GIS-Based Environmental Vulnerability Zoning of Chabahar Coastal Areas to Petrochemical Industrial Development: A Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Approach

The development of petrochemical industries in coastal areas can have far-reaching consequences for marine ecosystems and biodiversity. The Chabahar coastline, as one of the most significant industrially developing zones along the Makran coast, has been subjected to considerable environmental pressures resulting from industrial activities. The aim of this research is to assess and zone the environmental vulnerability of the Chabahar coastlines to petrochemical industry development using spatial analysis within a Geographic Information System (GIS) framework. In this study, Sentinel-۲ and Landsat-۸ satellite imagery, water quality data, environmental indices, and spatial layers were utilized. The indicators examined included distance from petrochemical facilities, water quality, land use change, coastal vegetation density, and the sensitivity of marine habitats. Information layers were standardized and subsequently integrated within the ArcGIS environment using a weighted overlay model. The results indicated that approximately ۳۲% of the coastal strip falls within high and very high vulnerability classes, predominantly observed in the vicinity of petrochemical industries and wastewater discharge routes. Furthermore, deterioration in water quality, elevated concentrations of heavy metals, and land use changes were recorded across industrial zones. The findings demonstrate that the application of GIS alongside Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) approaches can serve as an effective tool for identifying critical areas and planning sustainable development of coastal regions.

کلیدواژه ها:

GIS ، Petrochemical Industries ، Environmental Vulnerability ، Chabahar Coastlines ، Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)