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The lack of, development of, and mismanagement of water are the basic causes of environmental degradation and desertification in many arid regions. The signs, magnitude and severity of desertification can be established through such hydrological indicators as reduced area of water bodies, increased runoff and consequently decreased rainwater infiltration, accelerated soil erosion and sedimentation, and deteriorated ground-water resources. Case studies conducted in the Indian arid zone show that the interactions of humans, land and water have caused desertification in vast areas. (C) 1998 Academic Press Limited.