Aridification
This article needs additional citations for verification. (November 2019) |
Aridification is the process of a region becoming increasingly
arid, or dry. It refers to long term change,[1]
rather than seasonal variation.
It is often measured as the reduction of average soil moisture content. It can be caused by reduced precipitation, increased evaporation, lowering of water tables, and changes in ground cover acting individually or in combination. Its major consequences include reduced agricultural production,
soil degradation, ecosystem changes and decreased water catchment runoff.[2]
Some researchers have found that the Colorado River basin and other parts of western North America are currently undergoing aridification.[3][4]
See also
References
- ISSN 2328-4277.
- ^ "GLASOD Classification of Soil Degradation" (PDF). United Nations ESCAP. February 2000. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 7, 2011. Retrieved September 4, 2019.
- ^ Erickson, Jim (May 19, 2020). "But it's a dry heat: Climate change and the aridification of North America". University of Michigan. Retrieved September 7, 2022.
- S2CID 218758593.