https://gep.ui.ac.ir/ Geography and Environmental Planning en daily 1 Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0330 Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0330 https://gep.ui.ac.ir/article_30107.html AbstractSurface water is a critical resource for agriculture, drinking, and industry, making its quality assessment a priority. This study evaluated the drinking water quality of the Aji-chai Watershed in East Azerbaijan Province, Iran, using three established indices—Water Quality Index (WQI), Entropy-Weighted Water Quality Index (EWQI), and Improved Water Quality Index (ImpWQI)—based on 11 hydrochemical parameters. Data were collected from 3 stations (Arzanag, Akhola, and Markid) from 2003–2021 (1382–1400 Persian calendar). Factor analysis revealed that the first two principal factors accounted for over 78% of the variance at Arzanag, 81.1% at Akhola, and 92.43% at Markid, indicating distinct influencing mechanisms. Results showed that water quality at Arzanag was moderate according to WQI and EWQI but poor based on ImpWQI. Both Akhola and Markid exhibited very poor water quality across all indices. Key influencing factors differed by location: sodium chloride and hardness primarily drove quality at Arzanag, carbonate compounds and sulfates at Akhola, and nearly all measured variables at Markid. In conclusion, water from all three stations was unsuitable for drinking without treatment, underscoring the need for continuous monitoring. Future assessments should incorporate microbial indicators and heavy metals for a more comprehensive water safety evaluation. Keywords: Factor Analysis, Entropy Water Quality Index (EWQI), Water Quality Index (WQI), Improved Water Quality Index (ImpWQI). IntroductionSurface water resources—including rivers, lakes, springs, and streams—are inherently vulnerable to quality degradation from pollutants. Standard water quality assessment involves comparing measured physical, chemical, and biological parameters against established national or international guideline thresholds, a task typically performed by environmental monitoring agencies. Consequently, continuous monitoring and evaluation are fundamental to the sustainable management and long-term protection of these vital resources. Water quality indices serve as essential tools in this evaluation process, synthesizing complex data into comprehensible metrics (Aouiti et al., 2021). Among the various indices, three widely applied metrics are Water Quality Index (WQI), Improved Water Quality Index (ImpWQI), and Entropy-Weighted Water Quality Index (EWQI) (Jafari & Dinpashoh, 2024). This study employed these three indices to assess the water quality of the Aji-chai River. The primary objectives of this research were: (1) evaluating surface water quality at the three selected stations along the Aji-chai River and (2) conducting a factor analysis to identify the most significant hydrochemical factors influencing water quality at each site. Materials & MethodsStudy Area and DataThis study focused on the Aji-chai Catchment in northwest Iran, a principal sub-basin of Lake Urmia. The Aji-chai River, the longest river in the eastern basin of the lake, was analyzed at 3 hydrometric stations: Arzanag, Akhola, and Markid. Hydrogeochemical data for the period of 2003–2021 were obtained from the Regional Water Company of East Azerbaijan Province. The selected parameters included TDS, EC, pH, Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻, HCO₃⁻, and TH. To account for seasonal variation, analyses were conducted using both the annual average values and data from the wettest and driest months of each year despite the original measurements being taken at irregular intervals.Analytical MethodsWater quality was assessed using 3 conventional indices: Water Quality Index (WQI), Entropy-Weighted Water Quality Index (EWQI), and Improved Water Quality Index (ImpWQI). To identify the dominant hydrochemical factors influencing quality at each station, a separate factor analysis was performed for each site. The analysis proceeded as follows:A correlation matrix of the measured parameters was constructed to serve as the similarity matrix.Scree plots were used to determine the optimal number of principal factors to retain.Factor coefficients were calculated and axes were rotated by using the Varimax method to enhance interpretability (Moghadam et al., 2008).The position of variables on the factor loading plots (Cartesian plane) was interpreted to identify the key parameters controlling water quality at each station. Research FindingsThe calculated mean water quality index values for the three stations are presented in Table X. For WQI, the means were 129 (Arzanag), 239 (Akhola), and 1147 (Markid). Corresponding mean values for EWQI were 127, 220, and 946, and for ImpWQI were 156, 333, and 1896, respectively. These results consistently classified the water at all