Desertification and land degradation are complex phenomena, and we need to understand their causes, consequences, and means to mitigate and combat their impact. Therefore, this book aims to explain the concept and characteristics of drylands, desert and desertification, land degradation, wastelands, and the concept of ecosystem services. It also discusses various types of processes of land degradations, their characteristics, physics and indicators along with mapping, monitoring and assessment of methods involved. Concept of Ocean Biological Deserts is discussed along with international and regional efforts towards combating land degradation and desertification.

Key Features:

• Provides all the aspect of desertification and land degradation at one place

• Includes comprehensive methods to monitor different desertification/land degradation processes

• Comprehensive overview of the mapping, monitoring and modelling techniques

• Role of space borne data in identifying, monitoring and combating desertification is evaluated and reported with real case studies

• Explains the concept of ocean biological deserts, their characteristics and mapping