The Alborz Mountains are some of the highest in Iran,and they play an important role in controlling the climate of the country’s northern regions.The land surface temperature(LST)is an important variable that affects...The Alborz Mountains are some of the highest in Iran,and they play an important role in controlling the climate of the country’s northern regions.The land surface temperature(LST)is an important variable that affects the ecosystem of this area.This study investigated the spatiotemporal changes and trends of the nighttime LST in the western region of the Central Alborz Mountains at elevations of 1500-4000 m above sea level.MODIS data were extracted for the period of 2000-2021,and the Mann-Kendall nonparametric test was applied to evaluating the changes in the LST.The results indicated a significant increasing trend for the monthly average LST in May-August along the southern aspect.Both the northern and southern aspects showed decreasing trends for the monthly average LST in October,November,and March and an increasing trend in other months.At all elevations,the average decadal change in the monthly average LST was more severe along the southern aspect(0.60°C)than along the northern aspect(0.37°C).The LST difference between the northern and southern aspects decreased in the cold months but increased in the hot months.At the same elevation,the difference in the lapse rate between the northern and southern aspects was greater in the hot months than in the cold months.With increasing elevation,the lapse rate between the northern and southern aspects disappeared.Climate change was concluded to greatly decrease the difference in LST at different elevations for April-July.展开更多
Alborz,as part of the Alpine-Himalayan orogeny belt,has been the result of the convergence of the Central Iranian and Eurasian plate since the late Triassic.The study area located in Central Alborz encompasses differe...Alborz,as part of the Alpine-Himalayan orogeny belt,has been the result of the convergence of the Central Iranian and Eurasian plate since the late Triassic.The study area located in Central Alborz encompasses different Quaternary faults.Thus,the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of faults on river landforms through morphotectonic indices and the causes of knickpoints and knickzones in the Bedrock Rivers in part of Central Alborz.To this end,six morphometric indices such as longitudinal gradient(SL),hierarchical anomaly(Δα),the bifurcation index(R),hypsometric integral and hypsometric curve(Hi-Hc),relative relief(Bh),and basin shape(Bs) were calculated and analyzed in38 sub-basins of the area.Finally,the area was divided into extremely high,high,medium,and low tectonic activity areas using the relative tectonic activity(IAT).Normalized steepness and concavity indices along with the longitudinal profiles of the streams were obtained using Matlab and Arc GIS software.Based on the findings,the existence of slope-break knickpoints at the mountain piedmont at the outlet of large rivers through active faults demonstrated that most of these landforms were created by movements along the main faults such as Khazar,Nusha,Soheil,Deylaman,Kashachal,representing high tectonic activity in the central and southern parts of the study area.However,the values of these indices were extremely low and indicated low tectonic activity in the northern parts located in the embayment part of the Caspian Sea.Finally,the findings revealed that these classes correspond well to the areas with landforms such as V-shaped and narrow valleys,gorges,deflected and offset streams,deformed Neogene,and Quaternary units that indicate the post-Neogene activity.展开更多
In order to increase the safety of working environment and decrease the unwanted costs related to overbreak in tunnel excavation projects, it is necessary to minimize overbreak percentage. Thus, based on regression an...In order to increase the safety of working environment and decrease the unwanted costs related to overbreak in tunnel excavation projects, it is necessary to minimize overbreak percentage. Thus, based on regression analysis and fuzzy inference system, this paper tries to develop predictive models to estimate overbreak caused by blasting at the Alborz Tunnel. To develop the models, 202 datasets were utilized, out of which 182 were used for constructing the models. To validate and compare the obtained results,determination coefficient(R2) and root mean square error(RMSE) indexes were chosen. For the fuzzy model, R2 and RMSE are equal to 0.96 and 0.55 respectively, whereas for regression model, they are 0.41 and 1.75 respectively, proving that the fuzzy predictor performs, significantly, better than the statistical method. Using the developed fuzzy model, the percentage of overbreak was minimized in the Alborz Tunnel.展开更多
Powerful alluvial rivers in the northern Alborz mountain ranges erode river banks due to having high slopes.Most of these rivers flow in forest areas.In this research,the rate of the river bank erosion was examined us...Powerful alluvial rivers in the northern Alborz mountain ranges erode river banks due to having high slopes.Most of these rivers flow in forest areas.In this research,the rate of the river bank erosion was examined using the exposed roots of the trees.For this purpose,8 reaches of Lavij Stream were investigated.To determine the first year of root exposure,two sets of macroscopic and microscopic indicators were utilized.Accordingly,the rate of the stream bank erosion was estimated.The results were analyzed by using statistical test,which showed insignificant differences between the two groups of indicators.Due to its more abundance(frequency)on the margins and easy detection of its root through the exposure(macroscopic and microscopic)indicators,Alnus glutinosa(black alder)species could be more easily and accurately analyzed as compared with any other tree species in the region.The mean erosion rate of the riverbank using the extruded roots was estimated to be 0.08 m/yr.The hydrological analyses of flood flows showed that 95%of Lavij Stream bank erosion was caused by the river bank full discharges with a return period of 1-3 years.展开更多
The major Quaternary faults of Marzanabad in the north Alborz can be classified based on their strikes into two sets: northwest and eastwest. In this paper, we use a model to evaluate their movement potential. Their t...The major Quaternary faults of Marzanabad in the north Alborz can be classified based on their strikes into two sets: northwest and eastwest. In this paper, we use a model to evaluate their movement potential. Their theoretical model is based on the relationship between fault geometrical characteristics and regional tectonic stress field. The results show that Taleqan, Kandovan Chitan-Dozbon and Makaroud-Dalir fault zones are of the highest movement potential in the area. Also, the region where the fault zones have been intersected (northeastern part of study area) is prone to high seismicity;however, these fault zones don’t have high movement potentials.展开更多
