Question

Draw a flowchart to show how deforestation leads to desertification.

Answer 1

Hint: Desertification is the process by which drylands (dry or semi-arid) lose their biological productivity. This may result from natural or by human activities such as climate change, overgrazing, deforestation etc.

Complete answer:

Additional Information: All the organisms that are on the earth are essential for mankind well-being and survival. Nowadays, the survival of these organisms is difficult due to deforestation. Deforestation is a cutting of trees on a large scale or clearing of forest and uses that land for the other purposes. Other causes of deforestation are forest fire and severe drought. The main consequence of deforestation is increasing the temperature that is global warming by increasing the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. It also contributed to the pollution. As the number of trees decreases, therefore, the carbon dioxide which is required during the photosynthesis also decreases which leads to an increase of the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The increase of temperature will finally disturbed the water cycle, as result, the chance of drought would increase. It lowered the groundwater level. If we continue the cutting of trees this will decrease the rainfall and fertility of the soil. The chance of natural calamities such as flood and drought would increase. Deforestation will also change the soil properties. Physical properties are affected by less plantation and vegetation because the roots of trees and crops hold the soil and prevent soil erosion. The humus and the soil fertility gradually decrease and make the land unfit for any kind of vegetation. When the fertile land gets converted into deserts. It is known as desertification. Deforestation disturbs and imbalances nature. All the problems directly or indirectly finally cause desertification.

Note: Approximately 40-41% of Earth’s lands are occupied by drylands. This will become the home for more 2 million people. Out of total dryland, it was estimated that 10-20% is degraded and 6-12 million square kilometre area affected by the desertification.