Posted on July 13, 2007 in Latest News
According to a new study global warming threatens to stir up southern Africa’s enormous dune fields.
According to scientists, the Kalahari dune fields which are presently stable and covered by vegetation, will undergo a widespread reactivation in this century. This is because of declining rainfall, increasing droughts, and rising wind strengths.
In order to predict what effect global warming will have on the desert dunes, researchers have used different climate models and different emission scenarios. They have found out that - as time passes the dune fields of the mega–Kalahari will reactivate. They claim that by the end of the 21st century these dunes are likely to be on the move.
The study also showed that the southern dune fields of Botswana and Namibia, which are the driest, will become activated by 2040. The currently vegetated but sandy landscapes will be reverting to active blowing sand seas where life will be potentially very difficult.
As per the study this is a serious condition which cannot be ignored.
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