Al-Khuzaie, M. M., Elnaggar, A. A., Mowafy, M., El Sheikha Z., M.
الملخص العربي
Abstract— Desertification is a complex phenomenon which reduces the soil fertility involving ecological and economic processes that
characterise the environment at different geographic scale. The MEDALUS model identifies regions that are environmentally sensitive area
(ESAs). In this model, different types of ESAs to desertification can be analyzed in terms of various parameters such as landforms, soil,
geology, vegetation, climate, and human actions. The studied area is located in the northern part of the Sinai Peninsula in arid and semiarid
region and third of its area is exposed to the threat of desertification with attention turning to the increasing area of deserts on Sinai, it
is necessary to first identify areas liable to desertification before identifying mitigation and control measures. For this purpose it is
necessary to prepare a desertification map as a guide for planners. In this study to evaluate the desertification condition regarding to local
conditions of the study area, six indices of water, climate, soil, vegitation, management and wind erosion erosion were selected and
assessment of desertification condition was conducted Based on these indices, weightening and MEDALUS model. The results showed
that climate quality (CQI) with Description (Low quality), (VQI) with Description (Very low quality) and Management quality index (MQI) with
Description (Moderate) have the highest effects. Soil quality index (SQI) (Moderate to High quality) have the lowest effect on the
desertification process in the study area. Desertification Sensitivity Index (SDI) Almost Sensitive to Very sensitive areas ( 21-78% ) of study
area was located in the desertification.