Desertification processes in the Ili River delta under anthropogenic pressure

Desertification of delta landscapes, mainly soil cover, is considered on the example of the Ili River, which basin is located in Kazakhstan and China. Long-term researches on the Ili River were begun in 1968 before creation of the large Kapchagay reservoir and proceed with the use of the space imagery NASA/MODIS/Terra. Degradation of delta landscapes is differentiated in space and in time depending on the features of the natural water regime and its transformation because of flow regulation. The main accent in research has been made on the newest processes of desertification, caused by intensification of irrigation. Characteristics of drying, desertification and salinization of soils in delta are estimated on the state of spring 2008.