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3113655 
Journal Article 
Degradation of sandy arid shrubland environments: observations, process modelling, and management implications 
Okin, GS; Murray, B; Schlesinger, WH 
2001 
Yes 
Journal of Arid Environments
ISSN: 0140-1963
EISSN: 1095-922X 
47 
2 
123-144 
WOS:000167185900001 
Field remote sensing, and modelling observations from a degraded Mojave Desert shrubland were used to develop a model of the progressive degradation of areas adjacent to sites of direct anthropogenic disturbance. Aeolian removal and transport and dust, sand, and litter are the primary mechanisms of degradation, killing plants by burial and abrasion, interrupting natural processes of nutrient accumulation, and allowing the loss of soil resources by abiotic transport. It is concluded that any arid shrubland with wind-erodible soils is susceptible to degradation, and where possible development of these lands should be avoided. (C) 2001 Academic Press. 
desertification; wind erosion; Mojave Desert; shrublands; paleolakes; agriculture