Global detection of land degradation based on the aeolian desertification by satellite data

According to the IPCC AR5, climate change in recent years, especially the global warming, affects increased temperature and decreased rainfall in arid regions. To prevent desertification associated with climate change, it is necessary to monitor continuously the dryness of the current land surface and take countermeasures.

Desertification is defined as land degradation in drylands, but land degradation is roughly concentrated in the phenomenon of "occurrence of blowing sand or dust = wind erosion". Considering that wind erosion is promoted by vegetation and soil moisture reduction, we presented a method to monitor the area of land degradation using satellite data.

For Japan, which has ratified the UNCCD, it is important to send the information of land degradation presented by this research from a scientific point of view.

Representer: Reiji Kimura (Division of Meteorology)