Between Sand Dunes and Hamadas: Environmental Sustainability of the Thar Desert, West India

Extensive geographic areas of the world show a long-term atmospheric moisture deficit. Desertification Rajasthan is concurrent with strengthened weather extremality and mean annual air temperature (MAAT) rise over western part Indian subcontinent. The present landscape aridification due to precipitation decrease reinforced windiness generates surface-cover dryness, aeolian erosion mass sediment transfer, salinity excessively irrigated lands groundwater depletion; altogether these pose major geo-environmental threats settlement risks expanding Thar Desert. Livestock-overgrazing sparse-vegetation contributes ecological pressure fragile wasteland ecosystems approximately three-quarters countryside affected certain extent by degradation >50% exposed wind erosion. Sand dune stabilisation drought-adapted tree plantation, regional hydrology network regulation arid-land farming based on new xerophytic cultigens are key land-use mitigation strategies. Specific geomorphic palaeosettings predetermined patterned adaptive forms ancient desert inhabitation. Geo- eco-tourism arid-zone socioeconomic sustainability regard rich natural cultural heritage area. This study outlines main effects current climate variations pristine occupied Rajasthan, past relief transformations, reviews modern anthropogenic responses desertification.