Document Type : Research Article - Case Study
Authors
1
Assistant Professor, Department of Geography and Urban Planning, University of Zanjan, Faculty of Humanities, Zanjan, Iran.
2
PhD student, Department of Geography and Urban Planning, University of Zanjan, Faculty of Humanities, Zanjan, Iran.
10.22124/gscaj.2025.31467.1369
Abstract
Coastal ecosystems are highly sensitive and have experienced significant land-use changes due to urbanization, infrastructure development, agriculture, and climate change. This research investigates land-use change patterns and their ecological consequences in a coastal region of Iran from 1365 to 1400 (Iranian calendar). The study analyzes spatial-temporal trends and evaluates their impact on environmental sustainability and natural resources using remote sensing data (Landsat), GIS, and analytical models like cross-tabulation. Analysis of multi-temporal data revealed a decline in agricultural lands, pastures, and forests (agricultural land decreased from 721,000 hectares in 1365 to 691,000 hectares in 1400) and a significant increase in built-up areas (from 47,000 to 125,000 hectares), indicating rapid urbanization. Wetland and water body repurposing further reduced ecosystem services and disrupted hydrological cycles. The most significant transformations occurred in the plains and around the cities of Sari, Babol, Ghaemshahr, and Amol, while forests in the central Alborz slopes remained relatively stable.
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