This study focuses on the geochemistry of trace elements and parameters of coal quality of bituminous coal belonging to the upper Triassic-lower Jurassic era, collected from the Galandrud region in Central Alborz, nor...This study focuses on the geochemistry of trace elements and parameters of coal quality of bituminous coal belonging to the upper Triassic-lower Jurassic era, collected from the Galandrud region in Central Alborz, northern Iran. Galandrud coal on an air-dried basis are characterized by broad variation in the amount of ash （ranging from 6.49g to 12.73%）, a high content of volatile matter （33,32-37.45%） and high gross calorific values （7430-8880 kcal/kg）. The mineral matter of the coal samples studied is made up of dolomite （〉909g）, quartz, sphalerite, galena, pyrite and clay minerals. Major elements are positively cor- related with ash content suggesting an association with inorganic constituents. Based on statistical anal- yses, concentrations of trace elements such as Co （51.3 ×10^-6-152.9× 10^-6）, Ba （368× 10^-6-3297.4×10^-6）, Cr （65.5 ×10^-6-194.2 × 10^-6）, Mo （5.6 × 10^-6-18.2× 10^-6）, Hi （72.9 × 10^-6-152.9 × 10^-6） and V （245.5 × 10^-6-520 ×10^-6） are higher than world coal averages. However, low concentration of some vol- atile elements such as As, Hg and U are present in low concentrations of the various types of coal studied.展开更多
Habitat loss and fragmentation of the wildlife species due to anthropogenic developments have been becoming serious issues in biological conservation. Alborz wild sheep, listed as threatened by IUCN, is distributed in...Habitat loss and fragmentation of the wildlife species due to anthropogenic developments have been becoming serious issues in biological conservation. Alborz wild sheep, listed as threatened by IUCN, is distributed in relatively small and isolated patches in an increasingly human dominated landscape in the north-central Iran and east of Tehran. We used maximum entropy modeling to identify habitat areas of the wild sheep, across Jajrud protected area and its neighbouring protected areas including varjin, lar, koohsefid and the surroundings. Regarding to seasonal variation of the species home range, winter, summer and multi seasonal (annual) habitats were predicted. To estimate habitat connectivity, we used models of connectivity based in electrical circuit theory. Applying core areas of multi season for connectivity analysis, movement pattern of the species was predicted and important connective areas for conservation were identified. Species distribution maps revealed that the summer and winter habitats were approximately occurred in similar areas. Distance to eco-guards’ post was the most important predictor for both habitat models of summer and winter. The annual model, which is a combination of summer and winter, shows that the largest suitable habitat patches are located in the north, south and west of the study area. Maximum current flow map demonstrates that the areas among patch pairs are covered in low current, reflecting low rates of the species dispersal. This map presented bottlenecks to the species movement across major roads and along extending human settlements. Cumulative current flow map displayed that current was highest in Jajrud north of Mamloo extending to the northern Jajrud. Overall, our study demonstrated a prediction of habitat suitability and connectivity for Alborz wild sheep in east of Tehran, which can be used to direct conservation endeavours dealing with maintenance of the wild sheep metapopulation dynamics.展开更多
Species richness of foraminifera assemblages in the Permian succession, contains Dorud, Ruteh and Nessen Formations, in Central Alborz—North of Iran, was estimated and studied based on lithostratigraphy and microbios...Species richness of foraminifera assemblages in the Permian succession, contains Dorud, Ruteh and Nessen Formations, in Central Alborz—North of Iran, was estimated and studied based on lithostratigraphy and microbiostratigraphy of Permian. We used four non-parametric estimators to investigate the species richness: Chao 2, Jackknife 1, Jackknife 2 and bootstrap. These methods estimates the species richness based on the presence/absence data of each taxon identified in the samples. We use the submenu of quadrat richness in “Past” [1] software to estimate richness in regional chronostratigraphic stages.The results show that the estimated diversity of foraminiferal assemblages with the exception of late Yakhtashian, increased constantly from Asselian to Murgabian with the highest diversity of foraminifera seen in the Murgabian. The main decrease in foraminiferal species richness happened during the Midian which corresponds to the kamura cooling event.展开更多
High resolution sampling across the Cretaceous/Paleogene boundary (K/Pg) at the Galanderud section in northern Iran provides the most expanded and continuous section for us to consider biostratigraphy and the mass ext...High resolution sampling across the Cretaceous/Paleogene boundary (K/Pg) at the Galanderud section in northern Iran provides the most expanded and continuous section for us to consider biostratigraphy and the mass extinction pattern of Cretaceous planktic foraminifera. Based on planktic foraminifera, four biozones and five sub-biozones have been identified across the K/Pg boundary. These biozones include the Abathomphalus mayaroensis Biozone (Plummerita hantkeninoides subbiozone), the Guembelitria cretacea Biozone (including two sub-biozones: the Hedbergella holmdelensis and the Parvularugoglobigerina longiapertura), the Parvularugoglobigerina eugubina Biozone (including two subbiozones: the Parvularugoglobigerina Sabina and the Eoglobigerina simplicissima) and finely the Parasubbotina pseudobulloides Biozone. Planktic foraminiferal extinction occurred over a brief period, with 3% of the species disappearing in the late Maastrichtian, and 72% of the species becaming extinct at the K/Pg boundary. About 25% of the species survived into the early Danian. Extinction of 73% of the species at the K/Pg boundary is very compatible with the effect of a large asteroid impact.展开更多
The present study is concerning the systematic descriptions of the Middle Jurassic (Callovian) ammonite fauna from the Damghan Area (eastern Alborz) and contains a rather rich ammonite fauna. The described ammonites c...The present study is concerning the systematic descriptions of the Middle Jurassic (Callovian) ammonite fauna from the Damghan Area (eastern Alborz) and contains a rather rich ammonite fauna. The described ammonites come from the Middle part of the Dalichai Formation, consisting of an alternation of green marl, grey limestone and marly limestone. In this research, the biostratigraphy of these rocks is discussed with special emphasis on the abundant ammonite fauna (Reineckeiidae family). Altogether, 74 specimens of ammonites belonging to 14 species, 3 genera, 3 sub genera from Reineckeiidae family are described. Palaeobiogeographically the ammonite fauna is closely related to that of the sub-Mediterranean Province of the northwestern Tethys. The ammonites represent four zones, i.e. Rehmannia (Loczyceras) cf. segestena (Anceps Zone), Rehmannia (Loczyceras) reissi (Anceps Zone), Rehmannia (Loczyceras) rehmanni (Anceps Zone), Rehmannia (Loczyceras) sequanica densicostata (Coronatum Zone), Reineckeia (Tyrannites) convexa (Gracilis Zone), Reineckeia (Tyrannites) pictava (Gracilis Zone), Reineckeia (Reineckeia) anceps anceps (Anceps Zone), Reineckeia (Reineckeia) anceps elmii (Anceps Zone), Reineckeia (Reineckeia) cf. fehlmani (Anceps Zone), Reineckeia (Reineckeia) nodosa (Athleta Zone), Collotia cf. multicostat (Anceps Zone), Collotia cf. gaillardi (Coronatum Zone), Collotia cf. oxyptychoides (Athleta Zone), Collotia cf. collotiformis (Athleta Zone).展开更多
