Assemblage structure of benthic macroinvertebrates studied in LASEM RIVER (Amol, Mazandaran Prov.) during 12 months, that they collected with surber sampler (40×40 cm, Mesh 100 µm). 33 families and 32 genera identified from benthic macroinvertebrates that aquatic insect larvae (Ephemeroptera, Diptera, Trichoptera and Plecoptera) had most abundance and diversity. The maximum amd minimum abundance was 2411.9 No/M2 in station 2 and 725.5 No/M2 in station 1 respectively. Benthic macroinvertebrates Frequency data was summarized to community structure metrics including Total Richness, EPT Richness, EPT%, EPT/Chir and PCD. Hilsenhoff and BMWP/ASPT family level biotic index were also determined for each studied station. Minimum and maximum HFBI were 3.55 for station 1 and 4.25 for station 2 respectively. Maximum and minimum BMWP/ASPT index were 6.67 for station 3 and 5.72 for station 5 respectively. In end, stations was assayed quality condition. They classified in 3 groups that station 2 was  bad quality and station 3 was good quality condition.

Determination of range suitability is one of the most important factors in rangeland management. In the present study therefore, suitability of LASEM of Haraz rangelands in Pankouh, Mianroud, Gatechal & Sorkh pileh sub-basin of central Alborz mountains in Mazandaran province were examined by using three factors including forage production, water resources and soil erodibility. The PSIAC method was used to determine soil erodibility. Water resources suitability was evaluated by investigation of the factors quality, quantity and distance from water resources. The range suitability for sheep grazing also determined following evaluation of production of each plant type, range land situation, palatability and allowable use factor. The range suitability was finally determined by integrating of three factors forage production, water resources and soil erodibility, using Geographic Information System (GIS) and the, method discussed by FAO. The results attained from the study indicate that the slope factor was most effective factor in declining range suitability. It was also observed that 3.7 % of rangeland were grouped at S1 CLASS (good), 22.7% were grouped at S2 class (medium), 41.8 % at S3 class (low) and finally 31.8 % at N class (non - suitable ). It was further concluded that the class N was located within the slope classes of more than 60 %. The maximum surface area however, was related to S3 class suitability.

Due to the lack of sufficient knowledge on rangeland suitability, rangelands are utilized intensely to provide livestock products and therefore other aspects of utilization have been ignored. However, Iran with more than 8000 plant species is one the world's richest plant communities so that medicinal plants comprise much of this rich flora. Due to the high species diversity, LASEM Watershed has a great potential in the field of medicinal plants. This research was aimed to determine the suitability of medicinal plants in the mentioned watershed. The final suitability map of medicinal plants was prepared by combining vegetation and environmental factors in GIS environment. Sampling was performed randomly within the vegetation types using two 100-m perpendicular transects to measure vegetative characteristics including the frequency, canopy cover percentage, composition and production of medicinal species in 1-m2 plots. According to the obtained results, around 10.6% of the study area (1071.4 ha) was in good suitability class (S1), 28.1% (2841 ha) in fair suitability class (S2), 41.5% (4193.5 ha) in poor suitability class (S3), and 20% of the study area (2006.8 ha) was classified as non-suitable (N).Generally, production economic index was identified as the most important factor, reducing the rangeland suitability of LASEM watershed. In addition, due to the topographic conditions of the region, slope plays a significant role in reducing rangeland suitability.

With attention to importance of range condition for correct management of range ecosystems and relationship among biodiversity, canopy cover percentage and the importance degree of dominant species with range condition and health, this research was conducted with comparison of three methods including pastoral value, six factors and four factors methods in summer rangelands of LASEM, Haraz. Plant types was separated with use of aerial photos (1: 20000) and field control on topographic maps (1: 50000).The sampling was done by quadrat and transects using random-systematic method in key areas. In this points Shanon, Sympson indices, importance degree of dominant species, canopy cover percent and scores of range condition methods has calculated for determination of relation among them. In order to Pearson correlation test, liner regression and analysis of variance were run with Mini tab 13.3. The results showed that Shanon diversity index had significant relation with six factors, four factors and pastoral value but rate of this relationship to six factors was more than other methods. Sympson index had not correlation with them. The comparison of canopy cover index and importance degree showed that these factors had not significant relation to pastoral value and four factors methods while six factors method had high correlation with them. Thus in this research, the best suitable method of range condition is recognized six factors method.

