Desertification is a complex land degradation process involving man, land, and climate. It comes in two forms: man-induced degradation of the land and natural expansion of the desert. Desertification reduces both resilience and productive potential of the land to an extent that cannot be readily reversed by removing the cause.
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Changes of the land surface over large areas can influence or alter climate. Vegetation, soil moisture and albedo influence circulation of the atmosphere, rainfall and temperature.
The Landsat Multi Spectral Scanner (MSS) image at the right is of modern-day Cairo, Egypt which lies adjacent to the Nile River and its delta. The delta is shown in maroon, the city (in the red circle) is gray and the surrounding desert is tan.
