Advanced Applied Geology

Advanced Applied Geology

Evaluation of interpolation methods and resulting errors in the sabkhas adjacent to the Hur al_Azim Wetland

Authors
Kosar Abyat 1
Mostafa Kabolizadeh 2
Sajad Zareie 2
1 Department of Remote Sensing and GIS, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.
2 Department of Remote Sensing and GIS, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
10.22055/aag.2026.50624.2532
Abstract
Drying of the Hur al-Azim has gradually led to the formation of adjacent sabkhas, causing economic and environmental problems in the region. To better manage these areas, accurate maps of their characteristics are needed. This study aimed to evaluate interpolation maps and examine the distribution of errors from them in the Hur al-Azim sabkhas. A research gap existed regarding error maps from interpolation methods, which guided the research approach. Eight interpolation methods were compared to create predictive maps of the physical and chemical properties of the sabkhas. Errors were then calculated to identify the most accurate model for each parameter, and an error distribution map was prepared for each parameter based on that model. The results showed that the different interpolation methods did not have the same accuracy for each parameter. The error distribution maps indicated that the error distribution for salinity, gypsum, clay, and pH was uniform across the entire area, suggesting a good model fit. However, the error distribution maps for silt, organic carbon, sodium adsorption ratio, bulk density, and moisture showed a large number of random errors in the model’s output. For the CaCO₃ and sand parameters, the error maps indicated a quasi-systematic error in the model. These results suggest that while the proposed models were the best among the available options, they were not entirely successful in modeling these specific parameters. From a practical perspective, the results of this study indicate that the simultaneous assessment of interpolation-method accuracy and the spatial pattern of errors can facilitate the identification of areas with higher reliability and areas with higher errors. This information can be used to target supplementary sampling, improve soil maps, and support management and planning decisions in sabkha areas.
Keywords
Error distribution
interpolation
Sabkha
Hur al-Azim wetland
Modelling
Subjects
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Advanced Applied Geology
Volume 16, Issue 2
Summer 2026
Pages 81-99