Haraz is one of the three full of water RIVERs in north of Iran (Mazandaran province) that emanates of northern slopes of the Alborz and collects pollutants in their path with passing through agricultural areas, cities and villages and finally discharges to the sea. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbial quality of surface waters of Haraz RIVER and microbial indicators such as total and fecal coliforms. In this study, 84 samples were sampled of surface waters of Haraz RIVER from seven stations (Sorkhrood, Karesang, Jalav Bridge, Norroud, Tehran 115, LASEM, Lar (polour)) during one year (a total of 12 samples) and were examined the coliforms and fecal coliforms. The results showed that maximum and minimum of total coliforms and fecal coliforms in surface water was observed in Sorkhrood (9.4 CFU/100ml and 3.2 CFU / ml) and LASEM (4.2CFU/100ml and (1.1CFU/100ml) respectively. The results showed that the populations of indicator bacteria (Coliforms) have been different depending on seasonal changes, time and sampling of location. The final results of this study showed that the RIVER quality is low and not suitable for human consumption.

Natural ecosystems such as rangelands have considerable economic potential and a function, the need to pay attention to them in pursuit of sustainable economic development in a country such as Iran is necessary. Accordingly, the goal of this research is determining recreation and conservation value of LASEM summer rangelands in Amol, Mazandaran province by 1335 ha area with CVM method. So, dual selection questionnaire and logit quality model were used. Model parameters were estimated based on the maximum right-sided method. The questionnaire was completed for 230 visitors in the one-year period (2017-2018). The results showed that in both estimations, the variables effect of bid and education at level 5 and 1 percentage had significant effect on wtp. The results of the research showed that average willingness to pay each family per visit for protecting each hectare of LASEM rangelands were 44526 rials and for recreation usage were 85012 respectively. Annual value of recreation and conservation of each ha of LASEM rangelands were 2183445 rials and 543212. 5 rials respectively. Also, the results showed that, total annual recreational and conservation value of summer rangelands of LASEM, were 2. 9 million rials/year and 1. 5 million rials/year. The willingness to pay approximately 2 times of visitors for recreational value relative to the conservation value reflects that if people do not use this waterfall directly for recreation, will have less willingness to pay. On the other hand, the low conservation value of the area compared to its recreational value, caused by the ignorance and disregard of people about the environmental services in this area. So, we will have a double effect if environmental policies go hand in hand with training and proper notification. So, pay attention to training and educational promotions to encourage environmental conservation of the region, will be very important.

Objectives: Ahawzas one of the metropolises of Iran in classified among lowland plains with low slope in terms of topography. In this city, unsystematic construction and immediate rainfalls and showers are the mainsources of flooded street.Method: The present study has a descriptive-analytical approach and is based on causality method. using geographic information system software (GIS) and RIVER tools techniques, this study seeks to identify and manage of surface waters and urban floods in District 1 of Ahwaz during rainfalls and then the maps of slope, their direction and areas with flooding potentials are prepared.Findings/ Results: given the low slope of the area, the gravity drainage and pumping of water to Karoon RIVER is impossible due tohighcosts. However, using GIS analysis, the natural routes are determined for water drainage and finally, the map of proposed surface water disposal system in the study area is presented.Conclusion and Suggestion: In District 1 of Ahwaz, the tree orhierarchical surface water collection network has been predicted based on urban streets and alleys. The collected wateris directed to the channels and then transferred to Karoon RIVER.

