Spatio-temporal Analysis of Albedo Changes and its relationship with climatic and physiographic factors of the earth surface in Iran

Abstract

Abstract This research aims to analyze spatial-temporal changes of albedo. Cloudiness, topography and vegetation density (NDVI) in Iran were investigated based on the parameters of soil humidity (Wetness), using MEERA2 model with a resolution of 50 x 50 km from 2010 to 2020. The results of the spatial analysis of albedo values in Iran showed that the highest values belong to western and then central regions while the lowest albedo values belong to the north and northwest regions. The highest value is 30% on average recorded at 44 to 45 ºE and the lowest reflection value is14% on average recorded between 50 to 51 ºE, i.e. the eastern slopes of the Zagros mountain range. In terms of latitude, the lowest value was at 37.5 ºN and the highest value was at 30.5 ºN showing 17 and 29 percent, respectively. In terms of provincial changes of albedo value, the highest reflection being 25.3% belongs to Ilam province, and the lowest albedo value belongs to northern provinces (Gilan and Mazandaran) being 17.5% on average. Similarly, the results of time analysis on a seasonal scale showed that the highest recorded value of surface albedo is 21.1% in the summer and the lowest is 19.8%in the spring. In the areas with small amounts of surface albedo, cloud cover, vegetation and humidity are higher, and the slope is toward the southwest; but the areas with higher values of surface albedo have less vegetation cover, cloudiness and humidity and the slope is toward the north.