Desertification phenomena in Said Sadiq district and the causes of its emergence

Abstract

Desertification is not a new phenomenon; however, it has received significant attention from environmental researchers in recent years due to its escalating risks. The manifestations of desertification vary according to the different factors contributing to its occurrence across various locations and time periods. The causes behind this phenomenon are either natural—such as climatic conditions and their elements, topography, soil types, and natural vegetation—or anthropogenic (human-induced), such as population growth, urban expansion, land misuse, overgrazing, and unregulated deforestation. This study aims to identify the manifestations of desertification in the Said Sadiq District and its impact on disrupting the ecological balance, in order to mitigate the future risks of this phenomenon. By utilizing data and information from government departments, conducting field visits, and employing Remote Sensing technology, the study reveals that soil erosion, vegetation degradation, depletion of water resources, soil deterioration, and the occurrence of dust storms are clearly evident in the study area. Desertification is the deterioration of the environmental system, especially the deterioration of the natural balance between the elements of soil, water and natural plants, which causes a decrease in the biological productivity of the soil and the destruction of agricultural land fertility. Desertification is one of the most dangerous phenomena in the world. It covers a large area of ​​land that accounts for one third of the world's land area. Desertification is a global phenomenon caused by human activities and intervention Natural landscape has been created