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Spatiotemporal Monitoring of Desertification of the Sahel Region Using Remote Sensing and GIS, Case Study of Sudan


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dc.contributor.advisorMarzen, Luke Jonathon
dc.contributor.authorGavor, Gifty
dc.date.accessioned2025-07-31T15:40:54Z
dc.date.available2025-07-31T15:40:54Z
dc.date.issued2025-07-31
dc.identifier.urihttps://etd.auburn.edu/handle/10415/9917
dc.description.abstractDesertification is a significant global environmental challenge, historically affected arid and semi-arid Sudan within the vulnerable Sahel region. Driven by climatic variability and human activities, prior research on Sudan had limitations regarding temporal/spatial coverage and integrated factor analysis. This study comprehensively analyzed the spatial distribution and extent of LULC in Sudan between 2003 and 2022, evaluated spatiotemporal variations in vegetation cover, and assessed the relationships between NDVI, climatic factors (precipitation, temperature), and population density. Utilizing readily available remote sensing data, the research employed MODIS (MOD13Q1, MCD12Q1), CHIRPS precipitation data, ERA5 Land Surface Temperature data, and WorldPop population density data. The findings of the study revealed a complex environmental narrative for Sudan, balancing persistent challenges with encouraging signs of vegetation growth. A notable shift toward increased vegetation cover was observed across significant portions of the country. The study also found rainfall to be a highly statistically significant positive predictor of vegetation health. While extreme maximum temperatures in the northern regions act as a dominant limiting factor for vegetation, high population densities, particularly around urban centers like Khartoum, were found to exert pressure on surrounding land resources. The findings of the study underscore the need for spatially differentiated and integrated land management strategies that leverage natural regeneration, implement smart water management, and address human pressures for sustainable development and resilience in the face of ongoing climate change.en_US
dc.rightsEMBARGO_NOT_AUBURNen_US
dc.subjectGeosciencesen_US
dc.titleSpatiotemporal Monitoring of Desertification of the Sahel Region Using Remote Sensing and GIS, Case Study of Sudanen_US
dc.typeMaster's Thesisen_US
dc.embargo.lengthMONTHS_WITHHELD:12en_US
dc.embargo.statusEMBARGOEDen_US
dc.embargo.enddate2026-07-31en_US
dc.contributor.committeeMitra, Chandana
dc.contributor.committeeLiu, Luyu

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