three sites as very poor and unsuitable for drinking. Seasonal analysis revealed that, in most years, water quality was better during wet months compared to dry months. Strong correlations were observed among the hydrochemical variables at each site. Factor analysis identified the dominant influences on water quality variance. At Arzanag, the first two factors explained 43.4% and 34.8% of the total variance, respectively. At Akhola and Markid, they cumulatively accounted for 81.1% and 95.5%, respectively. Following Varimax rotation, the factor loadings revealed distinct parameter associations:Arzanag: The first factor showed high loadings (>0.9) for Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻, EC, and TDS. The second factor was strongly associated with Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and TH.Akhola: The first factor was linked to 8 variables with loadings >0.7: EC, HCO₃⁻, Cl⁻, TDS, Ca²⁺, TH, Mg²⁺, and Na⁺. The second factor was primarily associated with SO₄²⁻.Markid: The first factor showed near-unity loadings (close to 1) for 9 variables: Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻, TDS, Ca²⁺, TH, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, and K⁺ (with SO₄²⁻ loading negatively). The second factor was also strongly defined by SO₄²⁻ (with a loading close to -1). Discussion of Results & ConclusionThe three water quality indices—WQI, EWQI, and ImpWQI—consistently classified the river water at all three study sites (Arzanag, Akhola, and Markid) as very poor and unsuitable for drinking. The factor analysis further elucidated the distinct hydrochemical drivers of pollution at each location. At Arzanag, water quality was primarily influenced by two key factors: (1) salinity driven by chloride, sodium, and potassium and (2) hardness associated with bicarbonate, calcium, and magnesium. In contrast, at Akhola, most measured variables—excluding pH and sulfate—collectively explained the majority of water quality variance, with sulfate (SO₄²⁻) emerging as a secondary, distinct influence. These findings underscored that while increasing water volume in the watershed might be challenging, preventing further pollution in the river system was a critical and actionable priority. Consequently, this study strongly recommends implementation of targeted, effective measures to control pollution sources and conserve water quality within the Aji-chai river basin. https://gep.ui.ac.ir/article_30158.html AbstractPediments characterized by their low gradient and smooth erosion surfaces are crucial for understanding tectonic and erosion processes. These surfaces typically form as a result of the interplay between erosion and tectonic movements. This study focused on the northern highlands of Zanjan, investigating the tectonic and erosion processes involved in pediment formation with reference to King's model and Shahzidi's proposed model. This region marked by diverse tectonic activity and unique lithological conditions provides an ideal case for examining these phenomena. Employing field analyses, Digital Elevation Models (DEM), and interpretations of Google Earth satellite images, this study identified and investigated pediments. Additionally, field visits to lithological sites and geomorphological analyses were conducted to deepen our understanding of the effects of erosion and tectonics on pediment formation. In the northern areas of Zanjan, long-term erosion has been identified as the primary factor influencing pediment development, particularly in regions with less resistant lithology, such as shale. Slow tectonic activity, especially in the eastern parts of Zanjan, has resulted in the formation of concave pediments with graded slopes. Conversely, in the western regions where tectonic activity is less pronounced, stepped pediments are more prevalent. Active faults in eastern Zanjan have significantly shaped the geology and contributed to pediment formation, creating uneven terrains that have gradually transformed into smooth surfaces under erosive forces. The lithological resistance of andesitic masses amidst less resistant layers has further contributed to slope variations and the development of stepped pediments in the northern highlands of Zanjan. Keywords: Pediment, Erosion, Tectonics, Shahzidi’s Model, King’s Model, Zanjan. IntroductionPediments are gently sloping, low-relief erosional surfaces that form at the base of mountain fronts often partially covered by alluvial deposits. First described by Lester C. King in 1953, pediments have long been recognized as a characteristic feature of arid and semi-arid landscapes. In these environments, prolonged erosion under tectonically stable conditions results in the retreat of mountain fronts and the development of convex-upward profiles. According to King's classical model, pediments exclusively form in tectonically quiescent settings through lateral planation driven by