Variation in the coverage of biological soil crusts in the State of Qatar

► Biological Soil Crust (BSC) occupied up to 87% of the landmass of the State of Qatar. ► A north-east (greatest) to south-west (least) gradient in coverage was observed. ► The BSC consisted primarily of the cyanobacterium Microcoleus. ► A greater BSC coverage was found in areas with recorded depressions, aiding BSC development.