What is meant by desertification? Describe how the process of erosion leads to a loss of water-holding capacity and, hence, to desertification
What will be an ideal response?
Desertification "refers to the formation and expansion of degraded areas of soil and vegetation cover in arid, semiarid, and seasonally dry areas, caused by climatic variations and human activities. Erosion results in the loss of water-holding capacity." Water-holding capacity is determined by plant cover, humus, and the vegetative or litter mat; these things will slow the movement of water and allow for infiltration. Erosion removes topsoil and humus. When these are removed the ability to hold water is reduced and desertification results.
You might also like to view...
What is the elevation of the floor of the wind gap? What is the elevation of the valley to the north of the wind gap (the same valley that Braddock Run and Wills Creek run through)?
What will be an ideal response?
Long-term storage of U.S. military nuclear waste
A) remains unresolved, as nuclear materials continue to accumulate on U.S. bases in many regions. B) will be combined with commercial nuclear waste when a suitable storage facility is constructed. C) is no longer an issue as methods to convert this waste into nuclear fuel has addressed this problem. D) has been shipped to a central location in New Mexico for more than a decade.
Many young elderly people in the United States are attracted to retirement communities in what part of the country?
A) Warm southern locations such as Sun City, Arizona B) The West Coast, especially beach communities such as Carmel California C) Communities with a lower cost of living in the Great Plains D) Most young elderly in North America choose to stay near their children in order to help care for grandchildren
What is the evidence for increasing source reduction, and what are some examples of how it is accomplished?
What will be an ideal response?