The most precious ecological function of rangelands is the conservation of soil and water as well as supplying forage for domestic and wild animals. Such an ecological bio habitat, or in the other words the profession...The most precious ecological function of rangelands is the conservation of soil and water as well as supplying forage for domestic and wild animals. Such an ecological bio habitat, or in the other words the profession of rangelands, has been subject to disorders for the variety of reasons since many years ago. Floods, hungry animals and desertification are the consequences of such disorders. Therefore, the rangeland managers have suggested the multiple usages of rangelands based on their existing talent and efficiency which is called ＂rangeland suitability＂. In this research, based on bio-diversity potentials of the region, the recognition and functions of plants of Alborz Mountain rangelands have been considered as rangeland management tools. The sampling has been carried out in work units （combination of traditional systems in plant types） randomly-systematically by setting ten 50 m transects and putting down a metal bar. In this way, the relative frequency of medicinal and nectarous rangeland plants in work units has been evaluated. Planning for multiple usage of rangelands were performed based on two criteria of suitability of medicinal and nectarous plants, 1991 Food and Agriculture Organization （FAO） method, and using Geographical Information Systems （GIS） with the scale of 1：50,000. The best-growing habitat of the plants was selected based on the modeling. By proving the existence of environmental gradient, one can recommend the above methods to study the environmental factors as complementary to incarnation models theories.展开更多
The alkali-basalt and basaltic trachy-andesites volcanic rocks of south Marzanabad were erupted during Cretaceous in central Alborz, which is regarded as the northern part of the Alpine-Himalayan orogenic belt. Based ...The alkali-basalt and basaltic trachy-andesites volcanic rocks of south Marzanabad were erupted during Cretaceous in central Alborz, which is regarded as the northern part of the Alpine-Himalayan orogenic belt. Based on petrography and geochemistry, en route fractional crystallization of ascending magma was an important process in the evolution of the volcanic rocks. Geochemical characteristics imply that the south Marzanabad alkaline basaltic magma was originated from the asthenospheric mantle source, whereas the high ratios of （La/Yb）N and （Dy/Yb）N are related to the low degree of partial melting from the garnet bearing mantle source. Enrichment pattern of Nb and depletion of Rb, K and Y, are similar to the OIB pattern and intraplate alkaline magmatic rocks. The K/Nb and Zr/Nb ratios of volcanic rocks range from 62 to 588 and from 4.27 to 9 respectively, that are some higher in more evolved samples which may reflect minor crustal contamination. The isotopic ratios of Sr and Nd respectively vary from 0.70370 to 0.704387 and from 0.51266 to 0.51281 that suggest the depleted mantle as a magma source. The development of south Marzanabad volcanic rocks could be related to the presence of extensional phase, upwelling and decompressional melting of asthenospheric mantle in the rift basin which made the alkaline magmatism in Cretaceous, in northern central Alborz of lran.展开更多
Located on the foothills of Alborz mountains,in northern Iran,the city of Tehran is surrounded by many active faults that have caused destructive earthquakes in the past.Two earthquakes magnitudes 4.1 and 3.6 occurred...Located on the foothills of Alborz mountains,in northern Iran,the city of Tehran is surrounded by many active faults that have caused destructive earthquakes in the past.Two earthquakes magnitudes 4.1 and 3.6 occurred on 13th August 2015,known as Javadabad earthquakes,affected the SE Alborz region near Tehran.In this study,we relocated 780 events with magnitude 2.0 and larger that occurred during 1996-2015,which provides an enhanced image of seismicity in the region.We manually re-picked 6845 P-wave and 4675 S-waves arrival times on 41 seismic stations encompassing the SE Alborz regions.We then used our arrival times to relocate the earthquakes using a probabilistic method.Then we focus on improving the picked arrival times by cross-correlating the waveforms of P-and S-waves for event pairs with similar waveforms.The differential times of event pairs for all observations were weighted based on the quality of correlations.We computed more than 220,000 and 140,000 differential times for P-and S-wave records,respectively,and selected pairs of waveforms with coefficients of 0.7 or higher.Finally,in order to minimize the effect of inaccurate velocity structure,we applied the double-difference location method.展开更多
Understanding past changes in surface vegetation cover is crucial for clarifying spatiotemporal patterns of vegetation,temperature,and humidity variations across Central Asia.In this study,we developed a tree-ring wid...Understanding past changes in surface vegetation cover is crucial for clarifying spatiotemporal patterns of vegetation,temperature,and humidity variations across Central Asia.In this study,we developed a tree-ring width index chronology for Juniperus excelsa in the western Alborz Mountains of Iran and examined its correlation with the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index(NDVI).Using this relationship,we reconstructed NDVI variations in this region since 1943.Our results indicate that both the tree-ring width index and NDVI from April to August exhibit strong correlations with precipitation from the previous December to the current May,as well as with the May Palmer Drought Severity Index(PDSI).The tree-ring width index is significantly and positively correlated with NDVI from April to August(R_(adj)^(2)=0.562,F=26.616,p<0.001),confirming its effectiveness in representing NDVI fluctuations during this period.The reconstructed NDVI series reveals more pronounced vegetation cover fluctuations since the 1990s compared to the 1940s-1980s.Notably,periods of low vegetation cover occurred in the late 20 th to early 21 st century,whereas high vegetation cover was observed in the early 2020s.Since 1943,key periods of relatively low vegetation cover include 1946-1955,1959-1973,1986-1989,1997-2002,and 2008-2015.The notably low vegetation cover from 1997 to 2002 coincides with a severe and persistent drought that has affected Central and South Asia since the 1940s.Our findings suggest that vegetation growth in the study area reflects both local climate variations and broader regional or global climate changes.By extending short-term NDVI records obtained via remote sensing,this study provides a long-term perspective on vegetation dynamics,enhancing our understanding of historical vegetation dynamics in Iran and their response to climate fluctuations.展开更多
