In the introductory section, the paper presents the areas that display characteristics typical of arid lands in Hungary; the magnitude of the problems related to their use; and general awareness of the increase in climatic dryness.
The following section describes various aspects of salt-affected landscapes, such as their formation, geology, geomorphology, hydrology, hydrochemistry, soil science, vegetation, fauna, and use.
Using examples of altitudinal zoning of salt-affected landscapes, the interrelationship between hydrogeological and soil characteristics and plants and animals, as well as potential land use, is illustrated.
The spatial and temporal variability inherent in various spatial and temporal scales is explained.
