A Study of Desertification Using Remote Sensing Techniques in Basra Governorate, South Iraq

Abstract

Iraq territory as a whole and south of Iraq in particular encountered rapid desertification and signs of severe land degradation in the last decades. Both natural and anthropogenic factors are responsible for the extent of desertification. Remote sensing data and image analysis tools were employed to identify, detect, and monitor desertification in Basra governorate. Different remote sensing indicators and image indices were applied in order to better identify the desertification development in the study area, including the Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), Salinity index (SI), Top Soil Grain Size Index (GSI) , Land Surface Temperature (LST) , Land Surface Soil Moisture (LSM), and Land Degradation Risk Index (LDI) which was used for the assessment of degradation severity .Three Landsat images, acquired in 1973, 1993, and 2013, were used to evaluate the potential of using remote sensing analysis in desertification monitoring. The approach applied in this study for evaluating this phenomenon was proven to be an effective tool for the recognition of areas at risk of desertification. The results indicated that the arid zone of Basra governorate encounters substantial changes in the environment, such as decreasing surface water, degradation of agricultural lands (as palm orchards and crops), and deterioration of marshlands. Additional changes include increased salinization with the creeping of sand dunes to agricultural areas, as well as the impacts of oil fields and other facilities.

Utilizing soil quality index to assess soil susceptibility to desertification in the eastern Tigris area (al-Fatha-Udaim) /Iraq.

“…Electrical Conductivity. According to the classifications indicated in Table (2), the categorization illustrates the assigned indices for distinct categories of each of the parameters.…”

“…Desertification is one of the world's most serious environmental issues, resulting in land degradation and a lack of biological activity on land. This phenomenon occurs as a result of a decrease in flora and water in high-temperature locations, as well as an increase in salinity (Zwain et al, 2021) [2]. The Salah Addin governorate is one of the most important parts of Iraq that produce Wheat and barley They are regarded as a major contributor to Iraq's food supply.…”

“…Land degradation is a very significant environmental issue that poses a major threat at several levels, including global, regional, and local dimensions [2]. This phenomenon ultimately results in the reduction of soil fertility and subsequent decline in output.…”

Classification and Measurement of Land Cover of Wildfires in Australia Using Remote Sensing

“…Remote sensing technologies were used in the past decades for studying land surface and earth observation for surveying amount of the distribution regarding natural resources of the earth [2]. Also, remote sensing was advanced in the temporal, spatial, and spectral resolutions for using satellite imagery to choose the area, understanding, mapping, evaluations, error modulation, and accurate computation of images [3]. Land use and land surface classification are very important because they provide information vital for assessing and monitoring natural resources in different geographical locations [4].…”

“…Data on land surface and land use are highly important for the decision-makers, planners, and individuals that are interested in management of land resources [2]. To make use of analysis and monitoring of the urban environment, they should develop [3], Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) information with regard to sustainable and proficient management of urban areas. Each one of the land parcels on the earth's surface was distinctive in the cover it possesses [4].…”