Desertification

Definition

Desertification refers to the process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture practices.

Analogy

Imagine a lush green garden that slowly turns into a barren wasteland due to lack of water and poor maintenance. This is similar to how desertification transforms once productive land into dry and unproductive desert.

Related terms

Drought: A period of abnormally low rainfall that can contribute to desertification.

Deforestation: The clearing or removal of trees and vegetation from an area, often leading to soil erosion and desertification.

Overgrazing: When too many animals graze on an area of land, causing the vegetation to be depleted and contributing to desertification.