The present work aims at assessment and mapping the environmental sensitivity areas for desertification of the northwestern coastal zone (NWCZ), using the mathematical model by Kosmas, et.al. (1999). The study area extends from Alexandria to El-Sallum, it occupies an area of about 2.4 million feddan and it is located between longitudes 25 º 10' and 29 º 50' E and latitudes 30 º 30' and 31º 40' N.
Environmental Sensitivity Areas (ESAs) for desertification at the NWCZ were carried out through the measurement of indicators namely; climate quality index (CQI), run off quality index (RQI), groundwater quality index (GQI), soil quality index (SQI), erosion quality index (EQI), vegetation quality index (VQI) and management quality index (MQI). Accordingly, the following results are obtained for the NWCZ:
· CQI is low.
· RQI is moderate west Matruh and it is low east Matruh.
· GQI is moderate east Barrani and it is low west Barrani.
· SQI is moderate for about 66.65% of the area, and it is low for about 32.35 %.
· EQI is moderate along the NWCZ, except the area from Dabaa to Um El Rakham, it is high.
· VQI is ranging from low to moderate.
· MQI is low.
· ESAs is considered to be of critical type degradation of first and second degree.
From this study, it is concluded that, lands development in the NWCZ is preferred in lands of low sensitivity to desertification. Also attention should be given to monitoring and controlling wind erosion as well as appropriate use of ground water in sustainable development, meanwhile, evaluating the cost-effectiveness of policy for land use planning.
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he present work aims at assessment and mapping the environmental sensitivity areas for desertification of the northwestern coastal zone (NWCZ), using the mathematical model by Kosmas, et.al. (1999). The study area extends from Alexandria to El-Sallum, it occupies an area of about 2.4 million feddan and it is located between longitudes 25 º 10' and 29 º 50' E and latitudes 30 º 30' and 31º 40' N.
Environmental Sensitivity Areas (ESAs) for desertification at the NWCZ were carried out through the measurement of indicators namely; climate quality index (CQI), run off quality index (RQI), groundwater quality index (GQI), soil quality index (SQI), erosion quality index (EQI), vegetation quality index (VQI) and management quality index (MQI). Accordingly, the following results are obtained for the NWCZ:
· CQI is low.
· RQI is moderate west Matruh and it is low east Matruh.
· GQI is moderate east Barrani and it is low west Barrani.
· SQI is moderate for about 66.65% of the area, and it is low for about 32.35 %.
· EQI is moderate along the NWCZ, except the area from Dabaa to Um El Rakham, it is high.
· VQI is ranging from low to moderate.
· MQI is low.
· ESAs is considered to be of critical type degradation of first and second degree.
From this study, it is concluded that, lands development in the NWCZ is preferred in lands of low sensitivity to desertification. Also attention should be given to monitoring and controlling wind erosion as well as appropriate use of ground water in sustainable development, meanwhile, evaluating the cost-effectiveness of policy for land use planning.