Mountain front faults form the boundary between mountains and adjacent plains.These faults can propagate toward the plains and escalate the risk of seismic hazard for near cities.The North Tehran Fault(NTF)is a mounta...Mountain front faults form the boundary between mountains and adjacent plains.These faults can propagate toward the plains and escalate the risk of seismic hazard for near cities.The North Tehran Fault(NTF)is a mountain front fault bordering the Central Alborz with Tehran and Karaj plains.Structural and morphotectonic data from interpreted aerial photographs,satellite images,airborne geomagnetic data as well as field surveying have been used for detailed segmentation and evolution of the North Tehran Fault.This resulted in identification of the fault segments as the Niknamdeh,Darband,Darakeh-Garmdarreh,and Karaj from east to west.Active kinematics of these segments includes both thrusting and left-lateral components;but the dominant component is different among the segments.The Niknamdeh segment is connected to the Mosha Fault with a hard linkage,while its connection with the Darband segment is a widespread deformation zone.The connection zone between the Darband and Darakeh-Garmdarreh segments has the highest density of minor faults along the North Tehran Fault.The boundary of the Darakeh-Garmdarreh and Karaj segments is controlled by the F-3 transverse fault that has offset the NTF for~3 km right-laterally.The NTF has inverted from normal to dextral oblique fault in Miocene.The fault kinematics has changed from dextral to sinistral in Pliocene-Quaternary.Further regional oblique convergence resulted in minor fault reactivation such as relay ramp breaching faults,propagation of several footwall branches and hangingwall bypasses geometrical change of alluvial fans,and transfer of deformation front southwardly to the Tehran and Karaj plains.The findings of this paper are also applicable to other active oblique converging mountain fronts,inverted mountain front faults and the transition of deformation from these structures to the foreland basin.展开更多
Palynological data are used to draw paleoecological inferences for the Dalichai Formation,northeast of Semnan,northeastern Iran.All samples examined yield well-preserved,diverse palynofloras consisting predominantly o...Palynological data are used to draw paleoecological inferences for the Dalichai Formation,northeast of Semnan,northeastern Iran.All samples examined yield well-preserved,diverse palynofloras consisting predominantly of miospores;dinoflagellate cysts,foraminiferal test linings,and fungal spores occur as minor constituents.Fifty-four species of spores(37 genera),18species of pollen(9 genera),and 16 species of dinoflagellate cysts(13 genera)are recognized.Co-occurrence of such miospore species with known vertical ranges as Klukisporites variegatus,Sellaspora asperata,Murospora florida,and Concavissimisporites verrucosus suggests a Middle Jurassic(Bajocian-Callovian)age for the host strata,thus corroborating the available paleozoological evidence.Such spore species as Klukisporites,Cyathidites,and Dictyophyllidites known to have been produced by Pterophyta dominate the palynofloras.Thus the contemporaneous coastal vegetation was characterized by predominance of Pterophyta whereas representatives of Ginkgophyta,Pteridospermophyta,Lycophyta,Coniferophyta,and Bryophyta were rarely represented.This reconstruction implies that a moist,warm climate prevailed in northeastern Iran during the Middle Jurassic(Bajocian-Callovian).This is confirmed by occurrence of fungal spores accompanied by such warm water dinoflagellate cysts as Mendicodinium groenlandicum,Pareodinia ceratophora,and Gonyaulacysta jurassica.Abundance of Amorphous Organic Matter(AOM)signifies a shallow,low-energy,dysoxic-anoxic depositional site for the host strata.Furthermore,the ratio of AOM to marine palynomorphs as well as abundance of blade-shaped to eqiudimensional opaque palynomacerals could indicate low sedimentation rate in a shallow,low-oxygenated marine environment.Additionally,occurrence of chorate dinoflagellate cysts(e.g.,Adnatosphaeridium caulleryi)and acritarchs bearing relatively long processes(e.g.,Micrhystridium)possibly suggests deepening upward in the study section.展开更多
Rock mass classification systems are the very important part for underground projects and rock mass rating(RMR) is one of the most commonly applied classification systems in numerous civil and mining projects. The typ...Rock mass classification systems are the very important part for underground projects and rock mass rating(RMR) is one of the most commonly applied classification systems in numerous civil and mining projects. The type of rock mass consisting of an interbedding of strong and weak layers poses difficulties and uncertainties for determining the RMR. For this, the present paper uses the concept of rock bolt supporting factor(RSF) for modification of RMR system to be used in such rock mass types. The proposed method also demonstrates the importance of rock bolting practice in such rock masses. The geological parameters of the Shemshak Formation of the Alborz Tunnel in Iran are used as case examples for development of the theoretical approach.展开更多
The phenomenon of coal spontaneous combustion is one of the common hazards in coal mines and also one of the important reasons for the loss of coal in piles and mines. Based on previous researches, different types of ...The phenomenon of coal spontaneous combustion is one of the common hazards in coal mines and also one of the important reasons for the loss of coal in piles and mines. Based on previous researches, different types of coals have different spontaneous combustion characteristics. For coal loss prevention, a measure is necessary for prediction of coal spontaneous combustion. In this study, a new engineering classification system called ＂Coal Spontaneous Combustion Potential Index （CSCPI）＂ is presented based on the Fuzzy Delphi Analytic Hierarchy Process （FDAHP） approach. CSCPI classifies coals based on their spontaneous combustion capability. After recognition of the roles of the effective parameters influencing the initiation of a spontaneous combustion, a series of intrinsic, geological, and mining characteristics of coal seams are investigated. Then, the main stages of the implementation of the FDAHP method are studied and the weight of each parameter involved is calculated. A classification list of each parameter is formed, the CSCPI system is described, and the engineering classifying system is subsequently presented. In the CSCPI system, each coal seam can be rated by a number from 0 to 100; a higher number implies a greater ease for the coal spontaneous combustion capability. Based on the CSCPI system, the propensity of spontaneous combustion of coal can be classified into three potential levels： low, medium, and high. Finally, using the events of coal spontaneous combustion occurring in one of the Iranian coal mines, Eastern Alborz Coal Mines, an initial validation of the mentioned systematic approach is conducted. Comparison of the results obtained in this study illustrate a relatively good agreement.展开更多
