Hotspot dust sources of Tigris and Euphrates basin identified using visual interpretation of satellite imagery

Identifying dust sources using remotely sensed satellite imagery is one of the most effective ways of studying dust emission and dynamics. Even though complex algorithms and sophisticated models that take advantage of different data sources have been developed, human knowledge and experiences are key factors in accurate dust source identification. This project employed visual interpretation of satellite imagery (VISI) approach to identify hotspot dust sources (HDSs). Accordingly, using visual interpretation of 27,239 MODIS images, a number of 10,422 HDSs were identified in the Tigris and Euphrates basin (TEB) from 2000 to 2021. The identified HDSs have spatial and temporal attributes. This data is freely available to researchers, decision-makers, and managers for use in studies related to dust storms, water, soil and plant resources as well as environmental crises in the TEB.