aridification

American  

[uh-rid-uh-fi-key-shuhn] / əˌrɪd ə fɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

Ecology.

1. the long-term process by which a humid region becomes increasingly dry, chiefly as an effect of climate change and often in combination with human interference with the ecology.

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Etymology

Origin of aridification

First recorded in 1900–05; arid + -i- + -fication

Example Sentences

This was driven by the aridification of the Nile basin, with the 'Green Sahara' of the African Humid Period transforming into the present-day hyper-arid Sahara Desert.

From Science Daily • Jun. 3, 2024

Combined with aridification caused by climate change, the drying tunnels have prompted many members of Saadi’s community to move away from the mountains and into cities.

From Science Magazine • Sep. 19, 2023

Whether the cuts will amount to enough in the face of worsening aridification and climate change remains to be seen — as does what happens after 2026, when the proposed changes would expire, he said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2023

This growing dryness, or aridification, has caused the atmosphere to become “thirstier” for water, draining moisture from trees and brush and causing them to become more vulnerable to fire, the researchers say.

From Los Angeles Times • May 16, 2023

“There might be additional resources that are needed to really solve this. I think most experts feel this is not just a drought — there is some level of aridification, desertification,” Mr. Hickenlooper said.

From Washington Times • Feb. 8, 2023