Alborz Mountains host Caspian Hyrcanian forest ecoregion along the northern slopes and forest steppe ecoregion in highlands. Hyrcanian forest covers the southeastern part of Caucasus biodiversity hotspot and is of gre...Alborz Mountains host Caspian Hyrcanian forest ecoregion along the northern slopes and forest steppe ecoregion in highlands. Hyrcanian forest covers the southeastern part of Caucasus biodiversity hotspot and is of great biogeographic importance. Altitudinal pattern and correlation between woody species biodiversity （DIV）, forest structure （（stem density （DEN）, mean basal area （MBA） and mean height class （MHC）） and disturbance （DIS） were explored along 2,4oo m altitudinal gradient in Hyrcanian relict forest, Central Alborz Mountains. Vegetation changes from lowland forest （LoF） to mid- altitude forest （MiF） and montane forest （MoF） in this area. The altitudinal gradient was divided into twelve 200 m elevational belts. Point centered quarter method （PCQM） with 96 sampling points and 83 vegetation samples by plot method （PM） were used to record field data. Shannon-Wiener index and Pearson coefficient were used for diversity and correlation analysis. The results showed that DEN decreased linearly, MBA and MHC showed relatively hump shaped and DIS showed a reverse hump shaped pattern of change along altitudinal gradient. Woody species diversity decreased non-steadily from LoF to MoF. Transitional vegetations of Carpinus-Fagus and Fagus-Quercus represented higher diversity of woody taxa compared to adjacent homogenous communities. Significant correlation was observed between altitude and all parameters： DEN with MBA, DIS and DIV; MBA with DIS; MHC with DIS along with DIV; and DIS with DIV at the study area scale. Surprisingly,correlation between studied parameters differed within each vegetation type. Altitude probably acts as a proxy for human and environmental driving forces in this area. Stability of warm and wet condition, season length, soil depth along with forest accessibility probably influences the altitudinal pattern of the studied parameters. Disturbance affects forest structure and consequently diversity; especially in lowlands. The obtained results recommend using both forest biodiversity and mensuration data in management process of forest ecosystems.展开更多
文摘The Alborz Mountains are some of the highest in Iran,and they play an important role in controlling the climate of the country’s northern regions.The land surface temperature(LST)is an important variable that affects the ecosystem of this area.This study investigated the spatiotemporal changes and trends of the nighttime LST in the western region of the Central Alborz Mountains at elevations of 1500-4000 m above sea level.MODIS data were extracted for the period of 2000-2021,and the Mann-Kendall nonparametric test was applied to evaluating the changes in the LST.The results indicated a significant increasing trend for the monthly average LST in May-August along the southern aspect.Both the northern and southern aspects showed decreasing trends for the monthly average LST in October,November,and March and an increasing trend in other months.At all elevations,the average decadal change in the monthly average LST was more severe along the southern aspect(0.60°C)than along the northern aspect(0.37°C).The LST difference between the northern and southern aspects decreased in the cold months but increased in the hot months.At the same elevation,the difference in the lapse rate between the northern and southern aspects was greater in the hot months than in the cold months.With increasing elevation,the lapse rate between the northern and southern aspects disappeared.Climate change was concluded to greatly decrease the difference in LST at different elevations for April-July.
文摘Alborz,as part of the Alpine-Himalayan orogeny belt,has been the result of the convergence of the Central Iranian and Eurasian plate since the late Triassic.The study area located in Central Alborz encompasses different Quaternary faults.Thus,the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of faults on river landforms through morphotectonic indices and the causes of knickpoints and knickzones in the Bedrock Rivers in part of Central Alborz.To this end,six morphometric indices such as longitudinal gradient(SL),hierarchical anomaly(Δα),the bifurcation index(R),hypsometric integral and hypsometric curve(Hi-Hc),relative relief(Bh),and basin shape(Bs) were calculated and analyzed in38 sub-basins of the area.Finally,the area was divided into extremely high,high,medium,and low tectonic activity areas using the relative tectonic activity(IAT).Normalized steepness and concavity indices along with the longitudinal profiles of the streams were obtained using Matlab and Arc GIS software.Based on the findings,the existence of slope-break knickpoints at the mountain piedmont at the outlet of large rivers through active faults demonstrated that most of these landforms were created by movements along the main faults such as Khazar,Nusha,Soheil,Deylaman,Kashachal,representing high tectonic activity in the central and southern parts of the study area.However,the values of these indices were extremely low and indicated low tectonic activity in the northern parts located in the embayment part of the Caspian Sea.Finally,the findings revealed that these classes correspond well to the areas with landforms such as V-shaped and narrow valleys,gorges,deflected and offset streams,deformed Neogene,and Quaternary units that indicate the post-Neogene activity.
文摘In order to increase the safety of working environment and decrease the unwanted costs related to overbreak in tunnel excavation projects, it is necessary to minimize overbreak percentage. Thus, based on regression analysis and fuzzy inference system, this paper tries to develop predictive models to estimate overbreak caused by blasting at the Alborz Tunnel. To develop the models, 202 datasets were utilized, out of which 182 were used for constructing the models. To validate and compare the obtained results,determination coefficient(R2) and root mean square error(RMSE) indexes were chosen. For the fuzzy model, R2 and RMSE are equal to 0.96 and 0.55 respectively, whereas for regression model, they are 0.41 and 1.75 respectively, proving that the fuzzy predictor performs, significantly, better than the statistical method. Using the developed fuzzy model, the percentage of overbreak was minimized in the Alborz Tunnel.
文摘Powerful alluvial rivers in the northern Alborz mountain ranges erode river banks due to having high slopes.Most of these rivers flow in forest areas.In this research,the rate of the river bank erosion was examined using the exposed roots of the trees.For this purpose,8 reaches of Lavij Stream were investigated.To determine the first year of root exposure,two sets of macroscopic and microscopic indicators were utilized.Accordingly,the rate of the stream bank erosion was estimated.The results were analyzed by using statistical test,which showed insignificant differences between the two groups of indicators.Due to its more abundance(frequency)on the margins and easy detection of its root through the exposure(macroscopic and microscopic)indicators,Alnus glutinosa(black alder)species could be more easily and accurately analyzed as compared with any other tree species in the region.The mean erosion rate of the riverbank using the extruded roots was estimated to be 0.08 m/yr.The hydrological analyses of flood flows showed that 95%of Lavij Stream bank erosion was caused by the river bank full discharges with a return period of 1-3 years.
文摘The major Quaternary faults of Marzanabad in the north Alborz can be classified based on their strikes into two sets: northwest and eastwest. In this paper, we use a model to evaluate their movement potential. Their theoretical model is based on the relationship between fault geometrical characteristics and regional tectonic stress field. The results show that Taleqan, Kandovan Chitan-Dozbon and Makaroud-Dalir fault zones are of the highest movement potential in the area. Also, the region where the fault zones have been intersected (northeastern part of study area) is prone to high seismicity;however, these fault zones don’t have high movement potentials.
