Investigation of changes of spatial autocorrelation patterns of chlorophyll-a in Choghakhor International wetland using hot spots index (Gi *) and remote sensing

Water resources such as wetlands, in addition to their economic and social importance, are ecologically valuable sources of aquaculture production. Due to its effects on aquatic environments, necessity of monitoring and awareness of the spatial and temporal distribution of chlorophyll-a is important for environmental studies. In the new approach to such studies, application of spatial statistics has a special place. This study aims were to monitor the status of chlorophyll-a content in Choghakhor international wetland using spatial statistics and hot spots index based on remote sensing. For this purpose, satellite data of chlorophyll-a were prepared from Landsat 8 in 2017 and then analyzed using global and local spatial Moran of spatial statistics techniques. The results of global Moran showed strong correlation and data cluster distribution, which was the strongest in the spring and weakest attachment in the autumn. The results of local Moran showed a high number of high-dwarf clusters (levels of chlorophyll-a) in spring compared to autumn. This was more pronounced around the wetland, especially in the western and southern regions, which could be attributed to concentrated activities in these areas. Also, the impact and role of climatic and environmental factors around the wetland could be significant. Overall, the results of this study showed the efficiency of this statistic in identification of critical points and the appropriate separation based on the principles of spatial statistics and can serve as a model for other ecological parameters in other water resources.