fluvial processes with minimal contributions from tectonic uplift.Recent experimental and field-based models, however, challenge this perspective. Shahzeidi (2014) proposed an alternative framework based on physical modeling, suggesting that concave pediments with graded slopes can develop under conditions of slow but continuous tectonic uplift combined with long-term erosion. This model posits that even minimal uplift rates (>0.1 mm/yr) can significantly influence landform evolution by maintaining a dynamic equilibrium between rock uplift and erosion, resulting in smooth, concave profiles rather than stepped or convex ones.The northern highlands of Zanjan situated at the intersection of the Central Iranian Block and the Alborz-Taleh zone, provide a unique natural laboratory for testing these competing geomorphological models. This region exhibits notable spatial variability in tectonic activity, including active fault systems, such as Sultanieh Fault in the south and North Zanjan Fault in the north, alongside areas of relative tectonic stability. Additionally, the presence of resistant Eocene andesitic units (Karj Formation) interbedded with weaker marls and shales creates strong lithological contrasts that significantly influence landscape evolution.This study aimed to empirically test the predictive capabilities of King’s (1953) and Shahzeidi’s (2014) models within a real-world tectonically active environment. By analyzing 30 elevation profiles across the northern Zanjan highlands, we evaluated which model more accurately explained the observed morphologies of pediments and investigated the relative roles of tectonics, long-term erosion, and lithological resistance in shaping these landforms. Materials & MethodsPrimary data were collected through a combination of remote sensing analysis and field surveys. A high-resolution Digital Elevation Model (DEM) with a 12.5-m pixel resolution derived from ALOS PALSAR was utilized to extract 30 cross-sectional elevation profiles perpendicular to mountain fronts throughout the study area. These profiles were manually digitized by using GIS software and categorized based on their morphological characteristics: convex, concave, or stepped.Field observations were conducted along selected profiles to validate geological structures, identify fault traces, and assess lithological variations. Rock samples were collected for petrographic analysis to confirm the composition and resistance of andesitic masses compared to softer sedimentary layers. Morphometric analyses included calculation of slope gradients, measurement of elevation differences between adjacent terraces, assessment of profile curvature, and spatial correlation with mapped fault systems and lithological units. All profiles were classified according to 3 hypotheses derived from Shahzeidi’s (2014) experimental model:Hypothesis 1: Stepped and convex profiles indicate long-term erosion under tectonic stability.Hypothesis 2: Stepped profiles with moderate slope changes suggest limited tectonic influence alongside predominant erosion.Hypothesis 3: Concave profiles with gradual slopes reflect long-term erosion under slow tectonic uplift.Statistical summaries of profile types and their spatial distribution were generated to evaluate regional patterns. Research FindingsA total of 30 elevation profiles were analyzed across the northern highlands of Zanjan, revealing a distinct spatial pattern in pediment morphology: 46.7% (n=14) of the profiles exhibited stepped and convex forms, primarily located in the western and northwestern parts of the region, particularly near the Arman-Khan fault zone, which was characterized by low seismic activity, 40% (n=12) displayed concave profiles with graded slopes concentrated in the eastern and southeastern sectors directly aligned with active segments of Sultanieh Fault, 10% (n=3) exhibited partially convex stepped features, and 3.3% (n=1) showed a partially concave profile, indicating transitional forms.Vertical offsets between adjacent terraces varied systematically:In distal piedmont zones (e.g., downstream of pediment toes), offsets ranged from 30 to 70 m, suggesting advanced stages of erosion.In mid-slope transition zones, offsets were measured 100 to 200 m, indicating interaction between tectonic forces and erosion.Near mountain crests (e.g., Tarm Heights), offsets ranged from 250 to 400 m, reflecting early-stage development primarily influenced by tectonic uplift.All stepped profiles, regardless of their convexity or concavity, were spatially associated with the resistant andesitic masses of Karj Formation (Eocene). These units served as remnant surfaces due to their high resistance to erosion, while the softer intervening layers (such as marls and shales) were eroded more rapidly, resulting in staircase-like features.Spatial overlays with structural maps confirmed that concave profiles were consistently located