What is desertification?
The process where fertile land becomes dry and less productive, often turning into desert.
What is a drought?
A long period of time with little or no rainfall.
In which types of areas does desertification mainly occur?
Arid and semi-arid regions.
How does climate change contribute to desertification?
Higher temperatures increase evaporation and reduce soil moisture.
What is deforestation?
The removal of trees from an area.
How does deforestation lead to desertification?
It removes protection for soil, making it easier for erosion to occur.
What is overgrazing?
When animals eat plants faster than they can regrow.
What effect does overgrazing have on land?
It leaves soil exposed and vulnerable to erosion.
What is overcultivation?
Excessive farming of land without allowing it to recover.
How does overcultivation damage soil?
It reduces soil nutrients and fertility.
What is soil erosion?
The removal of topsoil by wind or water.
Why is topsoil important?
It contains nutrients needed for plants to grow.
What is salinisation?
The build-up of salts in soil, often due to poor irrigation
Name one environmental impact of desertification.
Loss of vegetation.
Name another environmental impact of desertification.
Loss of biodiversity.
What is one human impact of desertification?
Food shortages.
How can desertification cause migration?
People move when land can no longer support farming or living.
Give one example of a region affected by desertification.
Sub-Saharan Africa
What is one method to prevent desertification?
Planting trees (reforestation).
What is sustainable land use?
Using land in a way that preserves it for the future.
