The Dhofar Mountains in southern Oman are home to the desert cloud forest, a unique ecosystem supporting a rich diversity of wildlife. During the monsoon season, the mountains capture moisture-laden clouds from the Indian Ocean, supplying over 90% of the region’s groundwater and creating conditions for species to thrive in an otherwise arid environment.
However, the forest faces serious threats, including overgrazing, deforestation, and climate change, which have led to a 70% loss of tree cover in recent decades. In response, a reforestation project is underway to protect and revive the forest by cultivating native tree species.
This Copernicus Sentinel-2 image acquired on 13 November 2024 shows the Dhofar Mountains near Oman’s southern coast.
The high temporal resolution of the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellites allows for reliable and consistent monitoring of the impact of climate change on the vegetation. This data is key to informing efforts to mitigate its impacts.
Featured image credit: European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-2 imagery
