desertification

desertification

1. the process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture

2. effects

   • Vegetation is Lacked or Damaged
     • Loosened soil may bury plants or leave their roots exposed. Also, when overgrazing occurs, plant species may be lost.
   • Soil
     • Soil becomes less usable The soil can be blown away by wind or washed away rain. Nutrients in the soil can be removed by wind or water. Salt can build up in the soil which makes it harder for plant growth
   • Causes Famine
     • laces that have war and poverty are most likely to have famine occur. Drought and poor land management contribute to famine.
   • Food Loss
     • The soil is not suited for growing food; therefore the amount of food being made will decline. If the population is growing, this will cause economic problems and starvation.

3. causes

   • Overgrazing Overgrazing was not as large of a problem long ago because animals would move in response to rainfall
   • Farming of Average Land Farming of average land is causing desertification worldwide
   • Destruction of Plants in Dry Regions Destruction of plants in dry regions is causing desertification to occur

4. example

   • In the Sahel Desert, desertification is becoming a huge problem. Around the 1950’s, people settled into the Sahel region, in areas where there was water. This resulted in overgrazing, which is one of the greatest causes of desertification