along active fault traces, while convex profiles were found in areas with minimal faulting and lower levels of crustal deformation. Discussion of Results & ConclusionThe findings strongly supported Shahzeidi’s (2014) model over King’s (1953) classical hypothesis. The presence of concave pediments in eastern Zanjan formed under conditions of slow tectonic uplift combined with long-term erosion aligned perfectly with the predictions of the experimental model. This result corroborated global studies indicating that even very low uplift rates (>0.1 mm/yr) can produce concave pediments. For instance, Pelletier (2008) in Arizona and Richardson et al. (2024) in South Africa identified such forms as indicators of sustained, low-amplitude tectonic activity rather than tectonic quiescence.In contrast, the convex and stepped pediments in western Zanjan conformed to King’s model, but only as a specific case within a broader tectonically active context. Their presence reflected periods of relative tectonic stability rather than absolute stillness, underscoring the significance of local structural controls.Lithological resistance played a crucial role in shaping micro-morphology. The alternation of resistant andesitic layers with weaker interlayers produced stepped features consistent with findings by Eppes and McFadden (2008) in arid basins, where differential erosion has led to the formation of terrace-like remnants. This "relative resistance" effect illustrated how lithology could overshadow uniform tectonic signals, resulting in diverse morphologies even under similar uplift regimes.Moreover, the asymmetric spatial distribution—46.7% convex in the west versus 40% concave in the east—revealed significant geodynamic heterogeneity across the northern Zanjan highlands. This pattern mirrored observations by Muñoz-Farias et al. (2023) in Atacama Desert, where active tectonic settings have promoted the development of concave pediments, while stable zones have given rise to convex forms.Crucially, this study demonstrated that erosion remained the dominant process in pediment formation; however, its manifestation was fundamentally influenced by the underlying tectonic and lithological frameworks. The evolution of pediments in this region followed a 3-phase trajectory: tectonic dominance characterized by high relief and large terrace offsets, interaction phase involving moderate uplift coupled with erosion, and erosional dominance marked by low relief, small offsets, and convex forms. Thus, the formation of pediments in northern Zanjan was best explained by a tripartite interaction among long-term erosion (as the primary agent), slow tectonics (which governed overall shape), and lithological heterogeneity (which determined microstructural features).This research provided the first successful field validation of Shahzeidi’s (2014) experimental model in Iran, illustrating that concave pediments could form under conditions of slow tectonic uplift combined with long-term erosion. The widespread occurrence of such forms in eastern Zanjan challenged the classical notion that pediments necessitate tectonic stability, reinforcing the modern understanding that even minimal uplift can significantly shape landscapes over geological timescales. The convex and stepped pediments in the west represented sub-cases of tectonic stability within an overall active regime, aligning with King’s model but not discounting the broader role of tectonics.The study highlighted the necessity of integrating tectonic, erosional, and lithological factors in geomorphological analyses. It also emphasized the value of combining remote sensing with fieldwork to validate theoretical models in complex terrains. These findings have practical implications for neotectonic reconstruction, geological hazard assessment in mountainous areas, and sustainable management of water and soil resources in adjacent plains. For future research, it is recommended to incorporate quantitative morphometric indices (e.g., hypsometric integral, stream length-gradient index) to expand this analytical framework into a fully quantitative domain.   https://gep.ui.ac.ir/article_30157.html AbstractMadi Niasarm, a significant branch of the Zayandeh-Rud River, holds substantial potential to enhance the livability and walkability of Isfahan. Unfortunately, this area has been largely neglected in urban development efforts and its existing attributes have not been fully leveraged. This study sought to evaluate how well the Madi Niasarm corridor aligned with the principles of livability and pedestrianism. To accomplish this, we developed a novel composite model called the “Pedestrianism Livability Pattern”, integrating relevant theories and compiling suitable quantitative indicators for assessment from various sources. The primary objective of this research was to investigate conformity of Madi Niasarm with the indicators of the