Desertification is the process of fertile land becoming desert, typically due to drought, deforestation, and inappropriate land use. This process occurs when the delicate balance of soil and vegetation is disrupted, leading to the loss of topsoil and the degradation of the ecosystem. Various factors contribute to desertification. One of the major causes is climate change, which brings about drought and, unpredictable weather patterns overgrazing by livestock. Deforestation and poor irrigation practices are also major contributors to desertification. The effects of desertification are far-reaching and can impact the environment and human society. The loss of fertile land can lead to reduced crop yields, food shortages, and famine.

Furthermore, desertification can harm biodiversity and increase the risk of natural disasters like dust storms. Different techniques should be considered to investigate land degradation phenomena, as it is evident that this is of high priority. Identifying the risks associated with land degradation is an important part of solving this problem, as it involves studying the causes of land degradation and identifying the potential consequences. Satellite imagery offers various benefits that help protect and restore fragile ecosystems. Satellites play a significant role in helping to track land degradation and desertification by providing detailed data information on the state of land cover.

Additionally, they assist in identifying areas of land degradation and desertification and monitor their progression. Scientists can locate climate-vulnerable areas by tracking changes in land cover and then develop strategies to protect them. By using satellite imagery, it is possible to monitor desertification, identify causes of land degradation, and then provide the competent authorities with detailed information that could help them. For example, Sharjah-Sat-2, the second SAASST satellite, will support local government entities in the Emirates of Sharjah in their future projects. This project will provide valuable data that will help government agencies in Sharjah, as this satellite will cover large areas quickly, speeding up the data collection process. This will also lead to providing quick treatments to protect environmental health. Furthermore, using satellite images not only covers a large area of land affected by degradation and establishes reliable information from remote areas but also significantly reduces the cost of the work on determining the land quality and its deterioration risks.

In summary, using satellites in the fight against desertification and land degradation has proven invaluable. Satellites can help raise awareness of this issue and motivate people to take action. They can identify areas at risk of degradation, desertification, and areas already affected. It is possible to track the spread of desertification and identify the causes of land degradation using satellite imagery. Satellite imagery is a powerful tool that introduces new dimensions to studying and understanding long-term land degradation and desertification. Also, it is a high priority for the UAE because of its low cost, reliability, and ability to cover large areas.

References:

• Desertification", courses.lumenlearning.com, Retrieved 13-4-2021. Edited.
• Desertification", www.britannica.com, Retrieved 13-4-2021. Edited.
• Sergey A. Stankevich, (2016). 'Risk Assessment of Land Degradation Using Satellite Imagery and Geospatial Modelling in Ukraine,' Abiud Kaswamila (ed.) Land Degradation and Desertification - a Global Crisis.