Bare ground is exposed mineral or organic soil that is susceptible to raindrop splash erosion. Increases in bare ground and greater homogeneity of existing bare ground relate—directly—to a site’s susceptibility to accelerated wind or water erosion. The importance of bare ground as an indicator is a function of 1) its direct relationship to erosion risk, 2) its known value as an indicator of changes in land management and watershed function, and 3) the ease and economy with which this indicator can be monitored over extensive areas, particularly when using remote sensing methods.