Pedestrianism Livability Pattern from the perspectives of local residents and citizens. Additionally, we aimed to create a prioritized framework for developmental plans and interventions that addressed the existing deficiencies and weaknesses along the corridor. Our methodology encompassed a literature review, field observations, and questionnaire surveys, focusing on the statistical population of residents living adjacent to Madi Niasarm. By utilizing Cochran’s formula, we established a sample size of 390 respondents. Data analysis was performed by using SPSS software and incorporating statistical tests, such as Friedman and one-sample t-tests. The results revealed that walkability indicators received the highest average score of 3.89 followed by public spaces at 3.61 and social factors at 3.59. Conversely, public transportation indicators averaged 3.35, managerial factors 3.30, and economic factors 3.29, ranking lowest among the evaluated components. These findings provided a valuable foundation for developing policies aimed at enhancing livability and pedestrianism in the Madi Niasarm region. Keywords: Livability, Pedestrianism, Pedestrianism Livability Pattern, Index, Madi Niasram, Isfahan. IntroductionMadi Niasarm as a key branch of the Zayandeh-Rud River holds significant potential to enhance the livability and walkability of Isfahan. Unfortunately, this corridor has been largely neglected in the context of urban development and its existing capabilities remain underutilized. This study aimed to evaluate the extent to which the Madi Niasarm corridor aligned with the criteria for livability and pedestrianism. To achieve this, we developed a new composite model termed the "Pedestrianism Livability Pattern", which integrated relevant theories and compiled appropriate quantitative indicators for assessment from various sources. Residents' perceptions served as invaluable indicators of urban livability as they engaged with these environments daily and possessed experiential knowledge that might be lacking among outsiders or planners. Therefore, the primary objective of this research was to assess the alignment of Madi Niasarm with the indicators of the Pedestrianism Livability Pattern as perceived by local residents and citizens. Additionally, we aimed to establish a prioritized framework for development plans and interventions that addressed existing deficiencies and weaknesses along the corridor.The resilience, attractiveness, and sustainability of urban areas increasingly depended on their walkability, accessibility, and the overall quality of pedestrian environments. As cities move towards more sustainable development goals, urban planners and policymakers are recognizing the potential of natural corridors—such as creeks and riverbanks—to function as green arteries that enhance urban livability through pedestrian-friendly pathways. In Isfahan, a city celebrated for its historic architecture and rich cultural heritage, the Zayandeh-Rood River and its associated creek networks, including Madi Niasarm, present a unique opportunity to reconnect residents with natural and cultural landscapes, thereby fostering social interaction, ecological sustainability, and economic vitality.Despite the recognized potential of these corridors, their current utilization remains suboptimal. This gap may stem from insufficient planning, a failure to consider residents' needs and perceptions, or inadequate infrastructure development that does not align with the principles of sustainable pedestrianism. This study investigated how well the existing morphology and management of Madi Niasarm conformed to the indicators of pedestrianism and livability. Its aim was to synthesize residents’ perspectives with these indicators, creating a comprehensive framework that could guide sustainable development and conservation strategies.Engaging residents as primary stakeholders provided nuanced insights into the actual usability, safety, aesthetic appeal, and social opportunities offered by these urban corridors. This engagement also helped identify perceptual gaps that might hinder the realization of their full potential. Additionally, comparing current conditions with a theoretically derived Pedestrianism Livability Pattern would allow urban planners to identify priority areas for intervention, ensuring that developments are responsive to local needs, environmental constraints, and cultural values. Materials & MethodsThis research employed a mixed-methods approach, integrating both qualitative and quantitative techniques to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the pedestrian livability landscape. The investigation included extensive literature review to analyze existing scholarship on urban livability, pedestrian-oriented design, and relevant case studies from similar contexts. Field observations were conducted along Madi Niasarm to assess physical conditions, infrastructure