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Is desertification a problem in Hungary?
242-247Views:522The term of “desertification” refers to a land degradation processes of arid, semiarid and sub-humid areas. Although the concept originates from Sub-Saharan Africa, desertification threatens also the area of Hungary. The greatest desertification risk is in the central part of the country, in the Danube-Tisza Interfluve where drought has always been a huge problem for the local society. Aridification processes are mainly due to climate change. Temperature increase and precipitation decrease as well as the increase of the frequency and amplitude of extreme events contribute to the acceleration of desertification risk. Severe or moderate droughts occur in Hungary nearly every year. Drought frequency has increased, primarily in the last decades. Main findings of several research projects of MEDALUS II and III EU Framework projects (experiments on the effects of climate change on vegetation, soils and ground water level) are summarized in the paper.
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Addressing desertification in Algeria: Etiologies, National Policies, and Accomplishments
63-84Views:24Desertification, affects 36.62% of non-desert land in Algeria, stands as a critical environmental challenge demanding thorough analysis and strategic intervention. This study offered a nuanced exploration of the multifaceted dynamics of desertification, scrutinizing its varied causes, ecological repercussions, and governmental countermeasures. Drawing on extensive research, the article synthesizes insights from previously overlooked factors such as colonialism, wildfires, socio-economic shifts, and the evolving climate landscape. Since 1962, Algeria has committed to mitigate desertification through strategic programs into national development plans, intricately woven into the fabric of national development plans. Noteworthy among these initiatives is the vegetation barrier project, conceived to erect a formidable vegetation barrier against the relentless advance of encroaching deserts. The legal and institutional frameworks, coupled with meticulous planning under the National Spatial Development Plan (SNAT 2025), underscore Algeria’s proactive stance. Despite commendable achievements in afforestation, watershed protection, and socio-economic development, persistent challenges underscore the need for continued collaboration, adaptive strategies, and an unwavering commitment to mitigating the profound impacts of desertification on Algeria’s diverse ecosystems and communities.
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Evaluation of climatic conditions from 1978 to 2020 of Oued Souf valley (Southern East of Algeria)
1-10Views:217In this research, a climatic synthesis was built to assess the climatic parameters of the Oued Souf Valley through the meteorological data obtained from Guemar station (airport). It was revealed that the hydrological year of Oued Souf Valley is branded by the presence of a dry period and the total absence of a wet period over the year, even during January, when it was observed to have the lowest temperature and highest precipitation, which classified it as a Saharan climate (Hyper arid). The irregularity and the scarcity of precipitation, high temperatures and extremely high evapotranspiration had significant repercussions on surface runoff and infiltration which implies a high pressure on the water resources of Oued Souf valley and may disrupt the future socioeconomic project and increase the damage of natural drought and desertification.