Why do droughts contribute to desertification?
Overgrazing exposes soil, which can easily be blown away by wind.
During a drought, soil becomes dry and gets washed away by rain.
Plants help prevent erosion, and without rain, plants cannot grow.
Droughts occur when an area receives less rainfall than normal.
1 answer
This lack of water can lead to soil degradation and a decrease in vegetation cover. Without enough water, plants struggle to grow and maintain their root systems, leaving the soil vulnerable to erosion from wind and water. Over time, this erosion can lead to the formation of barren, sandy landscapes that are characteristic of desertification. Additionally, the lack of vegetation cover reduces the soil's ability to retain moisture and nutrients, further exacerbating the process of desertification.