availability, land use patterns, safety features, and aesthetic qualities.A structured questionnaire was developed and distributed to residents living adjacent to Madi Niasarm. The sample size was determined using Cochran’s formula, resulting in a dataset of 390 respondents selected through stratified random sampling to ensure representation across various age groups, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds.Data analysis was performed by using SPSS software and employing statistical tests, including Friedman’s test to rank the importance of different components of the pedestrian livability pattern, t-tests for mean comparisons, and analyses of standard deviations to assess consensus among residents. The derived components were based on an integrated framework that drew from urban livability theories and pedestrian-centered design principles, encompassing factors, such as physical infrastructure, social inclusiveness, environmental sustainability, safety, cultural relevance, and management strategies.Research FindingsThis study assessed the extent to which the indicators of the Pedestrianism Livability Pattern had been realized along the Madi Niasarm corridor, drawing on insights from local residents and utilizing a framework comprising 12 components and 69 indicators. The results indicated that the mean scores for all components exceeded the moderate threshold, reflecting a relatively favorable condition of the corridor concerning its adherence to the Pedestrianism Livability Pattern. These findings underscored the significant potential of the corridor for fully implementing the pattern and advancing sustainable urban development. Moreover, they aligned with previous research, notably the studies by Ghalehnoee and Alikhani (2014) and Namdarian et al. (2017).Statistical analyses further revealed that the components under investigation did not exhibit uniform levels of realization across the area with significant differences identified among them. The results of the Friedman test, which ranked the components of the Pedestrianism Livability Pattern, indicated that the means of the defined components were not equal. The components were ranked as follows: 1) pedestrianism, 2) public spaces, 3) social factors, 4) environmental sustainability, 5) culture and education, 6) physical quality, 7) safety and security, 8) urban self-reliance, 9) public transportation, 10) urban landscape, 11) management factors, and 12) economic factors. Subsequently, the average scores assigned by citizens to each component were as follows: pedestrianism (3.89), public spaces (3.61), social factors (3.59), environmental sustainability (3.58), culture and education (3.50), physical quality (3.44), safety and security (3.42), urban self-reliance (3.42), public transportation (3.35), urban landscape (3.36), management factors (3.30), and economic factors (3.29).The Madi corridors distinguished by their linear structure and favorable climatic conditions offered considerable potential for pedestrian-oriented development. However, specific sections required infrastructural enhancements, particularly regarding the separation of pedestrian and vehicular pathways. Public spaces—especially green and shaded areas—were crucial for enhancing the quality of life and providing leisure opportunities. Nonetheless, there was a noticeable lack of resting points and recreational amenities in certain areas of the corridor.Social factors, including neighborhood relations and a strengthened sense of belonging, were notable advantages within the region although further adaptations were needed to better accommodate specific groups. In terms of the environmental dimension, the presence of greenery and climatic comfort was a significant strength; however, issues like canal desiccation and land subsidence posed serious concerns. Additionally, deficiencies in tree maintenance and disorder in some areas further compromised environmental quality.Safety and security were challenged by the lack of protective infrastructure, overlapping pathways, and the presence of vulnerable populations. The area's resilience necessitated special attention given the physical deterioration and low permeability of the urban fabric.While urban infrastructure and healthcare services were relatively adequate, limitations persisted regarding land use diversity, access to daily services, and retail opportunities in certain sections. The urban landscape, despite sufficient enclosure, was adversely affected by incoherent architectural forms and a neglect of cultural heritage.In the transportation sector, access to public transit was generally adequate; however, improvements were needed for bicycle routes and pathways designed for specific groups (Nouraei et al., 2023). Traffic management issues and a lack of parking facilities also contributed to citizen dissatisfaction. From the residents' perspective, urban