Desertification: GCSE Geography Definition

What is desertification in geography?

In GCSE geography, desertification is the process where the land in dry areas becomes a barren wasteland. It is typically seen in hot arid and semi-arid areas, where vegetation, wildlife, and water are stripped away. Along with global warming, it is human-driven land degradation.

What causes desertification?

Human actions

• Deforestation removes roots that bind the soil and exposes it to wind and rain.

• Overgrazing means there are too many animals grazing an area, which can lead to soil exhaustion and soil erosion.

• Over-extraction of groundwater causes water scarcity, soil collapse, and aquifer contamination.

• Overfarming compacts and hardens the soil, blocking rain absorption.

Global warming

• Global warming causes extreme weather: droughts, hurricanes, fires. This leads to desertification.

Key facts about desertification

• Desertification is a major global issue.

• According to the UN, over 24 billion tonnes of fertile soil vanish each year, says the UN.

• By 2050, 1.5 million km² of farmland is expected to be lost through desertification.

Desertification revision resources to ace your exams

You can learn more about desertification in our GCSE Geography revision note pages:

• Desertification (AQA GCSE Geography)

• Drought (Edexcel GCSE Geography A)

Meet all your GCSE Geography revision needs, improve your grades, and boost your confidence using revision resources from Save My Exams. This includes revision notes, flashcards and exam questions with student-friendly mark schemes.