Physics of desertification

Stochastic Desertification

The process of desertification is usually modeled as a first order transition, where a change of an external parameter (e.g. precipitation) leads to a catastrophic bifurcation followed by an ecological regime shift. However, vegetation elements like shrubs and trees undergo a stochastic birth-death process with an absorbing state; such a process supports a second order continuous transition wit...

Desertification-Climate Change Interactions – Mexico's Battle Against Desertification

Desertification and Drought

Germany has made the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) since its creation an instrument of choice for its policy to combat desertification and drought and for sustainable management of land. More then ten years after the Convention has entered into force in 1996, Germany continues to view it as a key reference point and strategic instrument of its development cooperation.

Dry Lands and Desertification

Desertification by front propagation?

Understanding how desertification takes place in different ecosystems is an important step in attempting to forecast and prevent such transitions. Dryland ecosystems often exhibit patchy vegetation, which has been shown to be an important factor on the possible regime shifts that occur in arid regions in several model studies. In particular, both gradual shifts that occur by front propagation, ...