management and economic components were rated as weak. Key challenges included the absence of effective public engagement, limited responsiveness, and insufficient local employment opportunities. Strengthening citizen participation, reorganizing land uses, and supporting small businesses could significantly enhance conditions. These findings align with the results of Arsiya & Mehrabani Golzar (2018), underscoring the need to bolster residents' economic capacity and improve managerial processes. Discussion of Results & ConclusionThe findings highlighted that the Niasarm Madi corridor encompassed various elements essential for fostering pedestrian-friendly urban environments. While certain aspects, such as pedestrian pathways, public spaces, and opportunities for social engagement, were relatively well-developed, areas like safety management, environmental sustainability, and economic vitality required targeted improvements. Based on the rankings and feedback from residents, we propose a hierarchical development framework:First Priority: Addressing economic factors, management strategies, public transportation systems, and aesthetic quality of urban imagery and landscapes (These elements form the foundation for sustainable pedestrian activity, economic resilience, and visual appeal.)Second Priority: Enhancing urban self-reliance, safety and security measures, physical quality of infrastructure, and cultural/educational initiatives that deepen residents’ engagement and sense of belongingThird Priority: Focusing on environmental sustainability, social cohesion, expansion and enhancement of public spaces, and promotion of pedestrianism practicesThis phased approach aligns with the principles of participatory development—adapting interventions to capitalize on existing strengths while systematically addressing weaknesses—thereby ensuring incremental yet impactful improvements.This comprehensive analysis underscored the vital role of residents’ perceptions in shaping the development of pedestrian-friendly urban environments. Niasarm Madi served as a model for both the potential and challenges of utilizing natural corridors to enhance livability, resilience, and sustainability. Responsive, participatory, and strategic interventions grounded in robust data and community input could ensure that such urban spaces met the evolving needs of their inhabitants while preserving their unique cultural and environmental heritage.The results of this research can contribute to the preservation, revitalization, and strengthening of the pedestrianism livability pattern in the spatial structure of Isfahan City, maximizing the potential of this corridor to enhance the city's overall livability and resilience. https://gep.ui.ac.ir/article_30309.html This study aims to conduct a systematic review and bibliometric analysis of the global and Iranian scientific literature on the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in smart city planning. It seeks to identify international research trends, key thematic clusters, and prominent scientific collaborations, while also performing a comparative analysis to pinpoint specific research gaps and future pathways for Iran. The research methodology involved a dual-pronged approach. For the international scope, a bibliometric analysis of publications was performed using the Web of Science database. For the Iranian context, a systematic review of relevant Farsi studies indexed in national databases, including Noormags, SID, Elmnet, and IranDoc, was conducted. A total of 271 studies were analyzed and thematically clustered. The findings indicate significant growth in this field globally, with China established as a leading scientific hub. Key international research clusters identified were urban modeling, smart transportation, technological infrastructure, cybersecurity, and governance. In contrast, the analysis of domestic Iranian research revealed a predominant focus on conceptual and infrastructural discussions, creating significant research blind spots in practical, data-driven applications and the development of essential governance, legal, and ethical frameworks. The future trajectory of AI in smart city research within Iran must strategically address these identified gaps. It is imperative to shift focus towards localized model development, practical implementation studies, and strategic foresight. This will facilitate successful and contextually appropriate implementation, bridging the current divide between Iran's research output and global advancements in the field. https://gep.ui.ac.ir/article_30370.html Natural hazards are part of environmental problems that annually cause the death and injury of many people and homelessness for millions around the world. Landslides are one of the destructive natural hazards that, in addition to threatening human lives, cause new damage to natural resources. The landslide