, Geography and Environmental Sustainability, 8(1), 15-27. (in Persian). https://civilica.com/doc/1410431/
26. Ralph, T.J. & Hesse, p. p. (2010). Downstream hydrogeomorphic changes along the Macquarie River, southeastern Australia, leading to channel breakdown and floodplain wetlands, Journal of Geomorphology, Vol.118, pp:48-64. [DOI:10.1016/j.geomorph.2009.12.007]
27. Ranjbar, M. & Jaafari, N. (2009). Investigating the effective factors in the subsidence of the Eshtehard plain. Journal of Geography, 6(19), 155-166. (in Persian). https://mag.iga.ir/article_253531.html
28. Roustaei, Sh. & Nayeri, H. (2011). Evaluation of tectonic activities using a longitudinal profile in the Mahabad river basin, Journal of Geography and Planning, 16(36), 145-163. (in Persian). https://sid.ir/paper/475613/fa
29. Samander, N. & Andriani, S. (2015). Investigating the effect of active tectonics on river channel morphology (case study: Kondojan Chai River), the first international conference of geographical sciences, (2015-8-6). Abadeh, Fars. (in Persian). https://civilica.com/doc/562028
30. Sharafi, S. & Arin Tabar, H. & Kamali, Z. (2020). Investigating spatio-temporal changes in the morphology of Silakhor River in Lorestan province, Quantitative geomorphology researches, 8(3): 115-131. (in Persian). https://sid.ir/paper/382376/fa
31. Sharafi, S. & Shami, A. & Yamani, M. (2014). Investigating the morphological changes of Atrak River in a 20-year period, Journal of Geographical Survey of Space, 4(14), 129-150. (in persian). https://civilica.com/doc/405555
32. Shayan, S. & Sharifi Kia, M. & Naseri, N. (2017). Analysis of Morphological Factors in the Changes of Spatial Patterns of Alvand River, Geographical Research Quarterly, 32 (1) :24-36. (in Persian). doi: 10.18869/acadpub.geores.32.1.24 [DOI:10.18869/acadpub.geores.32.1.24]
33. Shokohizadegan, S. & Khosravi, H. & Azarnivand, H. & Zahtabian, G. R. & Raigani, B. (2016). Evaluation and monitoring of vegetation based on fuzzy logic using satellite images (case study: Bemo-Shiraz National Park), geographical information, 25(100), 157-166. (in Persian). https://sid.ir/paper/253114/fa
34. Soltani-Gerdefaramarzi, S., Asgari Varzideh, S., & Tazeh, M. (2018). Investigation of change trend of the central angel and radius in the meanders of Gamasiab River using RS and GIS. Journal of Geography and Planning, 22(63), 225-240. (in Persian). https://sid.ir/paper/377940/fa
35. Telvari, A., (2004), fundamentals of river training and engineering, soil Conservation and watershed management. Research Institute publication, First Edition. (in Persian)
36. Torres, M. F. O. & Ferreira, R. A. & Nascimento do Vasco, A. & Silva-Mann, R. (2023). Temporal geomorphic modifications and climate change impacts on the lower course of the São Francisco River, Brazil, Remote Sensing Applications: Society and Environment, Vol.32. 101063. [DOI:10.1016/j.rsase.2023.101063]
37. Wu, Z. & Milliman, J. D. & Zhao, D. & Cao Z. & Zhou, J. & Zhou, C. (2018). Geomorphologic changes in the lower Pearl River Delta, 1850-2015, largely due to human activity, Geomorphology, Vol.314, PP: 42-54. [DOI:10.1016/j.geomorph.2018.05.001]
38. Wu, L., Xu, Y., Yuan, J., Xu, Y., Wang, Q., Xu, X., & Wen, H. (2018). Impacts of Land Use Change on River Systems for a River Network Plain. Water, 10(5), 609. [DOI:10.3390/w10050609]
39. Yamani, M. & Alaei Taleghani, M. & Shahbazi, P. (2011). Morphotectonics and its effect on changes in the bed and pattern of Qarasu River, Regional Geography and Development, 9(2). (in persian). [DOI:10.22067/geography.v9i17.13484]
40. Yamani, M. & Ghasemi, M. R. & Alavi Panah, S. K. & Gourabi, A. (2010). Morphotectonics of Dehshir region using geomorphometric techniques. Natural Geography Research, 42(71), 1-20. (in Persian). https://jphgr.ut.ac.ir/article_21544.html
41. Yamani, M. (2021). Techniques and methods in geomorphological researches, Tehran University Press, (in Persian). press@ut.ac.ir
42. Yan, X. F. & Duan, H. F. & Liu, T. H. & Xu, Z. X. & Wang, X. K. (2022). Geomorphologic changes around a mid-river bar system at a meandering reach in the lower Yangtze River, China, Impacts of the three Gorges dam (TGD) and human activities, CATENA, Vol.212. 106038. [DOI:10.1016/j.catena.2022.106038]
43. Ziliani, L. & Surian, N. (2016). Reconstructing temporal changes and prediction of channel evolution in a large Alpine river: the Tagliamento river, Italy, Aquatic Sciences, Vol.78, 83-94. [DOI:10.1007/s00027-015-0431-6]
44. Zomorrodian, M. J. (2013). Geomorphology of Iran, ferdowsi University of mashhad publication, Volume 1, seventh edition. (in Persian). https://press.um.ac.ir/
Send email to the article author
| Rights and permissions | |
 |
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. |
