Framework for large-scale spatiotemporal assessment of desertification susceptibility - MEDALUS

This dataset includes Spatial distribution of desertification susceptibility classes across Europe for three consecutive decadal periods. The assessments have been done using MEDALUS-R, a revised, data-driven framework for the spatiotemporal assessment of climate-conditioned desertification susceptibility at the continental scale.
Resource Type: 
Datasets
Soil Threats Data
Registration is requested: 
Yes
Year: 
2026
Themes: 
Desertification
Keywords: 
MEDALUS

Title: Framework for large-scale spatiotemporal assessment of desertification susceptibility - MEDALUS
Description: This dataset provides the geotiffs for Figures 2–4 from Borrelli et al. (2026) that show the spatial distribution and temporal evolution of desertification susceptibility across Europe for the period 1996–2025, based on the MEDALUS-R approach. MEDALUS-R, a revised, data-driven framework for the spatiotemporal assessment of climate-conditioned desertification susceptibility at the continental scale.The maps highlight areas with differing levels of susceptibility and support the identification of regions under greater environmental pressure. The following datasets (Geotiffs) are available:

  • Figure 2: Spatial distribution of desertification susceptibility classes across Europe for three consecutive decadal periods (1996–2005, 2006–2015, and 2016–2025).
  • Figure 3: Spatial distribution of changes in desertification susceptibility classes between the first and last decadal periods (ΔP1–P3; 1996–2005 to 2016–2025).   
  • Figure 4: Dominant susceptibility trajectories (1996–2025). Spatial distribution of dominant temporal trajectories of desertification susceptibility derived from three consecutive decadal periods
     

Geotiffs metadata:

  • Geographical coverage: 37 European countries
  • Temporal coverage: 1996–2025
  • Temporal aggregation: Three decadal periods
  • Spatial resolution: 1,000 m × 1,000 m
  • Coordinate reference system: ETRS89 / LAEA Europe (EPSG:3035)
  • File format: GeoTIFF (.tif)
  • Data type: Unsigned 8-bit integer
  • Raster dimensions: 3,922 columns × 4,060 rows

 

Reference: Borrelli, P., Panagos, P., Prăvălie, R., Robinson, D.A., Modugno, S. and Alewell, C., 2026. MEDALUS-R: A revised framework for large-scale spatiotemporal assessment of desertification susceptibility. International Soil and Water Conservation Research, DOI: 10.1016/j.iswcr.2026.100723

 

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  • The data provided has been prepared for use by internal research activities of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) in collaboration with University of Basel (Switzerland). 
  • The data are the result of JRC research activities and are primarily made available for further research. The JRC does not accept any liability whatsoever for any error, missing data or omission in the data, or for any loss or damage arising from its use. The JRC agrees to provide the data free of charge but is not bound to justify the content and values contained in the databases.
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       b) Participate in the verification of the data (e.g. by noting and reporting any errors or omissions discovered to the JRC).

 

Reference of source (Citations) :

Borrelli, P., Panagos, P., Prăvălie, R., Robinson, D.A., Modugno, S. and Alewell, C., 2026. MEDALUS-R: A revised framework for large-scale spatiotemporal assessment of desertification susceptibility. International Soil and Water Conservation Research, DOI: 10.1016/j.iswcr.2026.100723

When making reference to the ESDAC

  • Panagos, P., Van Liedekerke, M., Borrelli, P., Köninger, J., Ballabio, C., Orgiazzi, A., Lugato, E., Liakos, L., Hervas, J., Jones, A.  Montanarella, L. 2022. European Soil Data Centre 2.0: Soil data and knowledge in support of the EU policies. European Journal of Soil Science, 73(6), e13315. DOI: 10.1111/ejss.13315
  • Panagos P., Van Liedekerke M., Jones A., Montanarella L., “European Soil Data Centre: Response to European policy support and public data requirements”; (2012) Land Use Policy, 29 (2), pp. 329-338. doi:10.1016/j.landusepol.2011.07.003
  • European Soil Data Centre (ESDAC), esdac.jrc.ec.europa.eu, European Commission, Joint Research Centre