phenomenon has the potential for instantaneous occurrence, whereas other natural events and hazards have a probability of occurrence from time to time. Landslides are a natural hazard that annually in mountainous areas or steep slopes not only lead to mortality but also to change and destruction of the environment. In this research, using data mining algorithms, the landslide hazard in the Alvand watershed of Kermanshah was evaluated and predicted. For modeling the probability of landslide hazard, 14 parameters were used. These parameters are: elevation, slope, slope aspect, geology, land use, Topographic Wetness Index (TWI), Stream Power Index (SPI), distance from stream, drainage density, distance from fault, fault density, mean annual rainfall, distance from road, and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). In this research, four efficient data mining algorithms including Support Vector Machine (SVM), Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), and Rotation Forest (RoF) were used for modeling. According to the results obtained from Overall Accuracy (OA) and Kappa coefficient, the DT, RF, RoF, and SVM models have overall accuracy (OA) of 82.91%, 96.47%, 87.47%, 93.90% and Kappa coefficients of 0.78, 0.93, 0.82, 0.90 respectively. These results indicate the high accuracy of the RF and SVM methods in predicting landslide hazard inthe Alvand watershed https://gep.ui.ac.ir/article_30380.html In recent decades, the dominance of automobile-oriented urban development has significantly diminished the quality of public spaces and weakened the role of pedestrians in the cityscape. In response, walkability has emerged as a contemporary strategy focused on human-centered design and the promotion of non-motorized transportation, offering a practical pathway toward enhancing urban livability and sustainability. This study centers on the city of Urmia, which—due to unbalanced spatial growth, increasing car dependency, and the misalignment of its street network with pedestrian needs—faces a decline in spatial quality and inefficiency in its walkable infrastructure. Adopting a descriptive-analytical method with an applied objective, the research integrates the Space Syntax model and GIS-based analysis of street networks and service land uses, aiming to propose an optimal walkability pattern within the framework of New Urbanism principles. Data collection involved the distribution of 670 questionnaires across various urban neighborhoods, followed by statistical analysis. The findings indicate that the concentration of supra-neighborhood land uses along congested and poorly functioning corridors has disrupted the overall performance of the movement network and reduced pedestrian accessibility. Moreover, inconsistent land-use adjacencies and weak spatial connectivity have led to unequal access and diminished urban vitality. The proposed spatial restructuring of Urmia—based on Space Syntax analysis—resulted in a decreased integration value of 1.08, suggesting improved functional coherence, greater accessibility, and enhanced spatial relationships. The study identifies imbalanced land-use distribution, inadequate street hierarchy, and poor functional coordination as major barriers to realizing a walkable urban environment in Urmia. https://gep.ui.ac.ir/article_30387.html This study investigates the environmental impacts of Jiroft Dam in Kerman Province on its surrounding areas and downstream lands during 2000–2020. The study area was divided into two sections: the first included the dam margins and surroundings to assess environmental effects using Landsat imagery and geomorphological analysis, while the second focused on downstream lands to evaluate the dam’s influence on land use during crop seasons up to 2020. Vegetation and water indices (NDVI and NDWI) and land surface temperature (LST) were employed to assess environmental changes. The dam’s effects on downstream areas were examined using MODIS NDVI and spatial autocorrelation with Moran’s I to identify spatial patterns and the density of significantly positive trends. All analyses were conducted using the non-parametric Mann–Kendall test with Z-statistics at a 95% significance level. Results showed that significant temperature changes occurred only in summer and autumn. NDVI trend analysis indicated a significant positive effect of the dam on vegetation around the reservoir during spring, summer, and autumn, while NDWI exhibited the most significant changes across the study area. Within the dam vicinity, rangelands experienced the greatest improvement, and approximately 9,930.98 hectares of agricultural land showed a positive vegetation trend. The impact of reservoir area on temperature fluctuation was seasonal rather than size-dependent. Downstream analysis revealed no significant positive changes in agricultural vegetation, indicating limited effects of the dam in these regions.