Geo-Spatial Applications For Desertification Process in Karnataka

Desertification is a type of land degradation in which a relatively dry land region becomes increasingly arid, naturally losing its bodies of water as well as vegetation and wildlife. It is caused by a variety of factors, such as climate change and human activities. Desertification is a significant global ecological and environmental problem (Geist, 2005). Desertification/degradation of land is a continuous process and the impact of desertification are much related to environment (Le Houerou, H N., 1975). Desertification is a condition of both human and nature induced land degradation that occurs in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid regions which leads to a persistent decline in economic productivity of land. Primarily, it is caused by human activities and climatic variations. The vulnerability of land to desertification is mainly due to deforestation, overgrazing, over cultivation and improper natural resources management practices. Desertification is a worldwide phenomenon that causes the earth's ecosystem to deteriorate.