基金supported by the Iranian Institute for Geological Surveys and Mineral Exploration
文摘This study focuses on the geochemistry of trace elements and parameters of coal quality of bituminous coal belonging to the upper Triassic-lower Jurassic era, collected from the Galandrud region in Central Alborz, northern Iran. Galandrud coal on an air-dried basis are characterized by broad variation in the amount of ash （ranging from 6.49g to 12.73%）, a high content of volatile matter （33,32-37.45%） and high gross calorific values （7430-8880 kcal/kg）. The mineral matter of the coal samples studied is made up of dolomite （〉909g）, quartz, sphalerite, galena, pyrite and clay minerals. Major elements are positively cor- related with ash content suggesting an association with inorganic constituents. Based on statistical anal- yses, concentrations of trace elements such as Co （51.3 ×10^-6-152.9× 10^-6）, Ba （368× 10^-6-3297.4×10^-6）, Cr （65.5 ×10^-6-194.2 × 10^-6）, Mo （5.6 × 10^-6-18.2× 10^-6）, Hi （72.9 × 10^-6-152.9 × 10^-6） and V （245.5 × 10^-6-520 ×10^-6） are higher than world coal averages. However, low concentration of some vol- atile elements such as As, Hg and U are present in low concentrations of the various types of coal studied.
文摘Habitat loss and fragmentation of the wildlife species due to anthropogenic developments have been becoming serious issues in biological conservation. Alborz wild sheep, listed as threatened by IUCN, is distributed in relatively small and isolated patches in an increasingly human dominated landscape in the north-central Iran and east of Tehran. We used maximum entropy modeling to identify habitat areas of the wild sheep, across Jajrud protected area and its neighbouring protected areas including varjin, lar, koohsefid and the surroundings. Regarding to seasonal variation of the species home range, winter, summer and multi seasonal (annual) habitats were predicted. To estimate habitat connectivity, we used models of connectivity based in electrical circuit theory. Applying core areas of multi season for connectivity analysis, movement pattern of the species was predicted and important connective areas for conservation were identified. Species distribution maps revealed that the summer and winter habitats were approximately occurred in similar areas. Distance to eco-guards’ post was the most important predictor for both habitat models of summer and winter. The annual model, which is a combination of summer and winter, shows that the largest suitable habitat patches are located in the north, south and west of the study area. Maximum current flow map demonstrates that the areas among patch pairs are covered in low current, reflecting low rates of the species dispersal. This map presented bottlenecks to the species movement across major roads and along extending human settlements. Cumulative current flow map displayed that current was highest in Jajrud north of Mamloo extending to the northern Jajrud. Overall, our study demonstrated a prediction of habitat suitability and connectivity for Alborz wild sheep in east of Tehran, which can be used to direct conservation endeavours dealing with maintenance of the wild sheep metapopulation dynamics.
文摘Species richness of foraminifera assemblages in the Permian succession, contains Dorud, Ruteh and Nessen Formations, in Central Alborz—North of Iran, was estimated and studied based on lithostratigraphy and microbiostratigraphy of Permian. We used four non-parametric estimators to investigate the species richness: Chao 2, Jackknife 1, Jackknife 2 and bootstrap. These methods estimates the species richness based on the presence/absence data of each taxon identified in the samples. We use the submenu of quadrat richness in “Past” [1] software to estimate richness in regional chronostratigraphic stages.The results show that the estimated diversity of foraminiferal assemblages with the exception of late Yakhtashian, increased constantly from Asselian to Murgabian with the highest diversity of foraminifera seen in the Murgabian. The main decrease in foraminiferal species richness happened during the Midian which corresponds to the kamura cooling event.
文摘High resolution sampling across the Cretaceous/Paleogene boundary (K/Pg) at the Galanderud section in northern Iran provides the most expanded and continuous section for us to consider biostratigraphy and the mass extinction pattern of Cretaceous planktic foraminifera. Based on planktic foraminifera, four biozones and five sub-biozones have been identified across the K/Pg boundary. These biozones include the Abathomphalus mayaroensis Biozone (Plummerita hantkeninoides subbiozone), the Guembelitria cretacea Biozone (including two sub-biozones: the Hedbergella holmdelensis and the Parvularugoglobigerina longiapertura), the Parvularugoglobigerina eugubina Biozone (including two subbiozones: the Parvularugoglobigerina Sabina and the Eoglobigerina simplicissima) and finely the Parasubbotina pseudobulloides Biozone. Planktic foraminiferal extinction occurred over a brief period, with 3% of the species disappearing in the late Maastrichtian, and 72% of the species becaming extinct at the K/Pg boundary. About 25% of the species survived into the early Danian. Extinction of 73% of the species at the K/Pg boundary is very compatible with the effect of a large asteroid impact.
文摘The present study is concerning the systematic descriptions of the Middle Jurassic (Callovian) ammonite fauna from the Damghan Area (eastern Alborz) and contains a rather rich ammonite fauna. The described ammonites come from the Middle part of the Dalichai Formation, consisting of an alternation of green marl, grey limestone and marly limestone. In this research, the biostratigraphy of these rocks is discussed with special emphasis on the abundant ammonite fauna (Reineckeiidae family). Altogether, 74 specimens of ammonites belonging to 14 species, 3 genera, 3 sub genera from Reineckeiidae family are described. Palaeobiogeographically the ammonite fauna is closely related to that of the sub-Mediterranean Province of the northwestern Tethys. The ammonites represent four zones, i.e. Rehmannia (Loczyceras) cf. segestena (Anceps Zone), Rehmannia (Loczyceras) reissi (Anceps Zone), Rehmannia (Loczyceras) rehmanni (Anceps Zone), Rehmannia (Loczyceras) sequanica densicostata (Coronatum Zone), Reineckeia (Tyrannites) convexa (Gracilis Zone), Reineckeia (Tyrannites) pictava (Gracilis Zone), Reineckeia (Reineckeia) anceps anceps (Anceps Zone), Reineckeia (Reineckeia) anceps elmii (Anceps Zone), Reineckeia (Reineckeia) cf. fehlmani (Anceps Zone), Reineckeia (Reineckeia) nodosa (Athleta Zone), Collotia cf. multicostat (Anceps Zone), Collotia cf. gaillardi (Coronatum Zone), Collotia cf. oxyptychoides (Athleta Zone), Collotia cf. collotiformis (Athleta Zone).
