2006-11-28 01:56:31 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
Yes, and we are. Palm Springs, Phoenix, Tucson, etc. Most of their water comes from Colorado (that's why Colorado doesn't have enough) via the Colorado River and diversion projects.
2006-11-28 03:43:12 · answer #1 · answered by Spud55 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
We can certainly pour water onto desert soil in any quantity we have the capacity to transport. But it's pretty much pointless. The plants and animals that live in the desert have adapted to their environment, and don't need an infusion of water to survive. It might even be harmful. And the addition of water won't change the climate or local environment on a long-term basis. Water would very quickly evaporate from the traditionally hot, sandy desert, and the remainder would be absorbed by the sand and the thirsty plants, returning it to its original state.
An irrigation system could effect permanent local change for as long as it remained operational. This has been highly successful in Israel and California, although resources in California are dangerously taxed due to overpopulation.
2006-11-28 01:58:18 · answer #2 · answered by DavidK93 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure. Several normally dry areas have been irrigated and made into productive farmland. But that irrigation takes time to set up, and costs a fair amount. Plus it diverts an already scarce resource away from other needs.
Wells can be dug to supply the water, but farming takes a lot of water already. Doing it in a dry climate takes even more. Pumping out lots of water will lower the water table, causing wells to go dry. That's why there's such a push on to conserve the farmable regions that already exist.
2006-11-28 02:01:35 · answer #3 · answered by Ralfcoder 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What would the point be? Unless we kept watering it it would just dry out again, and would be more bother than it's worth.
Any plants and animals that live there have evolved to cope with the climate so they're fine; best leaving things the way they are.
2006-11-28 02:09:47 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
certainly yes. ones very fertile lands have turned as deserts due to geographical changes over a period ( thousand of years). this phenomena is scientifically proved many times. when this is proved why cant the other way?
2006-11-28 02:06:51 · answer #5 · answered by Indian 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
we can, but the soil organisms that retain the moisture are gone and have to be rehabilitated tto slow the H2O cycle so the water doesn't evaporate too fast!
2006-11-28 02:18:41 · answer #6 · answered by qncyguy21 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure why not.
2006-11-28 03:26:24 · answer #7 · answered by gRay 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