Desertification and Wind Erosion

Abstract

Desertification is a complex environmental issue involving many inter-related contributing factors and processes. Wind erosion is an important contributing factor to the desertification process in many dryland environments and can be a major mechanism for soil degradation. Although wind erosion is not limited solely to these environments they are particularly susceptible in that they encompass most of the causati ve atmospheric and surficial factors responsible for the detlation process. Multiple approaches have been used to assess and monitor the severity and extent of wInd erosIOn including visual Indicators, direct measurement, remote sensing and modelling. Of these approaches only modelling allows for prediction and pre-emptive mediation of wind erosion. Ultimately, the occurrence of wind erosion in itself is not indicative of desertification, in that environmental impacts are not solely the result of physical changes but are tied to the adaptive capability of the inhabitants.