The Use of GIS to Determine Desertification Characterization Factors in the Western Arid Region of Argentina

CIVIT, B., RUBIO, C., ARENA,A., & E. M. ABRAHAM

Buenos Aires

Conferencia; UNCCD First Scientific Conference “Understanding Desertification and Land Degradation Trends” Poster Session at the UNCCD COP-9; 2009

NACIONES UNIDAS UNCCD y GOBIERNO DE ARGENTINA

Abstract: Desertification impact was proposed to be included among the impact categories in the Life Cycle Impact methodologies to assess land use impact in arid lands. The desertification factor to quantify the impact caused by a product, process or activity during its entire life cycle was determined applying a Geographical Information System. Overlapping different information layers, one sensitivity indicator was calculated for each arid ecosystem considered in the desertification impact model developed. This work describes the process to obtain the sensitivity factors for the arid ecosystems in the western arid region of Argentina. Four factors were obtained.