文摘The most precious ecological function of rangelands is the conservation of soil and water as well as supplying forage for domestic and wild animals. Such an ecological bio habitat, or in the other words the profession of rangelands, has been subject to disorders for the variety of reasons since many years ago. Floods, hungry animals and desertification are the consequences of such disorders. Therefore, the rangeland managers have suggested the multiple usages of rangelands based on their existing talent and efficiency which is called ＂rangeland suitability＂. In this research, based on bio-diversity potentials of the region, the recognition and functions of plants of Alborz Mountain rangelands have been considered as rangeland management tools. The sampling has been carried out in work units （combination of traditional systems in plant types） randomly-systematically by setting ten 50 m transects and putting down a metal bar. In this way, the relative frequency of medicinal and nectarous rangeland plants in work units has been evaluated. Planning for multiple usage of rangelands were performed based on two criteria of suitability of medicinal and nectarous plants, 1991 Food and Agriculture Organization （FAO） method, and using Geographical Information Systems （GIS） with the scale of 1：50,000. The best-growing habitat of the plants was selected based on the modeling. By proving the existence of environmental gradient, one can recommend the above methods to study the environmental factors as complementary to incarnation models theories.
基金Dr.Luigi Beccaluva and Dr.Renzo Tassinari University of Ferrara,Italy,for their financial support and providing laboratory facilities
文摘The alkali-basalt and basaltic trachy-andesites volcanic rocks of south Marzanabad were erupted during Cretaceous in central Alborz, which is regarded as the northern part of the Alpine-Himalayan orogenic belt. Based on petrography and geochemistry, en route fractional crystallization of ascending magma was an important process in the evolution of the volcanic rocks. Geochemical characteristics imply that the south Marzanabad alkaline basaltic magma was originated from the asthenospheric mantle source, whereas the high ratios of （La/Yb）N and （Dy/Yb）N are related to the low degree of partial melting from the garnet bearing mantle source. Enrichment pattern of Nb and depletion of Rb, K and Y, are similar to the OIB pattern and intraplate alkaline magmatic rocks. The K/Nb and Zr/Nb ratios of volcanic rocks range from 62 to 588 and from 4.27 to 9 respectively, that are some higher in more evolved samples which may reflect minor crustal contamination. The isotopic ratios of Sr and Nd respectively vary from 0.70370 to 0.704387 and from 0.51266 to 0.51281 that suggest the depleted mantle as a magma source. The development of south Marzanabad volcanic rocks could be related to the presence of extensional phase, upwelling and decompressional melting of asthenospheric mantle in the rift basin which made the alkaline magmatism in Cretaceous, in northern central Alborz of lran.
文摘Located on the foothills of Alborz mountains,in northern Iran,the city of Tehran is surrounded by many active faults that have caused destructive earthquakes in the past.Two earthquakes magnitudes 4.1 and 3.6 occurred on 13th August 2015,known as Javadabad earthquakes,affected the SE Alborz region near Tehran.In this study,we relocated 780 events with magnitude 2.0 and larger that occurred during 1996-2015,which provides an enhanced image of seismicity in the region.We manually re-picked 6845 P-wave and 4675 S-waves arrival times on 41 seismic stations encompassing the SE Alborz regions.We then used our arrival times to relocate the earthquakes using a probabilistic method.Then we focus on improving the picked arrival times by cross-correlating the waveforms of P-and S-waves for event pairs with similar waveforms.The differential times of event pairs for all observations were weighted based on the quality of correlations.We computed more than 220,000 and 140,000 differential times for P-and S-wave records,respectively,and selected pairs of waveforms with coefficients of 0.7 or higher.Finally,in order to minimize the effect of inaccurate velocity structure,we applied the double-difference location method.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.42171162National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.42101158+1 种基金Young Elite Scientists Sponsorship Program by CAST,No.2022QNRC001NSFC-INSF Joint Research Project,No.42261144670。
文摘Understanding past changes in surface vegetation cover is crucial for clarifying spatiotemporal patterns of vegetation,temperature,and humidity variations across Central Asia.In this study,we developed a tree-ring width index chronology for Juniperus excelsa in the western Alborz Mountains of Iran and examined its correlation with the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index(NDVI).Using this relationship,we reconstructed NDVI variations in this region since 1943.Our results indicate that both the tree-ring width index and NDVI from April to August exhibit strong correlations with precipitation from the previous December to the current May,as well as with the May Palmer Drought Severity Index(PDSI).The tree-ring width index is significantly and positively correlated with NDVI from April to August(R_(adj)^(2)=0.562,F=26.616,p<0.001),confirming its effectiveness in representing NDVI fluctuations during this period.The reconstructed NDVI series reveals more pronounced vegetation cover fluctuations since the 1990s compared to the 1940s-1980s.Notably,periods of low vegetation cover occurred in the late 20 th to early 21 st century,whereas high vegetation cover was observed in the early 2020s.Since 1943,key periods of relatively low vegetation cover include 1946-1955,1959-1973,1986-1989,1997-2002,and 2008-2015.The notably low vegetation cover from 1997 to 2002 coincides with a severe and persistent drought that has affected Central and South Asia since the 1940s.Our findings suggest that vegetation growth in the study area reflects both local climate variations and broader regional or global climate changes.By extending short-term NDVI records obtained via remote sensing,this study provides a long-term perspective on vegetation dynamics,enhancing our understanding of historical vegetation dynamics in Iran and their response to climate fluctuations.
文摘Mountain front faults form the boundary between mountains and adjacent plains.These faults can propagate toward the plains and escalate the risk of seismic hazard for near cities.The North Tehran Fault(NTF)is a mountain front fault bordering the Central Alborz with Tehran and Karaj plains.Structural and morphotectonic data from interpreted aerial photographs,satellite images,airborne geomagnetic data as well as field surveying have been used for detailed segmentation and evolution of the North Tehran Fault.This resulted in identification of the fault segments as the Niknamdeh,Darband,Darakeh-Garmdarreh,and Karaj from east to west.Active kinematics of these segments includes both thrusting and left-lateral components;but the dominant component is different among the segments.The Niknamdeh segment is connected to the Mosha Fault with a hard linkage,while its connection with the Darband segment is a widespread deformation zone.The connection zone between the Darband and Darakeh-Garmdarreh segments has the highest density of minor faults along the North Tehran Fault.The boundary of the Darakeh-Garmdarreh and Karaj segments is controlled by the F-3 transverse fault that has offset the NTF for~3 km right-laterally.The NTF has inverted from normal to dextral oblique fault in Miocene.The fault kinematics has changed from dextral to sinistral in Pliocene-Quaternary.Further regional oblique convergence resulted in minor fault reactivation such as relay ramp breaching faults,propagation of several footwall branches and hangingwall bypasses geometrical change of alluvial fans,and transfer of deformation front southwardly to the Tehran and Karaj plains.The findings of this paper are also applicable to other active oblique converging mountain fronts,inverted mountain front faults and the transition of deformation from these structures to the foreland basin.
