A dataset of spatiotemporal changes in potential desertification areas in China (1930–2100)

The dataset is based on the definition of potential geographical distribution of desertification according to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. Using the Climate Research Unit Time Series 4.07 (CRU TS4.07) meteorological dataset, data from 10 climate models in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 6 (CMIP6), along with future CO2 concentration data, while considering the impact of future changes in CO2 concentration on potential evapotranspiration, we calculated a dataset of the spatial distribution of potential geographical distribution of desertification in China from 1930 to 2100. We constructed a long-term time series spatial distribution dataset of potential geographical distribution of desertification in China. The dataset can provide scientific data support for research on the long-term spatial distribution of potential geographical distribution of desertification in China and related studies, as well as China’s desertification control strategy and the construction of major ecological projects in northern China.