Question
What is desertification? – Explain with examples.
Answer
Desertification is a process by which fertile land becomes increasingly dry and barren, leading to the creation of deserts. This process is often caused by human activities such as deforestation, overgrazing, and improper irrigation practices, as well as climate change and natural disasters such as droughts.
Examples of desertification include the Sahel region of Africa, which has experienced widespread desertification due to overgrazing, deforestation, and drought. The Loess Plateau in China is another example, where deforestation and unsustainable farming practices have led to severe soil erosion and desertification. In Central Asia, the Aral Sea has shrunk dramatically due to over-irrigation and mismanagement of water resources, leading to the expansion of desertification in the region.
