Geoinformation analysis of the dynamics of the areas of desertification hotbeds in the eastern part of the Stavropol region

This article presents the results of the analysis of the spatial spread ofdesertification processes dynamics in four eastern municipalities of the Stavropol region - Levokumsky, Stepnovsky, Kursky districts, Neftekumsky city district. The increase in the rate of growth of desolate areas in the eastern part of the Stavropol region, bordering the Republic of Dagestan, requires careful study and forecasting due to the increasing intensity of these processes. Visual interpretation ofhigh-resolution remotesensingmaterialsfor theterritoryofthe eastern municipal districts of the Stavropol region was carried out. Sentinel satellite raster data with a resolution of 10 m and Landsat with a resolution of 30 m were used for decryption. The study period was 30 years (1990-2020) with decoding intervals of 10 years. The data obtained were analyzed to receive quantitative data on desertification processes in the east of the Stavropol region. Statistical data, including the calculation of the dynamics of desertification processes, calculated using vector decryption materials and geoinformation systems, are presented. No hotbeds of desertification have been identified in most of the studyarea. The main share of desertification hotbeds is concentrated in the south-eastern part of the research area. The decrease in the area of deserted areas was noted mainly in the Kursk and Stepnovsky districts. In the Levokumsky district in 2020, an explosive increase in the areas ofdesertification hotbeds and territories occupied bysand was revealed compared to 2010. Based on the results of decoding, schemes of the spatial location of desertification hotbeds and the dynamics of the spread of desertification processes were compiled. The data obtained will form the basis for further studyof the dynamics of desertification processes and factors affecting it using remote and geoinformation methods.