Asked by Jessica Stewart on Jul 19, 2024
Verified
How do desertification and deforestation lead to reduced precipitation and drought?
Desertification
The conversion of lush, fertile ground into desolate deserts, commonly triggered by lack of rain, cutting down forests, or faulty agricultural techniques.
Deforestation
The clearing of trees and forests, typically leading to habitat destruction and biodiversity loss.
Reduced Precipitation
A decrease in the amount of rainfall over a specific period, often impacting water supply and ecosystem health.
- Explain how deforestation and desertification contribute to changes in precipitation patterns and drought.
Verified Answer
GH
Gabriela HolmesJul 21, 2024
Final Answer :
The loss of plants means reduced transpiration, so the amount of local rainfall declines. Drought encourages desertification, which results in more drought in a positive feedback cycle. Plants cannot thrive in a region where the topsoil has blown away. With less transpiration, less water enters the atmosphere, so local rainfall decreases.
Learning Objectives
- Explain how deforestation and desertification contribute to changes in precipitation patterns and drought.