文摘Palynological data are used to draw paleoecological inferences for the Dalichai Formation,northeast of Semnan,northeastern Iran.All samples examined yield well-preserved,diverse palynofloras consisting predominantly of miospores;dinoflagellate cysts,foraminiferal test linings,and fungal spores occur as minor constituents.Fifty-four species of spores(37 genera),18species of pollen(9 genera),and 16 species of dinoflagellate cysts(13 genera)are recognized.Co-occurrence of such miospore species with known vertical ranges as Klukisporites variegatus,Sellaspora asperata,Murospora florida,and Concavissimisporites verrucosus suggests a Middle Jurassic(Bajocian-Callovian)age for the host strata,thus corroborating the available paleozoological evidence.Such spore species as Klukisporites,Cyathidites,and Dictyophyllidites known to have been produced by Pterophyta dominate the palynofloras.Thus the contemporaneous coastal vegetation was characterized by predominance of Pterophyta whereas representatives of Ginkgophyta,Pteridospermophyta,Lycophyta,Coniferophyta,and Bryophyta were rarely represented.This reconstruction implies that a moist,warm climate prevailed in northeastern Iran during the Middle Jurassic(Bajocian-Callovian).This is confirmed by occurrence of fungal spores accompanied by such warm water dinoflagellate cysts as Mendicodinium groenlandicum,Pareodinia ceratophora,and Gonyaulacysta jurassica.Abundance of Amorphous Organic Matter(AOM)signifies a shallow,low-energy,dysoxic-anoxic depositional site for the host strata.Furthermore,the ratio of AOM to marine palynomorphs as well as abundance of blade-shaped to eqiudimensional opaque palynomacerals could indicate low sedimentation rate in a shallow,low-oxygenated marine environment.Additionally,occurrence of chorate dinoflagellate cysts(e.g.,Adnatosphaeridium caulleryi)and acritarchs bearing relatively long processes(e.g.,Micrhystridium)possibly suggests deepening upward in the study section.
文摘Rock mass classification systems are the very important part for underground projects and rock mass rating(RMR) is one of the most commonly applied classification systems in numerous civil and mining projects. The type of rock mass consisting of an interbedding of strong and weak layers poses difficulties and uncertainties for determining the RMR. For this, the present paper uses the concept of rock bolt supporting factor(RSF) for modification of RMR system to be used in such rock mass types. The proposed method also demonstrates the importance of rock bolting practice in such rock masses. The geological parameters of the Shemshak Formation of the Alborz Tunnel in Iran are used as case examples for development of the theoretical approach.
文摘The phenomenon of coal spontaneous combustion is one of the common hazards in coal mines and also one of the important reasons for the loss of coal in piles and mines. Based on previous researches, different types of coals have different spontaneous combustion characteristics. For coal loss prevention, a measure is necessary for prediction of coal spontaneous combustion. In this study, a new engineering classification system called ＂Coal Spontaneous Combustion Potential Index （CSCPI）＂ is presented based on the Fuzzy Delphi Analytic Hierarchy Process （FDAHP） approach. CSCPI classifies coals based on their spontaneous combustion capability. After recognition of the roles of the effective parameters influencing the initiation of a spontaneous combustion, a series of intrinsic, geological, and mining characteristics of coal seams are investigated. Then, the main stages of the implementation of the FDAHP method are studied and the weight of each parameter involved is calculated. A classification list of each parameter is formed, the CSCPI system is described, and the engineering classifying system is subsequently presented. In the CSCPI system, each coal seam can be rated by a number from 0 to 100; a higher number implies a greater ease for the coal spontaneous combustion capability. Based on the CSCPI system, the propensity of spontaneous combustion of coal can be classified into three potential levels： low, medium, and high. Finally, using the events of coal spontaneous combustion occurring in one of the Iranian coal mines, Eastern Alborz Coal Mines, an initial validation of the mentioned systematic approach is conducted. Comparison of the results obtained in this study illustrate a relatively good agreement.
文摘Alborz Mountains host Caspian Hyrcanian forest ecoregion along the northern slopes and forest steppe ecoregion in highlands. Hyrcanian forest covers the southeastern part of Caucasus biodiversity hotspot and is of great biogeographic importance. Altitudinal pattern and correlation between woody species biodiversity （DIV）, forest structure （（stem density （DEN）, mean basal area （MBA） and mean height class （MHC）） and disturbance （DIS） were explored along 2,4oo m altitudinal gradient in Hyrcanian relict forest, Central Alborz Mountains. Vegetation changes from lowland forest （LoF） to mid- altitude forest （MiF） and montane forest （MoF） in this area. The altitudinal gradient was divided into twelve 200 m elevational belts. Point centered quarter method （PCQM） with 96 sampling points and 83 vegetation samples by plot method （PM） were used to record field data. Shannon-Wiener index and Pearson coefficient were used for diversity and correlation analysis. The results showed that DEN decreased linearly, MBA and MHC showed relatively hump shaped and DIS showed a reverse hump shaped pattern of change along altitudinal gradient. Woody species diversity decreased non-steadily from LoF to MoF. Transitional vegetations of Carpinus-Fagus and Fagus-Quercus represented higher diversity of woody taxa compared to adjacent homogenous communities. Significant correlation was observed between altitude and all parameters： DEN with MBA, DIS and DIV; MBA with DIS; MHC with DIS along with DIV; and DIS with DIV at the study area scale. Surprisingly,correlation between studied parameters differed within each vegetation type. Altitude probably acts as a proxy for human and environmental driving forces in this area. Stability of warm and wet condition, season length, soil depth along with forest accessibility probably influences the altitudinal pattern of the studied parameters. Disturbance affects forest structure and consequently diversity; especially in lowlands. The obtained results recommend using both forest biodiversity and mensuration data in management process of forest ecosystems.
