THE FUTURE: DRYLANDS Flashcards
(16 cards)
currently constitute about 41 per cent of the Earth’s land surface and are home to more than 38 percent of the world’s population
Drylands
annual potential evapotranspiration greatly exceeds annual precipitation.
Drylands
the air is almost always “thirsty” for water but precipitation is not enough to meet this demand.
Drylands
Challenges on drylands
Desertification
climate change
and drought
EFFECTS OF DRYLANDS
Water Scarcity
Habitat loss
Soil erosion
Evaporation
High temperatures
Poverty
Limited water availability can lead to dehydration and death.
Water Scarcity
Desertification and land degradation can result in loss of habitat and biodiversity.
Habitat loss
Wind and water erosion can lead to soil loss and degradation.
Soil erosion
High evaporation rates due to intense sunlight and heat.
Evaporation
Extreme heat during the day and cold at night.
High temperatures
Increase poverty rates due to reduced agricultural productivity
Poverty
The driest on Earth, with almost no rainfall, resulting in limited vegetation and harsh conditions.
Hyper-arid
These areas have little vegetation and infrequent rainfall, making them vulnerable to desertification.
Arid
These areas receive more rainfall than arid, supporting a greater diversity of vegetation, but still experience dry periods that make them vulnerable to drought.
Semi-arid
These areas receive more rainfall than semiarid, that supports diverse ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands
Dry sub-humid
MITIGATION/SOLUTIONS
- Combat desertification
- Efficient water management techniques
- Policy and governance
- Community based initiatives
