Question

Which one of the following changes may occur due to desertification?

• A. Decrease in atmospheric temperature
• B. Increase in water holding capacity of soil
• C. Increased chances of floods
• D. Conversion of fertile land into a desert

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Conversion of fertile land into a desert

The correct option is D.

Explanation of correct option:

1. A kind of land degradation in which a relatively dry land area becomes too arid, usually losing its water bodies as well as wildlife and vegetation is desertification.
2. It results due to many factors like human activities and changes in climatic conditions.
3. Some of the causes of desertification are deforestation, overgrazing, climate change, natural disasters, human activities, etc.
4. Desertification can turn fertile land into a desert.

Explanation of incorrect options:

Option A:

1. The atmospheric temperature decreases with height or altitude.
2. As one goes to higher altitudes like in a hill station, the atmospheric temperature decreases in comparison to a plain area.
3. Desertification has no role in decreasing atmospheric temperature.

Option B:

1. Desertification decreases the water holding capacity of the soil, as the soil turns into a desert, thus, losing its water holding capacity.
2. The water holding capacity of the soil increases with the supplementation of organic matter to the soil and by growing more trees.

Option C:

1. The chances of flood increases with deforestation, that is, more cutting of trees.
2. The roots of the trees close to the water bodies possess the tendency to hold more water, thus, preventing flood.
3. Due to deforestation, the water holding capacity of the soil reduces, which further decreases the infiltration of water into the ground thus enhancing the chances of flood.

Final answer: Desertification leads to the conversion of fertile land into a desert.