Harirud RIVER with an international nature is shared between Afghanistan, Iran and Turkmenistan and currently there is no treaty among these states regarding the division of its water resources. In recent years, after the construction of the Doosti Dam by Iran and Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, as an upstream state is moving towards hydro-hegemonic policy in the region by building various dams which restrain and divert the water flow of this RIVER in order to decrease the downstream countries’ water rights. On the other hand, due to the high importance of Harirud water resources for Iran, continuing this type of behavior by Afghanistan might cause conflicts and create security risks among these countries in the near future. Therefore, employing a descriptive-analytical approach, the study aims at examining the issue according to international legal documents in the field of sharing common water resources. Finally, the findings indicate that the best and most practical method for exploitation of Harirud water resources is based on the theory of limited territorial sovereignty and implementation of the principle of equitable and reasonable utilization of common water resources by Afghanistan, without causing significant harm to downstream states.

A B S T R A C TThe morphology of each region is related to its landforms, the morphology of flat areas is related to inselbergs. The presence of inselbergs in desert and dry areas gives a special appearance to the morphology of these areas. The study of these landforms and the effective factors in their formation is considered a necessity in terms of regional development. According to the studies, various factors play a role in the formation of inselbergs, and the role of lithology seems to be more prominent. In this research, which was conducted with the method of field and library studies, we identified 18 inselbergs in Safi Abad plain and by studying them, we came to the conclusion that the inselbergs of this plain are mainly formed in sedimentary rocks such as limestone, conglomerate and sandstone. Among the geological formations, the largest and most diverse inselbergs in the Safiabad plain are formed in the mass conglomerate formation with good hardening because this formation is the most widespread in this plain. But the most typical inselbergs of this plain are formed in thick layered limestone. Because this formation is more resistant to erosion. Lar Formations including Limestone and Thick Limestone’s to Mass Dolomite and Delichai Formations have also played an important role in the formation of inselbergs in this plain. Although the extent of these formations is not significant, but due to their significant resistance to erosion and being far from these processes, they have caused the formation of evolved inselbergs in this plainExtended AbstractIntroductionInselbergs are ridges with a height of less than 500 meters formed with a steep slope in the plains. Their resistance to erosion has caused them to be considered capable players in the morphology of arid and semi-arid regions. Due to their uniqueness in desert areas, these areas are of interest to tourists, and the economic situation of these areas can be improved by attracting tourists. The prominence of inselbergs in desert areas has caused researchers to pay attention to their studies, the most important of which are the studies of Pye in Kenya (1984), Nenonen in Finland (2018), Luiza in Brazil (2021), Laetitia in Africa (2019), and Mashaal in Egypt (2020). Although the conditions for inselberg formation are available in some areas of Iran, and these landforms have given a particular face to the morphology of this country, no significant study has been done on them so far. This research attempts to investigate the role of lithology in inselberg formation in Safi Abad Plain by using library and field studies. MethodologySafi Abad plain in the northeast of Iran and North Khorasan province and in terms of geographical coordinates between 36-˚ 48-05 to 36-22-55˚ North and 37-57˚ East to 36-˚ 37-08 It is located at 57-58-11 east. Field and library studies were used to study the inselbergs of this plain. The entire region was surveyed in 2 years in the field studies, and 18 inselbergs were identified. Then, the location and extent of their expansion were determined. In the morphometry that was done as a survey, the minimum height, length-to-width ratio of inselbergs, and their distance from each other were measured with GPS. The study of the concepts, definitions, and effective processes in inselberg formation was done with the library method. The maps of this research were drawn with Adobe Illustrator software. Results and discussionInselbergs are diverse in terms of morphology; in the studied area, 18 inselbergs were identified, most of which are mixed. Most of them are rocky and have less vegetation. Regarding lithology, inselbergs are particular forms of igneous and metamorphic rocks, but some are also formed in other rocks. Although lithology plays an essential role in inselberg morphology, it cannot be claimed that inselbergs formed in the same formation have the same shape. Although the dominant lithology of the Safi Abad plain is formed from sedimentary rocks, due to the different resistance of its formations, the height, shape, and slope of the inselbergs of this plain are different in different parts of the region. The difference in these characteristics has caused the different shapes of the land in this plain. According to the studies of the most resistant formations of Safi Abad plain against erosion, limestone is a thick layer of chert mass formed due to the resistance against the erosion of the complete inselbergs.After this formation, the Lar formation consists of fine-grained uniform dolomitic limestone with thick to massive layering, which is more resistant; that is why many inselbergs in the region have formed in it. The third formation in terms of resistance is the Apsin-Albin unit, which includes orbitolinate limestone and thick limes to a mass of dolomite. Although this unit has a small area, its inselbergs are closer to typical inselbergs. In terms of area, most of the area is composed of mass conglomerates with good hardening. Due to the different effects of this formation from different processes, its inselbergs do not have the same morphology. The inselbergs formed in this formation are in the middle part of the high area, low in the southern part, incomplete in the western part, and incomplete mushrooms in the path of the Gerati RIVER. After this formation, gray shales are the most resistant to erosion. This formation, which belongs to the Jurassic period, has formed a large part of the northeastern inselbergs. The alternation of limestone and marl in the Delichai formations in the middle part of the region provides the basis for the formation of mushroom-shaped inselbergs in the future. ConclusionSafiabad Plain is in the northeast of Iran, and in terms of geomorphological units, it is part of central Iran. Inselbergs form part of the morphology of this plain. In this study, 18 inselbergs were identified in this plain, and their detailed study showed that their primary skeleton was established by tectonic activities in the Devonian to Miocene period with the formation of Posht Bahram mountains. It was formed when the tectonic activities calmed down and in opposition to the lithology and erosion of the inselbergs of this plain. In terms of lithology, the well-hardened conglomerate formation covers nearly 47% of this plain, and due to its large size and different distances from erosion processes, various inselbergs have been formed in it. The southern inselbergs formed in this formation have a regular shape due to wind and blue erosion. In contrast, the middle inselbergs have an incomplete shape due to the distance from higher erosion, and the western inselbergs have an incomplete shape due to the superiority of blue erosion. Another formation that plays a vital role in this field is Lar Mei Formation. Although this is the second formation in terms of size and strength, many inselbergs have formed in it. The Shemshak formation is placed after the Lar formation in terms of resistance. This formation has caused the formation of chain inselbergs in the northeast of the region. The most typical inselbergs of the region are observed in the thick layered limestones of the formation (Maastrichtian). Also, this research found that inselbergs may be formed in all flat areas of the world and even in sedimentary formations. However, the inselbergs formed are far from those formed in tropical regions' igneous and metamorphic formations. FundingThere is no funding support. Authors’ ContributionThe authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approthe contenttent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none. Conflict of InterestThe authors declared no conflict of interest. Acknowledgments We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.

