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Library Quantitative mapping of global land degradation using Earth observations

Quantitative mapping of global land degradation using Earth observations

Quantitative mapping of global land degradation using Earth observations

Resource information

Date of publication
December 2011
Resource Language
ISBN / Resource ID
AGRIS:US201400106865
Pages
6823-6853

Land degradation is a global issue on par with climate change and loss of biodiversity, but its extent and severity are only roughly known and there is little detail on the immediate processes – let alone the drivers. Earth-observation methods enable monitoring of land degradation in a consistent, physical way and on a global scale by making use of vegetation productivity and/or loss as proxies. Most recent studies indicate a general greening trend, but improved data sets and analysis also show a combination of greening and browning trends. Statistically based linear trends average out these effects. Improved understanding may be expected from data-driven and process-modelling approaches: new models, model integration, enhanced statistical analysis and modern sensor imagery at medium spatial resolution should substantially improve the assessment of global land degradation.

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Authors and Publishers

Author(s), editor(s), contributor(s)

de Jong, Rogier
de Bruin, Sytze
Schaepman, Michael
Dent, David

Publisher(s)
Data Provider