Change Vector Analysis for Analyzing and Mapping Desertification Processes in Arid and Semi-arid Region, North Kordofan State, Sudan

Abstract

North Kordofan is a region, characterized by a fragile ecosystem, contributes significantly to Gum Arabic production and export portfolio in the country. The region endures intensive land-use pressures and is highly sensitive to climate fluctuations. Studying desertification processes in such areas needs more and high advanced techniques. In this context, the study area endures intensive land use pressures, and the vegetation cover is more heterogeneity and highly sensitive to climate fluctuations. The overall objective of the current paper is to detect and map the desertification processes in North Kordofan region by applying remote sensing techniques. Three Landsat MSS, TM and ETM+ scenes covering the study area were selected for analysis. The images data were acquired in dry season in 1976, 1988 and 2003, respectively. In order to assess the land cover types in the region, multi-temporal satellite data and change vector analysis was adopted. The paper concluded that the change vector analysis and Landsat data appeared to be a reliable and low-cost technique for analyzing and mapping desertification processes in the arid region of Sudan.