Meteorological conditions and the extension of the Rajasthan Desert

Abstract

The idea that the Rajasthan Desert is encroaching upon the adjoining fertile plains has been mentioned now and then in recent times. T h e extension of the arid conditions of the Rajasthan Desert into the adjoining areas can be due to (i) changes in the climate, (ii) drifting of sand from the desert region to the adjoining areas , (iii) over-grazing o f the land and breaking up of the surface layers by the hoofs of the grazing animals deforestation on a large scale and wasteful methods o f cultivation , which result in the removal of the top layers o f the soil, the loss of fertility and the replacement of fertile lands by barren and arid tracts particularly in regions adjoining deserts and where the rainfall is small. In this note we will examine whether there has been any climatic changes in Rajasthan and the surrounding areas.