Abstract

Geomorphology mainly deals with the factor that affects the formation of earth crust, or in other words, it investigates the earth’s surface reliefs and studies the origin and main factor which affect their formation, and finally, it deals with the deposit that stems from them. In this research, in order to determine and discriminate the desert region realm in eight regions of Ardestan (Isfahan province), the morphologic methods were used. For this purpose, using geomorphological and geological maps and integrating the data that are related to desert specific geomorphological landscapes, pediments, dunes, Yolk and Chrbh Kavirs, salinity land and wet margin, were identified. Subsequently, the landscape boundaries were modified and new landscape were identified and added to the old ones, using ETM aerial photographs. Finally, the aforementioned areas were introduced as Ardestan desert areas. Based on the conducted investigations, the development of desert specific geomorphological facies at the studied basin scope accounted for 60% of the area.

Key words: Geomorphology, desert area, aerial photographs, Ardestan.