Desert Drying Infographic
Detailed Description
Aided by computer models, the scientists have learned that the drying out of these thick layers of dry sediments called the unsaturated zone has resulted in moisture moving upward rather than downward as expected. Normally precipitation percolates downward and replenishes ground water. However, the arid climate and desert plants draw moisture upward from hundreds of feet down in the subsurface.
Sources/Usage
Public Domain.