Role of Biotic and Environmental Factors in the Extension of the Lut Desert in Iran

Abstract

The Lut Desert is situated in the south-eastern part of Iran and extends over about 80,000 sq km. The desert is surrounded by regions of higher altitudes. The Central Lut is the most extensive and also the lowest area of the Lut Desert. The principal characteristics of this desert are as follows: It is extremely poor in vegetation. The Central part of Central Lut has no vegetation at all. It is also poor from the water point of view. The only permanent river of the plain is "Saline Birjand River". The region has a very dry climate, the average annual rainfall being no more than 60 mm. The central parts of this desert may have no rains even for years. The relative humidity is very low in summer, sometimes less than 10%. The extension of the Lut Desert has been caused especially due to wind effect, besides other natural factors. Although the number of people living on the margins of Lut is very small, they play an important role in the advancement of this desert.