Analysis of Desertification Risks on the Natural Environment in Wasit Governorate

Abstract

This study dealt with an analysis of desertification risks on the natural environment in Wasit Governorate. This study aims to identify the geographical factors that affect or contribute to the emergence of desertification، and the most important risks of desertification on the natural environment in Wasit Governorate.

The study area is characterized by the diversity of its geological and geomorphological characteristics. Its soil is also characterized by its lack of organic matter، high salt content، high temperatures, low rainfall، and strong winds. All of these factors have led to an increase in the risks of desertification in the governorate.

Population increase is one of the factors causing desertification، and urban areas in the study area are subject to expansion, as the total area of ​​urban areas reached (137.4, 168.2، 274.1) km2. The study area suffers from the risks of desertification and its rapid spread in some parts of the region، as there are areas exposed to the risk of drought، salinization, and erosion of both types، water and wind, and the spread of sand dunes. This is due to a group of natural and human factors that had a significant impact on increasing the size of desertified lands, and their impact on the environment.