The Lateshur Watershed is a part of Central Iranian drainage basin located northeast of the city of Pakdasht in northeastern Tehran Province. This watershed has an elongate form and its surface area is more than 22.2 square kilometer. It is a part of central Alborz zone and geologically is composed of Neogen red beds units, Hezardareh Formation and Quaternary alluviums.Geomorphologic studies show that this watershed is within an anticline and surrounded by Dahaneh Mountains in the south and Gara-aghaj Mountains in the north respectively. Structural and lithological variability have a very important role in the formation of this watershed; therefore, the watershed has the same trend as structures (NW-SE). Based on this study, the Lateshur RIVER has a braided pattern with gravelly bed. Sedimentological studies along RIVERs in Lateshur basin show that three basic factor (sudden changes in slope gradient, floods events and distributaries) are the main reasons for changes in texture of bed load sediments within the channel as well as the break in sedimentary links. Lithofacies identified in this watershed include gravelly (Gmm, Gmg, Gcm, Gt), sandy (Sp, Sm, St, Sh) and muddy (Fl, Fr). Based on lithofacies, Boundary surface and current direction architecture elements identified in main RIVER of Lateshur basins include: (1) Gravel bars and Bed forms [Element GB], (2) Lateral Accretion deposits [Element LA], (3) Sandy bed forms [Element SB] and (4) Fine grain classtic deposits [Element FF]. Also, based an lithofacies and architectural elements, Facies models have been purposed for the Lateshur RIVER from upstream toward downstream as fallows: Shallow gravel braided RIVER, Gravel wandering RIVER, Gravel bed meandering RIVER, Sandy meandering rive and Fining grain meandering RIVER.