Effects of wind erosion and aeolian sediments caused by drought on the distribution and diversity of clay minerals in a part of Mesopotamia, Iran

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Soil Science and Engineering, Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Mollasani, Khuzestan, I. R. Iran

2 Geological Survey and Mineral Exploration of Southwestern Iran, Ahwaz, I. R. Iran

10.22099/iar.2026.55429.1737

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of drought‑induced wind erosion and aeolian sediments on clay mineral distribution and diversity in the Mesopotamia region of Iran. Soil and sediment samples were collected from 15 locations, representing different land‑use types. Clay minerals were identified using X‑ray diffraction (XRD). Standard laboratory procedures enabled the measurement of soil physicochemical properties: pH, electrical conductivity (EC), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), and organic matter (OM). The results indicated that soils in the study area are strongly saline‑sodic with pH values ranging from 7.8 to 9.2, their EC between 12 and 45 dS m–1, and SAR values between 15 and 45 (meq L–1)0.5. These conditions, combined with very low organic matter content (< 1%), significantly increased soil susceptibility to wind erosion. Clay mineralogical analysis revealed that kaolinite (20–30%) is the most abundant mineral, followed by illite (15–25%), and smectite (20–30%). Sepiolite or similar fibrous clay minerals occur in smaller proportions (2–10%). The expansion and contraction behavior of smectite contributes to soil cracking and structural instability, facilitating wind erosion processes. In addition, highly saline groundwater (> 32 dS m–1) restricts vegetative growth, further exposing soil surfaces to erosion. The results demonstrated that wind erosion plays an important role in redistributing clay minerals through aeolian transport, thereby influencing mineralogical diversity across the region. These findings provide important insights into soil degradation mechanisms in arid environments and emphasize the need for sustainable land management strategies to reduce wind erosion.

Graphical Abstract

Effects of wind erosion and aeolian sediments caused by drought on the distribution and diversity of clay minerals in a part of Mesopotamia, Iran

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Iran Agricultural Research
Volume 45, Issue 2
Issue in Progress
2026
Pages 76-88

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