Name two areas of the world (not mentioned in the lesson) that have been affected by desertification. Has the aeolian process affected desertification in the areas you researched? If so, explain how. If not, then by what other means did desertification occur? What do you think should be done to solve this problem?
Answers
Answer: Sahel Region and Antarctica
Explanation: Now, I don't know which areas you mentioned in class, but the following are two areas affected by desertification.
Let's start by defining desertification: Desertification is a process by which fertile land becomes desert (i.e. unfertile as a result of various human actions and changes in climate).
Aeolian processes negatively affect soil nutrition since the wind blows away and causes soil erosion of the most fertile soil layers (O and A Horizons). Climate change has also increased the rate of desertification as the global temperature (in most areas) are rising. This makes an area uninhabitable, therefore less flora and fauna will be found in this area.
Aeolian processes have mostly affected the Mu Us Desert and forming sand dunes.
A good prevention measure against desertification is if we take care of our environment by using less electricity overall and shifting to renewable energy resources. Another method is by distributing fertilisers and then planting Steppe or other small flora on this land. A good practice to prevent the expansion of the deserts is by integrating the land and water management to protect soils form erosion, salinization and other forms of degradation.
Antarctica on the other hand, is a desert. Some people believe in the misconception of thinking the desert as a dry, hot and sandy place, while this is ABSOLUTELY WRONG!! Few are those deserts which have these characteristics. A desert is a piece of land which is infertile. Antarctica is an arid land with a very cold climate all year round therefore, its land is infertile and Antarctica is considered a desert.
Hope this was great assistance! :)