Relationship between Drought Frequency and Desertification Progress in Australia

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the relationship between drought frequency and desertification progress in Australia.

Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.

Findings: Frequent droughts in Australia accelerate desertification, particularly in arid regions like the Murray-Darling Basin. Rising temperatures, reduced rainfall, and extreme weather events degrade soil, reduce vegetation, and threaten agriculture. ENSO-driven droughts worsen water scarcity, impacting ecosystems and farming. Satellite data show declining soil moisture and groundwater levels, increasing land degradation. Without sustainable land management, reforestation, and water conservation, desertification risks will rise, threatening biodiversity and food security.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Theory of desertification, aridity index and climate variability theory & threshold theory of land degradation may be used to anchor future studies on the relationship between drought frequency and desertification progress in Australia. Implementing drought-resistant crops, precision irrigation systems, and soil conservation techniques can significantly reduce the rate of desertification in agricultural regions. Governments should establish joint climate resilience frameworks, particularly in transboundary drylands and shared water basins, to prevent cross-border desertification effects.