Landscape and meteorological drivers of desertification in Shaki district, Azerbaijan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.68210/jgeor.a63Keywords:
desertification, landscape monitoring, land degradation, meteorological conditions, soil erosion, Shaki DistrictAbstract
Desertification is one of the major environmental challenges affecting land resources in arid and semi-arid regions. This study evaluates desertification processes in the Shaki District of Azerbaijan during 2021–2025 using an integrated landscape and meteorological approach. The assessment was based on meteorological observations, including air temperature, relative humidity, and atmospheric circulation patterns, combined with field investigations of soil conditions and vegetation indicators. The results show that desertification is mainly associated with persistent atmospheric dryness, characterised by an average annual relative humidity of 46–50%, high summer air temperatures (30–40°C), and variable air mass circulation. Although meteorological data for 2024–2025 indicate a slight increase in relative humidity, field observations reveal that land degradation remains active, as evidenced by soil erosion, denudation features, and the expansion of xerophytic vegetation. The study demonstrates that combining meteorological monitoring with landscape observations provides an effective framework for assessing desertification at the regional scale. The findings contribute to environmental monitoring and support sustainable land management and climate adaptation strategies in the Shaki District.
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